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ITIN or EIN: Which Number Does a Foreign LLC Owner Actually Need?

An EIN identifies your business; an ITIN identifies you. Many foreign LLC owners need only the EIN — here’s how to tell when you need an ITIN as well.

2 min read
Illustration of two cards side by side: an ITIN card for people and an EIN card for businesses

Foreign founders of U.S. LLCs are often told they “need an ITIN”. Sometimes that’s true. Often it isn’t. The two numbers do different jobs, and knowing which is which saves time and money.

What is the difference between an ITIN and an EIN?

An ITIN identifies a person for federal tax purposes; an EIN identifies a business. A foreign-owned LLC can get its EIN without the owner having an ITIN. An ITIN is issued to individuals through Form W-7 (IRS ITIN overview); an EIN is issued to entities through Form SS-4 (IRS EIN page). An ITIN is a nine-digit number that begins with 9 and is formatted like an SSN (9XX-XX-XXXX).

Do I need an ITIN to get an EIN for my LLC?

No. A foreign owner can get the LLC’s EIN without an SSN or ITIN. Don’t delay your company setup waiting for an ITIN you may not need.

When does a foreign LLC owner need an ITIN?

An ITIN is for individuals who have a U.S. federal tax filing or reporting requirement and are not eligible for a Social Security number. For an LLC owner, that typically means:

  • You have to file a personal U.S. return, such as Form 1040-NR, because you have U.S. income that must be reported.
  • You are a member of a multi-member LLC or partnership and need a U.S. taxpayer number for your share of the income, including withholding on partnership income (one of the W-7 exceptions).
  • You want to claim a tax treaty benefit that requires a U.S. taxpayer number.

What changed for LLC members in 2026?

Since June 1, 2026, CAA filings under Exception 1(a) (partnership income) must include the relevant excerpt of the partnership or LLC agreement. Source: IRS — ITIN Acceptance Agent Program.

Do Stripe, PayPal or banks need my ITIN?

Usually not. Payment platforms generally take a Form W-8BEN from a non-U.S. individual, or your LLC’s EIN. Some banks ask for an ITIN for a personal account. We cover each case on our pages for Stripe, PayPal and U.S. bank accounts.

What does an ITIN not do?

An ITIN does not authorize work in the U.S., does not change immigration status and does not by itself make you eligible for Social Security benefits.

For a side-by-side comparison, read ITIN vs. EIN. If you do need an ITIN as an LLC member, see ITIN for LLC owners.

Ready to get your ITIN without mailing your passport?

Tell us who needs an ITIN and why. A specialist will reply within one business day with the documents you need and a clear plan.

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Or email support@itinnumber.io

  • Reply within one business dayA specialist reviews your case and outlines a clear plan.
  • Free resubmissionPriority and Complete include one free resubmission if the IRS rejects your application.
  • Refund before filingChange your mind before we file your W-7? Full refund, no questions.

Two clocks apply to every ITIN. Ours: we prepare and certify your application within 1–3 business days of receiving your documents and completing the video verification. The IRS’s: it says to allow 7 weeks, or 9–11 weeks from January 15 to April 30 or when you apply from abroad — and nobody can speed that up. We track your application through the IRS wait, follow up once the IRS window has passed, and tell you as soon as your ITIN is assigned. All prices are listed in USD with no hidden fees, and payments are made securely by debit or credit card through Razorpay. The IRS charges nothing for the ITIN itself.