I’m a non-resident who owns a U.S. LLC that’s treated as a disregarded entity. I don’t have an ITIN, and I’m wondering if I can still get an EIN for my company. Can my statutory agent or a third party help me obtain the EIN on my behalf, or is having my own ITIN absolutely necessary before applying?
Answer by: abdullah-al-naim
2 weeks ago
Yes. A non-resident owner of a single-member LLC (disregarded entity) can obtain an EIN without having their own ITIN. The IRS allows foreign owners to apply using Form SS-4, and you can authorize your registered/statutory agent—or any trusted third party—to apply on your behalf. This is done by filling out the “Third Party Designee” section of Form SS-4.
When completing the form, the line requesting an SSN or ITIN can be left blank if you don’t have one. The IRS accepts EIN applications for foreign-owned LLCs this way. Many non-resident founders get approved without issues.
While an ITIN is not required to obtain the EIN, it may still be needed later for your personal U.S. tax filings (e.g., Form 1040-NR or for claiming treaty benefits).
