EIN vs ITIN vs SSN: Which Tax ID Do You Need?
EIN, ITIN and SSN are all nine-digit US tax numbers, which is why they are easy to mix up. They belong to different people and do different jobs. Here is how they compare and which one an LLC owner outside the US really needs.
An EIN is a tax ID for a business, such as your LLC. An ITIN is a tax ID for a person who needs to file US taxes but cannot get an SSN. An SSN is for US citizens and people allowed to work in the US. To run a US LLC from abroad, you need an EIN, not an ITIN or SSN. With LLCPronto, an EIN takes 24 hours and costs $30 for an existing LLC (it is included in every LLC package). An ITIN is only needed in specific cases; ours costs $350 to $400 and takes about 50 days.
EIN vs ITIN vs SSN at a Glance
| Point | EIN | ITIN | SSN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Businesses (LLCs, corporations) | Individuals who need a US tax ID but cannot get an SSN | US citizens and people authorised to work in the US |
| Issued by | IRS | IRS | Social Security Administration |
| Needed to run a US LLC | Yes | No | No |
| Used for | Banking, Stripe, Amazon, payroll, business tax forms | Personal US tax returns | Work, personal tax, benefits |
| Time with LLCPronto | Within 24 hours | About 50 days | Not available through us |
| Price with LLCPronto | Included with every LLC, or $30 on its own | $350 to $400 | Not applicable |
What Is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the federal tax ID of a business. Despite the name, you do not need employees to get one. Banks, payment platforms, marketplaces and the IRS all use your LLC’s EIN. You can get one without an SSN or ITIN. Read more on our EIN service page.
What Is an ITIN?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued to people who must file a US tax return or claim a treaty benefit but are not eligible for an SSN. It is personal, not for your company. It does not give work rights or immigration status. See ITIN for non-residents.
What Is an SSN?
A Social Security Number (SSN) is issued to US citizens, permanent residents and certain visa holders allowed to work in the US. Founders who live outside the US usually cannot get one, and they do not need one to own or run a US LLC.
When Does an LLC Owner Abroad Need an ITIN?
- You must file a personal US tax return, for example because your LLC has income connected with a US trade or business
- You want to claim a tax treaty benefit that requires a personal US tax ID
- A specific platform or bank asks for a personal US tax ID for the owner
Most owners of online and service LLCs run from abroad never need one. Our tax team will tell you honestly whether you do before you pay.
EIN vs ITIN: Which Comes First?
The EIN. Your LLC gets its EIN right after the state approves it, and that is enough for banking, Stripe and marketplaces. An ITIN, if you ever need one, comes later and is tied to a tax return.
Documents You Need
| Tax ID | Documents |
|---|---|
| EIN | Approved Articles of Organization, owner’s passport, LLC name and address, a short business description |
| ITIN | Passport (verified by a Certifying Acceptance Agent), Form W-7 (we prepare it), the tax return or exception it is for, your home address |
EIN vs ITIN: FAQs
What is the difference between an EIN and an ITIN?
An EIN is a tax ID for a business. An ITIN is a personal tax ID for someone who must file US taxes but cannot get an SSN.
Do I need an ITIN to get an EIN?
No. You can get an EIN for your LLC without an ITIN or SSN. LLCPronto does it within 24 hours.
Can I use an EIN instead of an SSN?
For your business, yes. The EIN is what banks, Stripe and Amazon use for your LLC. It does not replace an SSN for personal matters.
What is an EIN number?
The nine-digit federal tax ID the IRS gives to a business, such as an LLC.
How much does an EIN cost with LLCPronto?
It is included in every LLC package. For an LLC you already have, it costs $30 and comes with the 147C confirmation letter.
How long does an ITIN take?
About 50 days with LLCPronto, sometimes longer in tax season. It costs $350 to $400 in total.
Does an ITIN let me work in the US?
No. An ITIN is only for tax purposes and gives no work rights or immigration status.
Related Guides
Get the Right Tax ID, Fast
EIN within 24 hours for $30 (included with every LLC). ITIN for $350 to $400 in about 50 days.
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