TAX ID / 05
Tax ID Applications: US EIN, ITIN And The Hong Kong BR Number
Opening bank accounts, onboarding with e-commerce platforms and handling cross-border tax all depend on the right tax identification number. Huanchen assists with US EIN and ITIN applications and verifies Hong Kong BR numbers, keeping entity details consistent across systems.
OVERVIEW
Common tax IDs and their uses
The Employer Identification Number, issued by the IRS, used for company tax filings, US bank accounts and onboarding with platforms such as Stripe and Amazon.
The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, for individuals without an SSN who need to file US taxes or complete certain financial procedures, applied for on Form W-7.
The Business Registration number shown on the BR certificate, now the Unique Business Identifier (UBI) for Hong Kong entities, used on government forms and for bank and platform verification.
What to know before applying
Each tax ID has its own form and processing channel, and consistency of details is what gets applications through.
- The EIN is requested on Form SS-4; a non-US resident can obtain one for a company without holding an SSN
- Telephone applications are limited to applicants with a US point of contact; overseas applicants usually file by fax or mail, with processing times of several weeks
- The ITIN is requested on Form W-7 with original or certified identity documents, often with the help of an IRS-acceptance agent (CAA)
- A Hong Kong company receives its Business Registration Certificate automatically at incorporation; no separate BR number application is needed, but particulars must be updated after changes
- The company name and address entered on platforms must match the tax ID documents exactly, or verification is rejected
- A tax ID is an identifier, not proof of tax compliance — an EIN-holding company must still file its US returns on time
PROCESS
Four steps to your tax ID
- 01
Needs confirmation
The required tax ID type and applicant entity are confirmed based on banking, platform or filing purposes.
- 02
Document preparation
Corporate documents, responsible-party identification and business descriptions are compiled and checked form by form.
- 03
Filing and follow-up
Applications are lodged with the IRS or the relevant authority and followed through to issuance.
- 04
Delivery and guidance
Confirmation documents are delivered with guidance on correct usage for banking, platforms and tax filings.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. A non-US resident can obtain an EIN for a US company; the responsible-party field on Form SS-4 may be completed as Foreign per IRS instructions. Processing time depends on the filing channel.
What is the difference between an EIN and an ITIN?
The EIN identifies entities such as companies and employers, while the ITIN is issued to individuals who are not eligible for an SSN and need to file US taxes. They are not interchangeable.
Does a Hong Kong company need any other tax number?
In Hong Kong the BR number serves as the Unique Business Identifier and is issued automatically at incorporation, so no separate tax identification number is required locally. Operating in other countries, such as selling into the US, may require the corresponding local tax IDs.
CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION