EIN vs ITIN vs SSN: key differences
Only the EIN is necessary to operate an LLC from Spain. Confusing them is one of the most frequent mistakes among entrepreneurs who want to operate in the US.
| Characteristic | EIN | ITIN | SSN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identifies | Companies | Individuals without SSN | Citizens/residents |
| Cost | Free | Free | Free |
| Necessary for LLC | YES | No | No |
| IRS Form | SS-4 | W-7 | SS-5 (SSA) |
| Time for non-resident | 4 days (fax) | 7-11 weeks | Does not apply |
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What is the EIN number and why do you need it?
These are the cases in which the EIN is essential for a resident in Spain:
- Opening a business bank account in the US: banks require the EIN along with the Articles of Incorporation
- Filing federal taxes: Form 5472 and Form 1120 (pro forma) are mandatory for foreign-owned disregarded entities
- Stripe, PayPal Business, Wise, Mercury: require the EIN to verify tax identity
- Hiring employees or contractors: mandatory to issue W-2 or 1099
- Applying for business credit: lenders and suppliers use it as an identifier
EIN, the "CIF" of the United States: equivalencies
If you come from Spain, the quickest way is to translate it to what you already know: the EIN is the equivalent of the CIF (now NIF) of a Spanish company. It is the number with which the IRS identifies your LLC. Many people search for "CIF in the United States" or "American CIF" without knowing that the real name of the procedure is EIN.
| In Spain | In the United States | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| Company CIF / NIF | EIN (or FEIN, Federal Tax ID) | Corporations and LLCs |
| Personal DNI / NIF | SSN | US residents and citizens |
| NIE (foreigners) | ITIN | Foreigners without SSN rights |
Translated: if they ask you for the "CIF" of your American company, they are asking you for the EIN. It is what you need to open a bank account, get paid through Stripe or PayPal, and file your taxes in the USA.
Frequently asked questions about the EIN and the American CIF
Is the EIN the same as the CIF in the United States?
Yes, it is the functional equivalent. The EIN (Employer Identification Number) is the tax identification number that the IRS assigns to a company in the United States, just like the CIF (now NIF) identifies a corporation in Spain. If you are looking for the "American CIF" of your LLC, what you need is the EIN.
What is the CIF called in the USA?
In the United States, the term CIF does not exist. A company's tax identifier is called an EIN or Federal Tax ID Number (FEIN). For individuals, the equivalent is the SSN, or the ITIN if you do not have the right to an American Social Security number.
Can I get an EIN without an SSN if I am Spanish?
Yes. Foreigners without an SSN apply for the EIN through a specific procedure with the IRS, using Form SS-4. On your own it can take weeks; we process it in about 3 days.
How can I look up a company's EIN?
For publicly traded companies, the EIN appears in the public documents they file with the SEC. For the rest, there is no general searchable public registry like the Spanish mercantile registry: the EIN is tax data that the company itself provides when appropriate.
Do you need the EIN now? We process it in about 3 days for €99 with EIN Express, even if you don't have an SSN. And if you don't have the LLC yet, check out how to create it step by step.
How to get the EIN for free from Spain: step by step
Non-residents without an SSN cannot use the IRS online form. They must complete Form SS-4 on paper and send it by fax or postal mail. The process is free in both cases.
- Download Form SS-4 from IRS.gov (it is the only official one accepted)
- Fill it out: exact name of the LLC (same as Articles of Organization), registered agent address, LLC entity type, start date, and primary activity
- Send it by fax: international number +1 855 215 1627 (always verify on IRS.gov before sending)
- Receive the EIN by fax: the IRS returns the 147C document to you in about 4 business days
Postal mail alternative: IRS, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999, USA — timeframe 4-5 weeks.
Common mistakes when applying for the EIN from Spain
- Trying the online form without an SSN: generates the error "Reference Number 101" or "109". Solution: use paper SS-4
- LLC name different from the registered one: must match the Articles of Organization exactly
- Failing to indicate that the Responsible Party is a foreigner: it must be noted and an explanatory letter attached
- Incorrect fax number: the IRS has different lines depending on the type of applicant
- Paying third parties without knowing it: the EIN is always free on IRS.gov. If you see a charge, you are using an intermediary
If it is denied
A denial is not final. The IRS sends a letter specifying the reason. Steps:
- Read the rejection letter (typical reasons: duplicate name, incorrect Responsible Party data, lack of documentation)
- Correct the SS-4 and resubmit (there is no penalty)
- IRS international line: +1 267 941 1099 (hours 6:00-23:00 ET)
In the United States business world, the EIN (Employer Identification Number) is an essential element for any business, including LLCs (Limited Liability Companies) with foreign owners. But what exactly is an EIN and why is it so important for your LLC?
What is the EIN in the USA?
The EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to businesses operating in the United States. The EIN translation in Spanishis the equivalent of a tax identification number for legal entities, similar to a NIF/CIF in Spain.
EIN for Foreign LLC Owners
For foreign owners of an LLC in the United States, obtaining an EIN number is crucial. Despite not being residents of the United States, foreign owners of an LLC must apply for an EIN in order to manage their tax and banking obligations in the country. Without an EIN number, it is impossible to open a business bank account in the United States or comply with local tax regulations.
How Long Does It Take to Get an EIN?
Normally, obtaining an LLCEIN number through the IRS can take up to three months if applied for from outside the United States, due to the volume of applications and the complexity of processing them for foreign owners. However, at Elutax, we offer an express EIN service that allows foreign LLC owners to obtain their EIN number in 48 to 72 hours, a fast and efficient solution for those looking to start operations as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions about the EIN
- EIN Number in Spanish: Also known as the Employer Identification Number.
- EIN Number Meaning: It is a number assigned by the IRS to identify the tax accounts of employers and certain entities without employees.
- EIN Number Translation: In Spanish, EIN is translated as "Número de Identificación del Empleador".
- EIN Number Example: An EIN could look like this: 12-3456789.
- EIN Number Lookup: A tool that allows you to verify or search for an entity's EIN in public IRS records.https://www.eindata.com/
If you need an EIN number for your LLC with foreign owners in the United States and you don't want to wait three months, Elutax.com is your solution. Take advantage of our express service and start operating your business in record time.
Differences between SSN, ITIN, and EIN
SSN (Social Security Number):
The SSN is a Social Security number assigned to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who work in the United States. This number is used primarily by the government to record a person's earned income and determine their eligibility to receive Social Security benefits. It is essential for any citizen or resident who works in the US.
ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number):
The ITIN is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) for individuals who need to comply with tax obligations in the United States, but do not qualify for an SSN. This number is commonly used by non-resident aliens, resident aliens, their dependents, and spouses who are not eligible for an SSN. More ITIN Number information here
EIN (Employer Identification Number):
The EIN is an Employer Identification Number used to identify business entities in the United States. It is essential for companies operating in the US, as it is used to report taxes, open business bank accounts, and hire employees. Unlike the SSN and ITIN, the EIN is designed exclusively for business purposes and not for individuals.
Do you need the EIN urgently?
With our EIN Express service we manage the entire SS-4 and deliver the 147C document to you in approximately 3 business days.
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