If you are forming a Florida LLC as a non-U.S. founder, you likely need an EIN for your business — and you may separately need an ITIN for yourself, but only if you also have a personal U.S. tax filing obligation. The two numbers serve different taxpayers and different purposes, and most founders only need one of them at the outset.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a 9-digit number the IRS assigns to a business entity — not to a person. Most Florida LLCs obtain an EIN because it is needed to open a business bank account, hire employees, file certain tax returns, and conduct normal business operations. You apply using IRS Form SS-4.
If your LLC's responsible party has a U.S. Social Security Number and the business's principal place of business is in the U.S., the EIN application can be completed online in one session, with the number issued immediately. If the responsible party has no SSN, or the LLC's principal place of business is outside the U.S., the online tool is not available — you must apply by phone (+1 267-941-1099), fax, or mail. Fax applications are typically processed in about four business days; mail applications take about four weeks. There is no fee. The IRS explicitly warns that any site charging you for an EIN is not the IRS.
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a 9-digit number the IRS issues to a person who has a U.S. federal tax filing obligation but is not eligible for a Social Security Number. You apply using IRS Form W-7.
An ITIN does not authorize you to work in the U.S., does not change your immigration status, and is not a substitute for an SSN outside the federal tax system. You need one only if you personally must file a U.S. tax return, claim a tax treaty benefit, or are listed as a spouse or dependent on someone else's return. Simply owning a Florida LLC does not, by itself, create this obligation — it depends on whether the LLC's income is effectively connected to a U.S. trade or business and flows through to you personally.
Yes. If the responsible party on your LLC's EIN application has an ITIN instead of an SSN, that is acceptable — enter it in the responsible party section of Form SS-4. Having an ITIN does not exempt the application from the online tool's separate requirement that the principal place of business be in the U.S.; a non-U.S.-based LLC still applies by phone, fax, or mail regardless of whether the responsible party holds an SSN or an ITIN.
Most international founders need only the EIN to get their LLC operating: opening a bank account, signing contracts, and filing the LLC's own returns. You need an ITIN in addition only if you, personally, have a U.S. tax return to file — for example, if the LLC's activity rises to a U.S. trade or business and income is effectively connected to it. That determination depends on your specific tax circumstances and applicable U.S. tax rules.
Can I get an EIN before I have an ITIN?
Yes. The EIN is for the business; you do not need a personal ITIN first. Many founders obtain the EIN, then apply for an ITIN later only if a personal filing obligation arises.
How long does it take to get an EIN without an SSN?
Roughly four business days by fax or about four weeks by mail, once your Florida LLC is already formed with the state.
How long does it take to get an ITIN?
Allow about seven weeks for standard processing, or nine to eleven weeks during tax season (January 15–April 30) or if you apply from overseas.
Can I apply for an EIN online if I live outside the United States?
Only if your LLC's principal place of business is in the U.S. If it is not, you must apply by phone, fax, or mail.
Does getting an ITIN affect my immigration status?
No. An ITIN is strictly for federal tax purposes. It does not grant work authorization or change immigration status.
Last verified: August 3, 2026, directly against irs.gov (Form SS-4, Form W-7, and the ITIN program page).