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Obtaining an EIN: our Support in the USA

PIK CONSULTING is an international consulting firm headquartered in Paris. Present in the United States for many years, we provide our expertise to both American and foreign entrepreneurs in various tax and administrative areas.
Whether you want to establish a local business or add a U.S. subsidiary to a foreign group, navigating the complexities of administration can be daunting. With our accreditation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), we handle the entire EIN application process, regardless of the status of the executives whether American or foreign, residing in or outside the USA.

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EIN Number: Your Questions about this American Procedure

Starting a business in the USA, whether it’s an LLC, a C Corp, or a Partnership, requires a thorough understanding of and compliance with regulations. In a country where corporate law varies in each state, it becomes even more complex.

What does EIN mean?

EIN stands for Employer Identification Number. It consists of 9 digits and is used to identify a business for various tax, social, legal, or financial purposes. As an entrepreneur in the USA, your business’s EIN is akin to a Social Security number. Even without hiring employees, it’s impossible to comply with tax and social regulations or complete multiple formalities without first obtaining this essential identifier.

Our extensive experience in advising on EIN matters reveals the recurring issues that business leaders of (future) companies frequently face.
  • What is the EIN used for, exactly?
  • Who needs to apply for an Employer Identification Number?
  • How do I know if I am eligible for an EIN?
  • Which legal or tax business structures are required to obtain an EIN?
  • What is the difference between EIN and ITIN?
  • What specific provisions apply to non-U.S. residents?
  • What is the process to obtain an EIN?
  • How long does it take for the administration to assign the number to the business?
Without an EIN, you cannot, for example:
  • Comply with tax obligations: report income for taxes and other business tax requirements, regardless of entity type, whether a Limited Liability Company, Corporation, or Partnership.
  • Hire employees and process their payroll (wage reporting, withholding, social security contributions) for both the IRS and other government agencies.
  • Manage employee retirement plans.
  • Pay freelancers or independent contractors.
  • Open a business bank account and apply for credit.
  • Obtain a permit, authorization, or business license.
  • Set up a U.S. Corporation, such as an S-Corp, where the company’s income is taxed in the hands of its shareholders, in order to file Form 2553, “Election by a Small Business Corporation.”
  • Report income for entities such as trusts, for estate management.
Conduct real estate transactions for estates, trusts, partnerships, or business entities.

Why it’s Necessary

We support and offer personalized services to foreign businesses and foreign residents established in France.

Business Tax Purposes

An EIN is required for filing taxes, reporting income, and fulfilling other tax obligations for businesses, including partnerships, corporations, and LLCs with multiple members.

Employee Payroll

Employers use an EIN to report employee wages, withholdings, and payroll taxes to the IRS and other government agencies.

Federal Tax Identification

Businesses need an EIN to identify themselves on federal tax returns, including income tax, employment tax, and excise tax filings.

Opening Business Bank Accounts

Financial institutions typically require an EIN to open business bank accounts, obtain lines of credit, and apply for business loans.

Applying for Business Licenses

Many states and local governments require businesses to have an EIN when applying for licenses, permits, or registrations to operate legally.

Hiring Employees

Employers need an EIN to report employment taxes and other information to the IRS, Social Security Administration, and state workforce agencies when hiring employees.

Independent Contractors

Businesses use an EIN to report payments made to independent contractors, freelancers, and other non-employee service providers to the IRS.

Filing Information Returns

Businesses must use their EIN when filing various information returns with the IRS, such as Form 1099 for reporting payments made to vendors, contractors, and other entities.

Trusts and Estates

Trusts and estates often require an EIN for tax reporting purposes, especially if they generate income or have assets that generate income.

S-Corporation Election

If a business elects to be taxed as an S corporation, it must have an EIN to file Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation, with the IRS.

Business Contracts and Agreements

Many business contracts and agreements, including vendor agreements, leases, and partnership agreements, may require an EIN for identification purposes.

Retirement Plans

Employers use an EIN when establishing and administering retirement plans for their employees, such as 401(k) plans or pension plans.

Business Credit

Establishing business credit often requires an EIN, which lenders use to evaluate the creditworthiness of a business entity separate from its owners.

Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations need an EIN to apply for tax-exempt status with the IRS and to fulfill tax reporting requirements for donations and other income.

Real Estate Transactions

EINs are sometimes required for real estate transactions involving trusts, estates, partnerships, or other business entities.

Bankruptcy Filings

Businesses filing for bankruptcy typically need an EIN to include in bankruptcy petitions and other court documents.

PIK CONSULTING, a Certified Public Accountant Registered with the IRS for Identification Procedures

PIK CONSULTING is an audit and accounting firm established by French certified public accountants also based in the USA. As CPA accountants, we have long supported European and American professionals investing in the USA. In administrative, tax, and legal matters, PIK CONSULTING eases the process for Europeans in a new country, often facing language barriers.
Thanks to its accreditation with the U.S. administration (IRS) as an acceptance agency, or authorized agent, PIK CONSULTING streamlines all formalities aimed at identifying the business.

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Our EIN Services in the United States

We offer various types of services depending on the applicant’s status or the legal structure.

Businesses and entrepreneurs we support
  • American companies established by Americans in the USA, including for new business entities;
  • International groups or companies setting up in the USA with the registration or creation of a subsidiary and needing to obtain an EIN.

We handle all formalities to obtain an EIN. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Verify the eligibility of the EIN applicant based on the nature of the legal entity.
  • Complete the IRS Form SS-4, or Application for Employer Identification Number.
  • Submit the application according to the chosen method.
  • Wait for the application to be processed.
  • Receive the EIN along with a confirmation letter.
  • Update information with the IRS if there are changes to the company’s legal structure or contact details.

Process

01

Determine Eligibility : Ensure your business or entity is eligible for an EIN. Most types of businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, LLCs, estates, trusts, and non-profit organizations, can apply for an EIN.

02

Complete IRS Form SS-4 : Fill out IRS Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number. This form requires information about your business structure, purpose, and responsible party.

03

Choose Application Method : Decide on the application method. You can apply for an EIN online, by mail, fax, or phone, depending on your preference and location.

04

Submit Application : Submit your completed Form SS-4 to the IRS through your chosen application method. If applying online, the process is usually faster, and you'll receive your EIN immediately upon completion.

05

Wait for Processing : After submitting your application, the IRS will process it and issue an ITIN if everything is in order. Processing times can vary depending on the time of year and the volume of applications received.

06

Wait for Processing : If applying by mail, fax, or phone, you'll need to wait for the IRS to process your application. This typically takes a few weeks, but processing times may vary.

07

Receive EIN Confirmation : Once your application is processed and approved, you'll receive your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS. This letter confirms your EIN and includes important details about your business entity.

08

Keep EIN Information Secure : Safeguard your EIN confirmation letter and keep it in a secure place. You'll need this information for tax filings, business transactions, and other official purposes.

09

Use EIN for Business Transactions : Start using your EIN for various business transactions, such as opening bank accounts, filing taxes, hiring employees, applying for licenses or permits, and conducting financial transactions.

10

Update Information as Needed : Keep your EIN information up to date with the IRS. If there are any changes to your business structure or contact information, notify the IRS promptly to ensure accurate record-keeping.

Throughout this process, our firm is largely capable of handling each step efficiently and effectively, ensuring compliance with IRS requirements and providing expert guidance to support you.

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Why seek out an international accounting firm based in the USA?

Engaging a firm like PIK CONSULTING means benefiting from the services of a consultant who is:
  • Independent and an expert in EIN or ITIN matters;
  • registered both in France (as a chartered accountant) and in the USA (as a CPA accountant);
  • accredited by the IRS as an acceptance agency in the USA, thus capable of providing legal services;
  • available for the full range of accounting, tax, and administrative services for European businesses established in the USA, as well as the reverse;
  • supporting entrepreneurs in the development of their business internationally.
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Other Areas of Expertise of PIK CONSULTING

The ITIN number
  • In addition to services related to the EIN, PIK CONSULTING also offers support for obtaining an ITIN. This term stands for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, the individual number that identifies a taxpayer. It is used in the U.S. tax collection system.
  • The IRS issues it upon request to individuals who do not have access to a Social Security Number. Thus, foreign nationals, whether residents or non-residents, can pay their taxes without being registered with Social Security. However, this number does not permit employment in the USA.

