EIN application from UAE

Methods to apply from the UAE (choose the fastest method you qualify for) - Online: Immediate EIN issuance only if the responsible party listed on the application has a U.S. SSN or ITIN.

If you (or the responsible individual) have an SSN/ITIN, use the IRS Online EIN Assistant (fastest). - Phone (recommended for many UAE-based applicants): The IRS provides an International EIN phone line for applicants whose principal place of business is outside the U.S. (hours and number listed by IRS).

Phone is often the most practical route for UAE applicants without SSN/ITIN who need the EIN quickly. - Fax: Complete Form SS-4 and fax to the IRS international fax number; if you supply a return fax number, the IRS typically returns the EIN within ~4 business days. - Mail: Mail Form SS-4 to the IRS International Operation — slowest option (about 4 weeks). 2) Key IRS rules and practical details you must follow - Responsible party: The SS-4 requires naming an individual who is the "responsible party" (not an entity).

Follow IRS guidance when completing that section. - One EIN per day rule: You may only apply for 1 EIN per day by any method. - If you do not have a U.S. SSN/ITIN, do NOT use the online assistant; use phone, fax, or mail instead. - Keep copies of the submitted SS-4 and any return pages (the bank will often ask for EIN confirmation — CP 575 or 147C). - Protect against scams: use only IRS official phone numbers and IRS.gov pages. 3) What to prepare before you apply (required/strongly recommended documents and data) - Completed Form SS-4 data: legal entity name, formation state, mailing address, principal business activity, number of employees (if any), first date wages paid (if applicable), reason for applying, and the responsible party’s full name and ID details.

If the responsible party is nonresident, be prepared to provide passport/foreign TIN details where requested. - Company formation documents: Articles/Certificate of Organization, Operating Agreement, Certificate of Formation — banks and some state registrations will request these. - Bank-ready packet (see next section) to avoid banking delays once you have the EIN. 4) Banking and KYC — practical realities (common blockers for UAE founders) - US banks and fintechs frequently require: EIN confirmation (CP 575 or IRS 147C), a bank-ready operating agreement naming managers and beneficial owners, a signatory resolution, government IDs for beneficial owners, a beneficial-ownership certification, and an explanation of expected payment flows. - Some banks will accept the EIN number provisionally; many will request an EIN confirmation letter or 147C.

If a bank asks for an EIN letter, request IRS Form 147C (EIN verification) if you did not get CP 575. - Many banks have tightened KYC: some require a U.S. physical address or in-person visit. Call the bank branch in advance, ask for their specific non-resident requirements, and consider banks known to work with non-residents (policies vary and are changing).

Methods to apply from the UAE (choose the fastest method you qualify for)

- Fax: Complete Form SS-4 and fax to the IRS international fax number; if you supply a return fax number, the IRS typically returns the EIN within ~4 business days. - Mail: Mail Form SS-4 to the IRS International Operation — slowest option (about 4 weeks). 2) Key IRS rules and practical details you must follow - Responsible party: The SS-4 requires naming an individual who is the "responsible party" (not an entity).

Follow IRS guidance when completing that section. - One EIN per day rule: You may only apply for 1 EIN per day by any method.

- Keep copies of the submitted SS-4 and any return pages (the bank will often ask for EIN confirmation — CP 575 or 147C).

3) What to prepare before you apply (required/strongly recommended documents and data) - Completed Form SS-4 data: legal entity name, formation state, mailing address, principal business activity, number of employees (if any), first date wages paid (if applicable), reason for applying, and the responsible party’s full name and ID details.

If the responsible party is nonresident, be prepared to provide passport/foreign TIN details where requested.

4) Banking and KYC — practical realities (common blockers for UAE founders) - US banks and fintechs frequently require: EIN confirmation (CP 575 or IRS 147C), a bank-ready operating agreement naming managers and beneficial owners, a signatory resolution, government IDs for beneficial owners, a beneficial-ownership certification, and an explanation of expected payment flows. - Some banks will accept the EIN number provisionally; many will request an EIN confirmation letter or 147C.

If a bank asks for an EIN letter, request IRS Form 147C (EIN verification) if you did not get CP 575.

