Get an EIN from India.

Why you need it

Indian founders form US LLCs to sell SaaS, services and products to US customers and to use US marketplaces and payment processors, which ask for the LLC's EIN. The EIN is also the number your LLC uses for its yearly filings with the IRS.

Because you live outside the US, you can't use the IRS online application. You can apply by fax, by mail or by phone. EINZAP uses the phone: a trained caller, named as your Third Party Designee on the SS-4 you sign, gets your EIN on the call.

IRS phone hours in India

The IRS international line runs Monday to Friday, 6:00 am to 11:00 pm US Eastern time. In India (IST) that's:

You don't need to be awake for any of it. We call during these hours and email you the moment your EIN is issued.

Filling in the SS-4 from India

• Your name (line 7a). Use your passport name. If your passport shows a single name only, enter it as it appears; our form flags it so you can double-check.
• Your address abroad (lines 5 and 6). PIN codes have six digits. Keep flat, building and street on one line of up to 35 characters, and move the locality into the city field if needed. Line 6 reads "City, India".
• Your phone. Start with +91.
• Line 7b. Without an SSN or ITIN it reads "Foreign". Never enter a made-up or local ID number.
• Mail from the IRS (line 4). Most founders use their US registered agent's address, so IRS letters don't have to travel abroad.

How it works

1. Order and pay $24. You pay $24 in US dollars by card. Make sure international transactions are enabled on your card; your bank may add a conversion fee.
2. Answer a few questions and upload your Articles. About three minutes, on your phone or computer.
3. Review and sign on screen. You see every line of your SS-4 before you sign.
4. Get your EIN. Within 24 business hours, or your $24 back and the EIN still delivered. See the guarantee.

After you get your EIN

• Use it to open US business bank and payment accounts. Each provider sets its own rules for owners in India, and they change, so check them before you apply.
• Plan for the yearly Form 5472 and pro forma Form 1120 if your LLC has a single owner. Read Form 5472 basics.
• Indian residents who own a company abroad are subject to India's overseas investment rules. Ask a chartered accountant how they apply to your LLC.

General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and hours can change; check irs.gov for the latest.