I’m a non-U.S. resident who wants to do business in the United States. I know I’ll need an EIN for taxes and banking, but I haven’t officially formed an LLC yet. Can I actually request an EIN before setting up the LLC, or do I need to first register the company and then apply for the EIN afterward? I’d like to understand the correct order so I don’t make mistakes.
Answer by: abdullah-al-naim
6 days ago
No, you generally cannot get an EIN before forming your LLC. The IRS requires you to provide the legal business name and formation details on Form SS-4. Without a registered entity, the EIN won’t be valid for banking or licensing.
The proper process is: first form your LLC in your chosen state, then apply for the EIN using your approved documents. Many foreigners streamline this by using services like Business Globalizer and Expedite Formation, which handle both LLC formation and EIN filing together.
In short: form your LLC first, then request the EIN. That sequence avoids IRS rejections and ensures your business is fully compliant.
