What is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS gives a business, much like a personal tax number. Almost every US LLC needs one, even if it never hires staff.
Non-residents apply on Form SS-4 and say they have no SSN or ITIN. Because the online form needs an SSN, the application goes to the IRS by fax or post instead, and the IRS sends the EIN back the same way.