If you’ve formed a Wyoming LLC, one of the first things you’ll need is an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This number is essential for opening a U.S. business bank account, filing taxes, hiring employees, and maintaining compliance with the IRS.
Even if you’re a non-U.S. resident managing your business from abroad, getting an EIN is possible and relatively straightforward once you understand the process. This guide explains what an EIN is, why you need it, and how to get one for your Wyoming LLC.
1. What Is an EIN?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It functions like a Social Security Number but for your business.
The IRS uses your EIN to identify your company for tax purposes. You’ll need an EIN for several reasons:
- To file your federal tax returns
- To open a U.S. business bank account
- To hire employees
- To apply for business credit or loans
- To comply with U.S. tax reporting requirements
Every Wyoming LLC that is owned by a foreign person, or has more than one member, is required to have an EIN.
2. When You Need an EIN for a Wyoming LLC
You must obtain an EIN if:
- Your LLC is owned by a foreign individual or company
- You plan to open a U.S. bank account
- You intend to file tax forms such as 5472, 1120, or 1065
- You will hire U.S.-based employees or contractors
- Your LLC has more than one member
Even single-member LLCs owned by non-U.S. residents must get an EIN if they have reportable transactions or are required to file IRS Form 5472.
3. How to Get an EIN for a Wyoming LLC
There are several ways to obtain an EIN for your Wyoming LLC depending on whether you have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) and where you are located.
Option 1: Apply Directly with the IRS (Online or by Fax)
If you have a U.S. SSN or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), you can apply for your EIN online through the IRS website. The online application is the fastest method and usually provides your EIN immediately after submission.
If you don’t have an SSN or ITIN, you can still apply by completing Form SS-4 and faxing it to the IRS at +1 (855) 641-6935. You’ll need to include your LLC’s name, registered address, and responsible party information.
Processing time for fax applications typically takes around four weeks for foreign applicants.
Option 2: Apply by Mail (Form SS-4)
If you prefer, you can also mail Form SS-4 to the IRS at:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
USA
This method is slower and can take up to eight weeks, but it’s a valid option if you can’t apply online or by fax.
Option 3: Work with a Tax Incorporation Service
If you don’t have a U.S. address or prefer to avoid handling IRS paperwork yourself, you can work with a professional incorporation service that handles EIN applications for foreign-owned businesses.
We recommend partners of ours such as Firstbase.io or Doola, both of which specialize in setting up U.S. entities for international founders. They can handle the EIN application on your behalf and ensure all documentation is filed correctly with the IRS and your registered agent. We also have other partners, just send us a note and we'd be happy to refer you to them as some cover specific geographies such as Latin America, Europe, etc.
4. Common Mistakes When Applying for an EIN
Getting an EIN is usually simple, but small mistakes can delay your application. Watch out for these common errors:
- Submitting an incomplete or incorrect Form SS-4
- Using the wrong business address or registered agent information
- Selecting the wrong entity type (for example, marking “corporation” instead of “LLC”)
- Applying multiple times for the same entity, which can create duplicate EINs
- Forgetting to include the responsible party’s details or tax identification information
If you’re unsure about any part of the form, it’s better to consult a professional before submitting to avoid costly delays.
5. After You Receive Your EIN
Once you have your EIN, keep it in a secure place. You’ll need it for:
- Filing your annual federal tax returns
- Submitting information returns like Form 5472, 1120, or 1065
- Opening a U.S. business bank account
- Registering for sales tax (if applicable)
- Providing information to clients, vendors, or financial institutions
At this stage, you’ll also want to ensure that your Wyoming LLC remains compliant with both federal and state obligations. That includes annual federal tax filings and accurate bookkeeping.
6. How Bookmate Helps
At Bookmate, we focus on what happens after you get your EIN. We specialize in federal tax filings and bookkeeping for U.S. companies managed from abroad.
Here’s what we handle for Wyoming LLCs:
- Annual federal tax filings (Forms 5472, 1120, 1065, or 1040 as required)
- Ongoing bookkeeping for your LLC
- IRS correspondence and guidance on tax compliance
- Personalized support for non-U.S. business owners
While Bookmate does not assist with EIN applications or state-level filings, we recommend Firstbase.io or Doola for EIN setup and incorporation services. Once your LLC and EIN are ready, Bookmate can take care of your taxes and accounting so you can focus on running your business.
Your EIN Is Just the Beginning
Obtaining an EIN is a key step in launching your Wyoming LLC and maintaining IRS compliance. Whether you apply directly through the IRS or work with an incorporation service, it’s important to get this right from the start.
Once your EIN is issued, your next priority is staying compliant with annual tax filings and accurate bookkeeping. That’s where Bookmate comes in — we make U.S. tax management simple, reliable, and stress-free for international founders.
Learn more at www.trybookmate.co
Or book a free consultation with our team here