In addition to our services related to EIN and ITIN, we provide tailored support to meet each client’s needs. As partners in their business both in the United States and internationally, we offer a team of multilingual and multicultural experts to assist businesses. This ensures a relevant response, regardless of the project.

Our partnership with EXPAND CPA enhances our expertise. We thus offer a comprehensive solution for entrepreneurship in the USA and Europe, regardless of the nationality or residency of the executives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "EIN" mean?

EIN is the American acronym for Employment Identification Number. Contrary to what you might think, it does not apply only to entities that employ staff. Regardless of the owner, any business created or registered in the USA must have an EIN number.

This number has different meanings depending on your country of residence. In France, it primarily refers to the SIREN number, the unique identification number of a business. This number is assigned by INSEE when a company registers in the SIRENE directory (an information system for the directory of companies and establishments). Do not confuse it with the employer number, known as Cesu, which serves as an employer or employee reference. In the United States, the Employer Identification Number is the EIN, or Employment Identification Number. This number authenticates a business with government agencies, banks, and the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Forming a company in the USA is impossible without this EIN number.

Unlike the EIN, the ITIN identifies an individual rather than a business. It is the number a taxpayer must have when they do not have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN). To obtain it, you must submit your application to the IRS, the federal agency responsible for collecting income tax and various other taxes. PIK CONSULTING, a consulting firm with offices in Europe and the USA, handles this administrative process for you.

If you have not yet submitted an application to the Internal Revenue Service using Form SS-4, you do not have an EIN. Therefore, you cannot find it. By following the required steps to obtain it, including establishing the company and completing Form SS-4, you will receive your EIN. The most reliable way, especially for efficiency, is to consult an IRS-accredited specialist such as PIK CONSULTING.
This American acronym refers to the Internal Revenue Service. It is the federal government agency in the United States responsible for collecting:
  • income tax;
  • corporate tax;
  • employment-related taxes;
  • estate taxes, and others.
It is also the American agency that enforces tax law for the federal budget. It operates under the Department of the Treasury.
Does my EIN have an expiration date?
No, once obtained from the Internal Revenue Service, the Employer Identification Number (EIN) does not expire. However, if the company closes, it becomes inactive.
Yes, non-U.S. residents can establish or register a company. They are therefore required to have an EIN for this business. However, the process cannot be completed online, as it is reserved for legal entities with an address in the United States. They can, however, use mail, fax, or phone. Given the documentation required by the tax authorities, it is advisable to work with an independent firm, accredited by the IRS, like PIK CONSULTING. This is particularly beneficial for companies without a U.S. presence, which are not permitted to file online.
The application to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is free. The business does not pay any fees or charges when submitting Form SS-4 or upon receiving the EIN. However, legal entities established in the United States may benefit from consulting a tax firm specialized and accredited by the IRS as an acceptance agent. This is especially relevant for foreign nationals establishing a business in the U.S., whether they are residents or not.
The status of Acceptance Agent (AA) is an accreditation granted by the Internal Revenue Service in the United States. Consulting firms specializing in assisting businesses or taxpayers are authorized to help them with their IRS procedures. These entities represent clients in obtaining numbers like the ITIN or EIN. PIK CONSULTING is listed on the IRS web page as an acceptance agent outside the United States.

The EIN application requires completing the SS-4 form accurately. To assist with this sometimes-complex process, especially for foreign nationals, consider working with an acceptance agent accredited by the IRS.

Here is the information to provide to the U.S. federal tax administration:

  • legal name of the company, as officially registered in the home country, if it’s a foreign entity;
  • type of company (corporation, partnership, etc.);
  • reason for the EIN application;
  • identity (name and identification number of the responsible party, such as SSN for U.S. residents, foreign passport number, or foreign identification number for non-residents);
  • company address in the USA or abroad, if applicable;
  • activity of the legal entity;
  • number of current or projected employees within the next 12 months;
  • date of first wage or compensation payment to employees located in the United States.

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We support and offer personalized services to foreign companies and foreign residents established in France

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