INTRODUCTION

Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required by any business that files tax returns or business

that pays their employees. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides EINS by following the steps

given in IRS publication 1635.It is usually a nine digit number formatted as xx-xxxxxxx. The

individual Social Security Number (SSN) is a requirement for one to work and receive wages in

the United States. Social security administration issues the SSNs and one is required to complete

FORM SS-5. (Makosana, Volbrecht, & Ginny, 2016)

HOW TO GET EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

To get EIN for your company you don’t need to have Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

(ITIN).ITIN is given to individuals who are not eligible to get Social Security Number (SSN) from

Social Security Administration (SSA) such as non-resident individuals. It is issued by IRS as a tax

processing number in which they are required for information or tax returns. As non-US resident,

you can apply the EIN by the use of fax. (Medicus & Lorenz, 2012)

Steps to get EIN

 Get US mailing address. If you don’t have an address, you can request a friend to allow

you receive your mails via their address for you. One of the best mail providers in US is

USAMail1 because their price is relatively cheaper and they can hold your mail and

forward to you when you request.

 From IRS website (www.IRS.gov), download form SS-4 and the instructions.

 Print and fill in the form. When confused what to fill in the form, you can Google for

instructions. Note that you are not supposed to leave blank SSN field otherwise you should

write Non Applicable instead of leaving a blank space.

  Once you have filled the form, call the IRS and follow procedures to get your EIN.The call

takes approximately an hour including the holding time. For cheaper international calling,

you can use Skype or Google voice. The number to call is +1 267 941 1099 which operates

from between 6 Am and 11 Pm Eastern Standard Time from Monday to Friday. For a

foreign EIN press 1 and then an agent will pick your call. Let her/him know you require

EIN .You will answer few questions, then the agent will give you EIN that you can start

using.

 Alternatively, after filling the form, fax the form to IRS (+1-304-707-9471).Fax your form

as PDF file by the use of Hello fax or any other similar service.

 Within 4 business days you will get back your form with EIN on it faxed back.

IN ADDITION, THIS IS HOW TO GET SSN

Before going to US, you can apply for SSN at your home country while applying for the immigrant

visa with the US Department of state. If SSN is applied together with immigrant visa application,

usually you don’t need to visit the social security office. (Scheef, Barrio, & Washington State

University, 2016).

Secondly you can visit a Social Security office with the following documents; current US

immigration documents and unexpired foreign passport. Also you need to prove your age by either

producing your foreign birth certificate or passport to the officer in the office. Also complete an

application for a social security card (form ss-5) either you can get the form in the social security

office or download it from their website. All documents must be original or certified copies from

issuing companies.
In conclusion. EIN is important since it identifies business entity and also used by companies

which have incomes to be reported.

REFERENCES

Makosana, I. Z., Volbrecht, & Ginny. (2016). IZWI: the working conditions of African

domestic workers in Cape Town in the 1980s. University of Cape Town.

Medicus, D., & Lorenz, S. (2012). Schuldrecht: Ein Studienbuch. München: Beck.

Scheef, A. R., Barrio, B. L., & Washington State University. (2016). Exploring barriers and

strategies for facilitating work experience opportunities for individuals with

intellectual disabilities enrolled in post-secondary education programs.