• Online: Immediate EIN issuance only if the responsible party listed on the application has a U.S. SSN or ITIN. If you (or the responsible individual) have an SSN/ITIN, use the IRS Online EIN Assistant (fastest).
• Phone (recommended for many UAE-based applicants): The IRS provides an International EIN phone line for applicants whose principal place of business is outside the U.S. (hours and number listed by IRS). Phone is often the most practical route for UAE applicants without SSN/ITIN who need the EIN quickly.
• If you do not have a U.S. SSN/ITIN, do NOT use the online assistant; use phone, fax, or mail instead.
• Protect against scams: use only IRS official phone numbers and IRS.gov pages.
• Company formation documents: Articles/Certificate of Organization, Operating Agreement, Certificate of Formation — banks and some state registrations will request these.
• Bank-ready packet (see next section) to avoid banking delays once you have the EIN.
• Many banks have tightened KYC: some require a U.S. physical address or in-person visit. Call the bank branch in advance, ask for their specific non-resident requirements, and consider banks known to work with non-residents (policies vary and are changing).

State-specific follow-ups after you have the EIN (register as employer/for sales tax etc.) — examples - California

If you will have employees or payroll there, register with the California Employment Development Department (EDD) for payroll withholding and unemployment insurance; register with the California Franchise Tax Board and Secretary of State for annual filings and franchise/LLC taxes if applicable. - New York: After formation and EIN, consult NY Department of Taxation and Finance for sales tax registration and withholding registration; the NY Department of State notes that an LLC will need a taxpayer identification number from the IRS. - Texas: Register with the Texas Comptroller for franchise tax and sales/use tax obligations where applicable; Texas Secretary of State and Comptroller guidance stresses you must evaluate federal/state tax responsibilities after formation. - Florida: Register with the Florida Department of Revenue for sales tax and reemployment tax if you hire employees. (Exact registration forms/processes differ by state — register with the state tax agency and the state employer registration portal for withholding/unemployment as soon as you have an EIN and if you will have employees or taxable sales in that state.)

Tax and reporting traps for foreign-owned entities - Form 5472

Foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entities and certain related-party transactions require Form 5472 reporting with potentially severe penalties (penalties can start at $25,000 for failure to file). Plan for 5472 compliance from day one if your LLC is foreign-owned. - Multi-state nexus: sales, employees, property, or economic nexus may trigger registration and tax filings across states. Missing state registrations can cause penalties and loss of standing to enforce contracts. 7) Timing expectations - Online (if eligible): immediate issuance. - Phone/fax (international applicants or no SSN/ITIN): fax with return number typically ~4 business days; phone issuance often same-day in the phone session; mail ~4 weeks. 8) Recommended next steps checklist (practical plan for a UAE-based founder) - Step A: Confirm entity formation (choose state; have Articles/Certificate and Operating Agreement ready). Decide who will be the responsible party (must be an individual). - Step B: Prepare and complete Form SS-4 (or have a tax professional prepare it). Include foreign passport or TIN details for the responsible party when needed. - Step C: Call IRS International EIN line to apply by phone or fax the SS-4 with return fax number to get a fast response. Save the EIN confirmation (CP 575 or get a 147C if needed). - Step D: Assemble bank-ready packet: EIN confirmation (CP 575 or 147C), operating agreement naming managers/beneficial owners, signatory resolution, IDs for beneficial owners, short business plan/payment flows, and beneficial-ownership certification; call the bank branch to confirm exact requirements. - Step E: Register with relevant state tax agencies for payroll withholding, unemployment insurance, and sales tax as needed; file any required annual reports with the Secretary of State in your formation state. - Step F: If foreign-owned, set up Form 5472 compliance process with a US CPA/tax attorney immediately. 9) When to get professional help - If you need a bank account quickly, are foreign-owned, plan to hire U.S. employees, expect substantial US revenues, or are unfamiliar with Form 5472 and multi-state filing obligations — retain a US CPA or law firm experienced with foreign founders and bank onboarding. A bank-ready formation and a Form 5472 plan will prevent costly delays and penalties.