An EIN identifies a business for federal tax administration, while an ITIN identifies an individual for certain federal tax purposes. Knowing which number applies helps you prepare the right paperwork for your company.
What is the difference?
An EIN identifies a business for federal tax purposes. An ITIN is a personal tax identification number for someone who needs one for a federal tax purpose and is not eligible for an SSN. One is not a replacement for the other. See the IRS explanation of ITINs.
Can you get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
It can be possible. The IRS Form SS-4 instructions provide an option for a responsible party who has neither number and is ineligible to obtain one. That exception must fit the actual applicant; it is not a reason to omit a number you already have. Check line 7b in the official instructions.
Does living in the United States make the application different?
The IRS online tool requires a U.S. or U.S. territory principal place of business and the responsible party’s SSN or ITIN, among other conditions. Applicants outside its criteria must use an appropriate alternative method. Citizenship alone does not determine eligibility for the online tool. The IRS application page explains the current conditions.
EIN application support with your LLC formation
EIN application handling is included in our $699 Wyoming formation package. The IRS does not charge for an EIN; our package pays for the formation and administrative work described on our service page. We also form LLCs in other states and confirm the EIN support, service scope and price for that state before work begins. Processing time depends on the applicable application method and the IRS.
If your personal tax situation also raises a separate ITIN question, a qualified tax professional can explain whether one applies to you.
What should you tell us first?
For an initial enquiry, tell us your country of residence, business activity and whether the LLC already exists. We will explain which information is needed for your next step.
We will explain the scope before proceeding. You can also review formation and renewal pricing and our guide to LLC tax considerations.
Reviewed October 6, 2026. This guide explains an administrative process; individual tax advice requires a qualified professional.