Many foreign founders form a Wyoming LLC and then discover the requirement to file Form 5472 with the IRS. One of the first questions that comes up is whether you need an EIN (Employer Identification Number) to file the form. Since the IRS uses the EIN to track business filings, the answer is almost always yes.
In fact, without an EIN your company is essentially non-functional—you cannot open a U.S. bank account, cannot apply for many financial services, and cannot properly file taxes. The EIN is the unique identifier for your business, and it is required for nearly every step of operating in the U.S.
This article explains why an EIN is necessary, how it connects to Form 5472, what happens if you never got one, and what to do if you aren’t sure whether your company already has one. We’ll also cover some common questions about applying for an EIN as a foreign owner and how Bookmate fits into the process.
Why an EIN is required for Form 5472
The IRS requires that every business filing Form 5472 include a valid EIN. That’s because the EIN acts as the business’s tax ID number, similar to how individuals use a Social Security Number. Without an EIN, the IRS cannot process Form 5472 or match it to your company.
Even if your Wyoming LLC had no sales, no bank account, and no employees, once it is foreign-owned and has reportable transactions (like capital contributions), it must file Form 5472. And to file that form, you need an EIN.
What if my Wyoming LLC never got an EIN?
Some founders skip the EIN application because they assume it’s only needed for U.S. employees. Others rely on formation companies that may not have applied for one. If your LLC doesn’t have an EIN, you cannot file Form 5472 correctly, and this can lead to problems with the IRS.
Beyond IRS compliance, an LLC without an EIN is practically unusable. You cannot open a U.S. bank account, apply for merchant services, use Stripe or PayPal properly, or access most financial tools. Without an EIN, your LLC is essentially a shell with no ability to operate.
If you are unsure whether you already have an EIN, check your formation paperwork or look for an IRS confirmation letter. This letter usually comes as a one-page document (Form CP 575) that lists your EIN at the top. If you don’t have this, it is likely your company never applied.
How EINs work for foreign owners
Foreign owners can apply for an EIN, even without a Social Security Number. The IRS allows non-U.S. residents to get an EIN by submitting Form SS-4. The process typically involves calling the IRS directly or working through a formation company that handles the application.
It’s important to know that Bookmate does not apply for EINs on behalf of clients. Instead, we recommend trusted formation companies that can manage the EIN process. Once you have your EIN, Bookmate takes care of the federal tax filings, including Form 5472.
EIN and the type of entity you have
The EIN confirmation letter can also give you clues about your entity type:
- If your EIN letter lists your name with “Sole Mbr,” that indicates you have a single-member LLC. These require Form 5472 with a pro forma 1120.
- If it lists “Mbr,” that usually means a multi-member LLC, which instead files Form 1065.
- If you formed a corporation, the EIN letter will note that. Corporations file a full 1120 and may also need to attach Form 5472 if foreign-owned.
This makes the EIN document not just an identifier, but also a tool to confirm your tax classification.
What if I don’t want an EIN?
Some foreign founders hesitate to apply for an EIN because they worry it increases their U.S. tax obligations. But the reality is that forming a Wyoming LLC already creates compliance requirements. Having an EIN doesn’t change your obligations—it simply makes it possible to file correctly and operate normally.
Without one, you risk being completely out of compliance and unable to run your business at all.
Common questions about EINs and Form 5472
Can I file Form 5472 without an EIN? No. The IRS requires an EIN to accept the form.
Does applying for an EIN create tax liability? No. It only gives your company an identification number. The tax obligations come from owning a foreign-owned LLC or corporation, not from the EIN itself.
Do I need a U.S. address to get an EIN? No. You can use your foreign address, but you will also need a registered agent address in Wyoming for state filings.
Does Bookmate apply for EINs? No. We recommend formation companies for EIN applications. Bookmate handles federal IRS filings, including Form 5472, once your EIN is set up.
How Bookmate helps foreign-owned LLCs
Bookmate specializes in federal compliance for foreign-owned U.S. businesses. For Wyoming LLCs, we:
- File Form 5472 with the required pro forma 1120 for single-member LLCs.
- File Form 1120 with Form 5472 attached for corporations with foreign shareholders.
- Guide founders on how to interpret their EIN confirmation letter.
We do not apply for EINs ourselves, but we partner with reliable formation companies for that step. Once your EIN is in place, we ensure your federal filings are accurate and penalty-free.
Final thoughts
If you own a Wyoming LLC as a foreign founder, you almost certainly need an EIN. Without one, you cannot open a bank account, cannot access financial services, cannot file Form 5472, and cannot truly operate.
Getting an EIN doesn’t increase your U.S. tax burden—it simply ensures your company can comply with the law and function properly. Once you have your EIN, Bookmate can handle the filings so you can stay focused on running your business.
Learn more at trybookmate.co or book a consultation today.
