Get an EIN from Nigeria.

Why you need it

Nigerian founders use US LLCs to bill US clients, sell globally and open US payment and banking accounts, and every one of those asks 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 Nigeria

The IRS international line runs Monday to Friday, 6:00 am to 11:00 pm US Eastern time. In Nigeria (WAT) 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 Nigeria

• Your name (line 7a). Use your passport name, in the same order as your passport. Middle names are fine but not required.
• Your address abroad (lines 5 and 6). Many Nigerian addresses have no postcode; leave that field empty if you don't use one. Put the state, for example "Lagos", in the province field. Line 6 reads "City, Nigeria".
• Your phone. Start with +234.
• 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. Some naira cards limit international online payments; a dollar card can help.
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 Nigeria, 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.

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