EIN vs. ITIN vs. SSN — Which Tax Number Does Your Business Need?
EINs identify businesses. SSNs identify US persons. ITINs identify non-US individuals who must file US tax returns. Most owners need at least two of the three.
Foreign founders can absolutely own US LLCs and corporations without an SSN. The path: form the entity, get an EIN as a 'responsible party' with a foreign address, and apply for an ITIN if you'll personally need to file a US return.
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