IRS EIN Application for Non-US Residents: Step-by-Step 2026 Guide (No SSN Required)
Applicants whose principal place of business is located outside the United States are ineligible for the free, instant online application portal on the IRS official website. This distinction directly dictates the application route for most Chinese cross-border sellers, who must choose between phone, fax, and mail submission. This article provides line-by-line guidance for completing every key field on Form SS-4, with a focus on the Responsible Party section and the correct procedures for applicants without an SSN or ITIN.