Getting a US Tax ID without living in the USA?

Is that possible?

[fischermx]

I remember once read about this, but can't find the source now. If I don't live in the USA could I still getting an Tax ID? I remember somewhere I knew about International Tax payer ID or similar name. It was like a couple years ago. I'd like to know what's the current status of this.
Is there any International webmaster who have got a Tax ID in the US?

[IrishWeimGirl]

The IRS would probably be your best bet on answering this. Their URL is [irs.gov...] Or you may want to check US legal directories and find a firm that specializes in tax law that'll give a free consultation.

[bnhall]

You could form an LLC which could get an EIN.

[lgn1]

We are a Canadian Company with no presence in the USA and we have an EIN, just to keep the US customs people happy.

[madmac]

>> You could form an LLC

No you can't... most states require you to have a registered agent who has to be a resident of the state. If you could find someone to be a registered agent for you, then maybe, but not without one.

[fischermx]

We are a Canadian Company with no presence in the USA and we have an EIN, just to keep the US customs people happy.

Where does this process start from? Should I go to some government agency within the USA? or is this something to arrange in the local embassy?

[lgn1]

[irs.gov ]

Phone the number at the bottom of the chart, and they will get you started. You should have an EIN in a couple of weeks.

[iProgram]

A TIN can bring you a lot of trouble. For example, you will need to fill a lot of mysterious tax forms every year. To get an EIN, you need to form your company in US and FAX the form SS-4. Or you can get an ITIN as a foreign individual using form W-7. I think you should attach your tax return in these forms.

[lgn1]

Iprogram. You don't need to form a company in the USA to get a EIN number. We did it. As far as Tax forms, you just need to send a letter to the IRS stating that you have no US income and no buisness in the USA. We have already checked with our accountant on this.

We needed an EIN for customs purposes only.

If you want to setup US operations and have US agents, then yes their is tax implications.

However the EIN in itself does not create tax implications.

fischermx, what do you need the EIN for. You can't use it to get a US bank account, as EIN starts with 9 and SSN start from 0 to 7's

[fischermx]

I already have bank accounts without having a Tax ID, I was not asked to provided. However my accounts are limited in the ability to transfer money bank-to-bank, but I can do every other operation.

I wanted the number to signup on affiliate programs with my suite address (not from the USPS) and use this number. So, I could be treated like an US affiliate.

[iProgram]

As far as Tax forms, you just need to send a letter to the IRS stating that you have no US income and no buisness in the USA. We have already checked with our accountant on this.

If I already incorporated in US and got the EIN, can I send IRS a letter to avoiding future tax form? Can you tell me more about your letter? I cann't find any info about this on IRS's website. The problem is, when I asked other people about this question, they will alwasy provided me with different answers. Some people said Yes and some people said No.