IRS Form SS4 Fax Numbers
Where and How to Fax a SS4 Form?
IRS Form SS-4 is a standardized application document that organizations use to request a unique federal tax identifier. In essence, it is the gateway document that begins the process of establishing a separate tax identity for your entity.
What is the IRS EIN Fax Number?
The IRS EIN fax number for domestic applicants is 855-641-6935. Businesses and organizations fax Form SS-4 to this line to request an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and the IRS can fax the EIN back to a return number in about 4 business days. Applicants with no legal residence or principal office in any US state use a different number, covered below.
Form SS-4 collects essential information about your business or organization, such as its legal name, address, type of entity, and reason for applying, that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses to issue the EIN. This EIN is used to uniquely identify the entity for federal tax purposes and is required when: filing tax returns (corporate, partnership, etc.), opening bank accounts or applying for business credit, hiring employees, and conducting official communications with the IRS and other governmental agencies.
IRS EIN Fax Number by Applicant Type
Use the EIN fax number that matches your situation.
- 855-641-6935: principal business, office, or agency in any of the 50 states or DC (fax to IRS Cincinnati, OH for domestic EIN applications)
- 855-215-1627: no legal residence or principal office in any state, faxing from inside the US
- 304-707-9471: no legal residence or principal office in any state, faxing from outside the US
Source: IRS Instructions for Form SS-4 (irs.gov/instructions/iss4).
When faxing, include a return fax number so the IRS can send your EIN back to you. The IRS does not email your EIN, it faxes it back to the return number listed on Form SS-4, usually within about 4 business days, before the written CP 575 confirmation letter arrives by mail 2 to 3 weeks later. That only works if your fax number can receive, not just send.
No SSN or ITIN? The IRS online EIN tool only works for applicants with a US legal residence, so a non-US founder without a Social Security Number or ITIN cannot use it. Fax is the fastest route instead: file Form SS-4 with "foreign" on the responsible party's SSN/ITIN line and send it to 855-215-1627 from inside the US or 304-707-9471 from outside the US.
How to Fax Form SS-4
Whether you're at your desk or on the move, here's how to get your SS-4 to the IRS and receive your EIN back by fax.
Fax From Computer
Fax From Mobile
Fax By Email
Fax By Scan
Why do you need an IRS Form SS4?
The primary purpose of Form SS-4 is to obtain an EIN from the IRS. An EIN functions much like a Social Security Number does for an individual but is used for business or organizational purposes. Here are some specific reasons why obtaining an EIN via Form SS-4 is crucial:
- Tax Reporting and Compliance: An EIN is required to file federal tax returns and to report income, employment taxes, and other tax-related information.
- Banking and Financial Operations: Most banks and financial institutions require an EIN when opening business bank accounts, applying for credit, or processing financial transactions.
- Employment: If you plan to hire employees, having an EIN is a legal requirement for payroll processing, reporting wages, and managing withholding taxes.
- Separation of Finances: An EIN helps establish a legal separation between personal and business finances, which is key for liability protection and proper accounting.
- Government and Legal Purposes: Many licenses, permits, and other regulatory filings require an EIN as part of the application process.
Who needs to file an IRS Form SS4?
Any individual or entity that is required to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) must file Form SS-4. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Business Entities: Corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and sole proprietorships that have employees, operate as a corporation or partnership, or meet certain other IRS criteria.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Charitable, religious, educational, and other tax-exempt organizations that need an EIN to operate.
- Estates and Trusts: For matters of tax administration related to estate and trust income.
- Foreign Entities: Any foreign business or organization that is required to file a tax return or engage in certain U.S.-related financial activities.
- Other Entities: Entities like government agencies, certain types of organizations, and any other group that is required by law to file a federal tax return.
How long does it take to get an EIN after faxing Form SS-4?
The IRS typically sends your EIN back by fax within about 4 business days of receiving a complete Form SS-4, as long as you included a valid return fax number.
Do I need a fax number that can receive faxes, not just send them?
Yes. The IRS sends your EIN back to the fax number listed on Form SS-4, not by email or online. A Fax.Plus number can send and receive, so you get the EIN the moment the IRS sends it, instead of waiting for the mailed CP 575 letter.
Can I fax Form SS-4 from outside the United States?
Yes. If your entity has no legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office in any US state or DC, fax it to 304-707-9471 from outside the US, or 855-215-1627 from inside the US.
Which number do I use if my LLC has no US office?
Use 855-215-1627 if faxing from inside the United States, or 304-707-9471 if faxing from outside. This applies to most foreign-owned LLCs formed in the US without a domestic office.
What if I don't hear back after 4 business days?
Wait a few extra business days before resending, the IRS processes faxed applications in the order received. If you still have no EIN or CP 575 letter after about 2 weeks, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933.
Now that you know where to fax Form SS-4 for your EIN, here's what many new businesses need next, from electing S-corp status to authorizing a tax professional.
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DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for general information purposes only, and Alohi cannot guarantee that all the information on this site is current or accurate. This is not intended to be legal, accounting or tax advice and should not be a substitute for professional legal, accounting or tax advice. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney regarding your specific legal questions.
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