Guides for non-resident LLC owners
Plain answers about the EIN, the IRS 147c letter, Form SS-4, Form 5472, and opening a US bank account from abroad. Written for people who own a US LLC but do not live in the US.
You just formed a foreign-owned US LLC. Here is what to do next, in order
The LLC exists, but it cannot bank, get paid, or file yet. The six steps after formation for a non-resident owner, and why the EIN has to come first.
EIN for a foreign-owned LLC: what it is and how to get one
What an EIN is, why every foreign-owned US LLC needs one, and the realistic ways to get it when the owner has no SSN.
How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN
Non-US owners cannot use the IRS online EIN tool. Here are the options that actually work: fax, mail, phone, or a third party designee.
What is an IRS 147c letter and why banks accept it
The 147c is the IRS EIN verification letter. Learn what it shows, how it differs from the CP 575 notice, and where you can use it.
Opening a US business bank account as a non-resident: why the EIN comes first
Every US bank and fintech asks for an EIN before opening an LLC account. What they accept as proof and how to avoid weeks of waiting.
How long does it take to get an EIN? Realistic timelines for foreign applicants
Online takes minutes but needs an SSN. Fax and mail take 4 to 12 weeks for foreign owners. Here is what to expect and how to shorten it.
Form SS-4 for foreign applicants: a line-by-line guide
How to fill in IRS Form SS-4 for a foreign-owned LLC, including the responsible party, the "Foreign" entry on line 7b, and the third party designee.
EIN vs ITIN: which number does your LLC actually need?
The EIN identifies your company, the ITIN identifies you as a person. Most foreign LLC owners need the EIN first and may never need an ITIN.
Why the EIN from your formation service takes 4 to 8 weeks, and what to do instead
Formation services sell the EIN as an add-on, but for owners without an SSN they fax the same SS-4 you would and wait. What they do, what it costs you in time, and the faster alternative.
Form 5472 and the foreign-owned single-member LLC: why you need an EIN to file
Foreign-owned single-member LLCs must file Form 5472 with a pro forma 1120 every year. Without an EIN you cannot file, and the penalty is $25,000.
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