ITIN and EIN are both US Tax Identification Numbers but serve completely different purposes. Bangladeshi freelancers earning from US platforms need an ITIN. Those who own US LLCs need an EIN. Many Bangladeshi entrepreneurs need both. This guide explains the difference clearly.
An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a 9-digit number issued by the IRS to individuals who need a US Tax ID but are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). It starts with the digit 9 (format: 9XX-XX-XXXX).
As a Bangladeshi national, you need an ITIN if you earn US-source income as an individual — from Fiverr, Amazon KDP, ClickBank, YouTube, or other US platforms — and need to file a W-8BEN or US tax return.
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit number issued by the IRS to business entities. It's used to identify your US LLC (or corporation) for tax purposes. It is the business equivalent of an SSN.
Your US LLC needs an EIN to open a US bank account, file Form 5472, hire employees, set up Stripe, and conduct business in the US. The EIN belongs to the LLC, not to you personally.
Many Bangladeshi entrepreneurs need both an ITIN and an EIN:
Example: You form a Wyoming LLC to sell on Shopify. The LLC's EIN is used for the Stripe account and Mercury bank. Your personal ITIN is used on Form 5472 to identify you as the Bangladeshi owner.
ITIN: Apply through ITIN Plus — $99 flat fee, 8–14 week processing, IRS Certified Acceptance Agent. Email apply@itinplus.com.
EIN: Apply directly to the IRS via Form SS-4 (free). The IRS allows non-US persons to obtain an EIN by phone (+1 267-941-1099) or by mailing Form SS-4. Processing: 4–6 weeks by mail, immediate by phone call.
IRS Certified Acceptance Agent · $99 flat fee · 8–14 week processing · No passport mailing required
Start Your ITIN Application — $99