What is EIN?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is the nine-digit federal tax ID the IRS assigns to a US company. Every Delaware C-Corp needs one to open a bank account, hire, file taxes, and use payment processors like Stripe. Foreign founders without an SSN can get one - but only through slower channels.
How foreign founders get an EIN
US persons with an SSN apply online and get the EIN instantly. Foreign founders cannot use the online tool: the route is Form SS-4 by fax or mail to the IRS, or by phone for international applicants. Fax turnaround is commonly 1–4 weeks; mail can take 6–8. A responsible party must be named - a real natural person, not an entity - and since 2019 the responsible party must be an individual with control over the company. Third-party designees (formation agents) can file the SS-4 and receive the EIN on your behalf, which is the standard service model.
What is blocked until the EIN arrives
US business bank accounts, Stripe and most US payment processors, payroll, and federal tax filings all require the EIN. Some neobanks pre-open accounts pending EIN, but full functionality waits. If your launch depends on charging US customers, file the SS-4 the same day the company is incorporated - the EIN wait, not incorporation, is the critical path for non-US founders.
EIN vs ITIN vs SSN
The EIN identifies the company; an SSN identifies a US individual; an ITIN identifies a foreign individual with US tax obligations. Founders often need the ITIN later - for personal US filings triggered by the company (e.g., single-member LLC reporting) - but the company's banking and Stripe onboarding need only the EIN. Do not pay for an ITIN you may never need; do get the EIN immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an EIN without a US Social Security Number?
Yes. Foreign founders file Form SS-4 by fax, mail, or the IRS international phone line, listing themselves as responsible party with 'Foreign' in the SSN field. Expect 1–4 weeks by fax; formation agents routinely handle this as designee.
How long does an EIN take for a Delaware company?
Instant online if the responsible party has an SSN or ITIN. Otherwise 1–4 weeks via fax in normal periods, longer at IRS peak season. File immediately after incorporation to keep banking on schedule.
Ready to put this into practice?
OnScale handles the full setup - formation, KYC, and documents - with one fixed price and one point of contact.