How to Get an EIN for a Non-Profit Organization Without an SSN

Key Takeaways

• Non-profits can get an EIN without an SSN by applying by fax or mail and writing “Foreign” where an SSN/ITIN is requested.
• You’ll need a “responsible party” name and address; the IRS accepts a foreign passport number or “Foreign” when no U.S. tax ID exists.
• Having your formation details ready (legal name, mailing address, state of incorporation, and start date) prevents delays and rejections.
• An EIN is required for opening a bank account, hiring employees, and filing common non-profit returns like Form 990 series.

Getting an EIN for a non-profit organization is possible even when no one involved has a Social Security Number (SSN). The key is using the correct IRS application method and completing the responsible party section the right way.

Can a non-profit get an EIN without an SSN?

Yes. A non-profit organization can obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) even if the founder, officer, or responsible party does not have an SSN or ITIN. The main limitation is the IRS online EIN system: it generally requires the responsible party to have an SSN, ITIN, or EIN to complete the online interview.

What “without an SSN” means in practice

• Online EIN application: Usually not available if the responsible party lacks an SSN/ITIN.
• Fax or mail application: Common path when there is no SSN/ITIN. You complete Form SS-4 and enter “Foreign” in the SSN/ITIN field.

When you’ll still need an EIN

Most non-profits need an EIN to:

• Open a U.S. bank account under the organization’s name
• Apply for 501(c)(3) or other tax-exempt recognition (if applicable)
• Hire employees and run payroll
• File annual information returns (often Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N)

Ready to get started? Apply online now.

What does the IRS require on the EIN application when there’s no SSN?

The IRS EIN application (Form SS-4) requires a responsible party. This is the person who controls, manages, or directs the entity and its funds and assets (often a director, officer, or trustee for a non-profit).

Responsible party requirements (non-profit-specific)

Minimum information you should have ready

• Responsible party’s full legal name
• Responsible party’s title (for example: President, Director, Treasurer, Trustee)
• Responsible party’s address (U.S. or foreign address is acceptable)
• The responsible party’s SSN/ITIN/EIN, or “Foreign” if none exists

How to complete the SSN/ITIN field correctly

• If the responsible party has no SSN and no ITIN, write “Foreign” in the SSN/ITIN field on Form SS-4.
• Use a consistent format across the form: don’t enter placeholder numbers (like all zeros), which can trigger rejection or delays.

Non-profit entity details the IRS typically checks for consistency

• Legal name: Must match the organizing document (Articles of Incorporation/Certificate of Formation) or trust instrument.
• Mailing address: Must be complete and deliverable; include suite/unit where applicable.
• Entity type: Typically a corporation (non-profit corporation), trust, or unincorporated association.
• Date business started or acquired: Use the formation date or the date operations began (month/day/year).

How do you apply for an EIN for a non-profit without an SSN (step-by-step)?

When the IRS online system isn’t available due to no SSN/ITIN, the most common method is submitting Form SS-4 by fax or mail.

Step 1: Confirm your non-profit’s legal structure

Before you apply, confirm whether you are:

• A non-profit corporation (most common)
• A trust (for certain charitable entities)
• An unincorporated association (less common, but used by some clubs and groups)

This matters because it affects which boxes you select on Form SS-4 and how the IRS classifies the entity.

Step 2: Complete Form SS-4 using non-profit-accurate selections

Common Form SS-4 entries for non-profits

Line 1 (Legal name)

Use the exact name as registered in your organizing document.

Line 2 (Trade name / DBA)

Leave blank unless you operate under a different public-facing name.

Line 3 (Executor/administrator/trustee “care of”)

Use this if mail should go to a person or firm handling your filings.

Lines 4a–5b (Addresses)

Enter your mailing and physical address; foreign addresses are acceptable if the organization is administered abroad.

Line 7a–7b (Responsible party)

List an officer/director/trustee. If there is no SSN/ITIN, enter “Foreign” on the ID line.

Line 8a (Is this application for a limited liability company?)

Most non-profits answer “No” unless formed as an LLC (rare, but possible in certain states with specific structures).

Line 9a (Type of entity)

Select the appropriate entity type (often “Corporation” for a non-profit corporation). If applicable, note “Other nonprofit organization” where instructed.

Line 10 (Reason for applying)

Common reasons include “Started a new business” or “Banking purposes.”

Line 11 (Date started)

Enter as MM/DD/YYYY. Using an accurate date reduces EIN/record mismatches later.

Need help registering? Start your application.

Step 3: Submit by fax or mail and plan for processing time

Step 4: Use the EIN consistently across non-profit filings

Once issued, the EIN becomes the organization’s federal tax identifier. Use the same EIN on:

• Bank account applications and merchant services
• Payroll forms if you hire employees
• Form 990-series filings (990-N/990-EZ/990)
• State tax registrations where applicable

Supporting details: Common roadblocks (and how to avoid them)

Mismatch between EIN application and formation paperwork

If the legal name or formation date on Form SS-4 doesn’t match your incorporation/trust paperwork, you can see delays. Use the exact punctuation and spacing shown on your filed formation document.

Using an individual name as the organization name

For a non-profit, the EIN should be issued to the entity—not to a founder personally. Line 1 should be the organization’s legal name; personal names belong in the responsible party section.

Not having a stable mailing address

The EIN assignment letter is an official document. Use a mailing address where you can reliably receive mail for at least 12 months (for example, a permanent office address rather than a short-term location).

Related registrations you may need after the EIN

An EIN is only one part of compliance. Depending on fundraising, selling goods, or hiring, you may need additional registrations.

State tax accounts and permits (when applicable)

• Sales tax: If the non-profit sells taxable merchandise (including at fundraising events), a sales tax account may be required.
• Employer accounts: Hiring employees can trigger state withholding and unemployment insurance registration.
• Charitable solicitation: Fundraising registrations may be required based on where donors are located and how solicitations occur.

For broader context on state-level registrations, see state tax ID and business license requirements.

Practical examples: EIN use cases for non-profits without an SSN

Example 1: New charity opening a bank account

A newly incorporated non-profit corporation needs an EIN to open a bank account under the organization’s name. Even if all directors are non-U.S. persons without SSNs, the organization can