The quick answer
EIN = your company's US tax ID. Every US LLC needs one.
ITIN = your personal US tax ID. Needed only if you have US tax filing obligations as an individual.
What is an EIN?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS that serves as your company's federal tax identification number. It looks like this: XX-XXXXXXX.
You need an EIN to:
- Open a US business bank account (Mercury, Relay, or traditional banks)
- Set up Stripe, PayPal, or other payment processors
- Sell on Amazon Seller Central as a US entity
- Hire US employees
- File US business tax returns
Every US LLC needs an EIN. There are no exceptions if you want to use US banking or payment infrastructure.
How to get an EIN as a non-resident
US citizens and residents can get an EIN instantly online. Non-residents cannot use the online system and must apply via IRS Form SS-4 — submitted by fax or mail. The IRS typically takes 2–4 weeks to issue an EIN to non-resident applicants.
A formation service like Accufiler prepares and submits Form SS-4 on your behalf. You provide your passport information and company details — we handle the rest.
What is an ITIN?
An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a nine-digit personal tax ID issued by the IRS to individuals who need to file a US tax return but are not eligible for a Social Security Number. It looks like this: 9XX-XX-XXXX (always starts with 9).
You may need an ITIN if:
- You are a partner in a US multi-member LLC and need to be listed on a partnership tax return
- You have US-source income that requires you to file a personal US tax return
- You are claiming a tax treaty benefit as a non-resident
- You are a foreign spouse or dependent claimed on a US tax return
Do you need an ITIN?
Most non-resident single-member LLC owners do not need an ITIN. If your LLC has no US-connected income and you have no US tax filing obligation, there is no reason to obtain one.
The situations where you do need an ITIN are more specific: you are a partner in a multi-member LLC filing a partnership return (Form 1065), or you have US-source income as an individual and must file Form 1040-NR.
How to get an ITIN
ITIN applications are filed via IRS Form W-7 along with your US tax return (or a certified copy of your passport as proof of identity). The IRS takes 6–11 weeks to process ITIN applications — significantly longer than EINs.
ITINs expire if not used on a US tax return for three consecutive years.
Side-by-side summary
| Feature | EIN | ITIN |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Company tax ID | Personal tax ID |
| Issued to | Business entities | Individuals |
| Required for | US banking, Stripe, Amazon, payroll | Personal US tax filing, multi-member LLCs |
| How to apply | IRS Form SS-4 | IRS Form W-7 |
| Processing time | 2–4 weeks | 6–11 weeks |
| SSN required? | No | No |
| Expires? | No | Yes (if unused 3 years) |