US Company Registration Number Do You Really Know Its Purpose and Application Methods?

The Significance and Application of the U.S. Company Registration Number EIN in Global Business Expansion

In today’s increasingly globalized business environment, more and more Chinese companies are choosing to enter the international market, particularly the U.S. market. Whether establishing a branch office, making investments, or engaging in cross-border e-commerce, registering a U.S. company has become an important strategy for many enterprises expanding overseas. Among all the steps in the registration process, obtaining a U.S. company registration number-also known as the Employer Identification Number EIN-is one of the most critical. Do you truly understand its meaning and usage?

What is a U.S. Company Registration Number?

The U.S. company registration number, commonly referred to as the Employer Identification Number EIN, is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned by the Internal Revenue Service IRS to businesses registered in the United States. It typically appears in the format of 12-3456789 and functions similarly to an individual’s Social Security Number SSN. It serves as an essential identifier for companies in tax filings, banking, and legal matters.

In addition to the EIN, individual U.S. states may issue other types of registration numbers, such as state tax identification numbers or business license numbers. While these vary in usage depending on the context, the EIN remains one of the most universally recognized and authoritative identification codes for businesses.

Why is the EIN so Important?

First and foremost, the EIN is foundational for legal business operations in the U.S. According to IRS regulations, any company operating in the United States-regardless of whether it has employees-must apply for an EIN. Without it, a business may be unable to open a corporate bank account, apply for a commercial loan, file tax returns, or even sign formal contracts with U.S.-based partners.

Secondly, the EIN is essential for tax reporting in the U.S. Whether for federal or state tax purposes, the EIN serves as the sole identifier for a business entity in the eyes of tax authorities. For cross-border enterprises, having an EIN enables accurate tracking and reporting of tax information, reducing the risk of compliance issues due to identity verification problems.

Moreover, the EIN enhances a company’s credibility. In the U.S., whether partnering with suppliers or participating in tenders, having a formal EIN is often seen as a symbol of a well-structured and legitimate business. In the field of cross-border e-commerce, platforms frequently require sellers to provide their EIN or relevant tax information to ensure the legality of their operations.

How to Apply for an EIN?

The process of applying for an EIN is straightforward and completely free. The IRS provides an online application system accessible to both domestic and international applicants. Non-U.S. residents need only submit valid company registration documents, proof of the legal representative’s identity, and a valid contact method-such as an email address or a U.S.-based phone number-to complete the application.

The entire process usually takes no more than 15 minutes, and applicants can receive their EIN immediately upon approval. Notably, in recent years, with the deepening of Sino-U.S. trade relations, more Chinese companies and individuals have begun to focus on EIN applications. According to the latest data released by the IRS, the number of EIN applications from overseas applicants increased by approximately 17% year-on-year in 2025, with a significant rise in applicants from China. This trend reflects the accelerating pace of Chinese enterprises going global and highlights the growing awareness among investors of the importance of compliant operations.

Common Use Cases for the EIN

The EIN has a wide range of applications. First, it is a mandatory requirement for opening a U.S. bank account. Whether for a personally registered LLC or a branch of a large multinational corporation, banks require an EIN to complete the account opening process.

Second, the EIN is a necessary piece of information when signing contracts or issuing invoices with U.S. business partners. Many U.S. companies request the EIN from overseas partners before collaboration begins, to verify tax information and manage payment records.

The EIN is also crucial when applying for intellectual property such as trademarks or patents in the U.S. When submitting an application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office USPTO, applicants must provide their company’s EIN to ensure clear and legal ownership of rights.

For cross-border e-commerce sellers, the EIN may also impact the platform’s verification process. For example, major platforms such as Amazon and eBay have recently strengthened their seller verification procedures. Some sellers are now required to provide an EIN or relevant tax documentation during the registration process. Possessing an EIN not only accelerates the review process but also enhances the credibility of the store, helping to build consumer trust.

Conclusion

The U.S. company registration number-specifically the EIN-is not only a legal identity marker for businesses operating in the U.S., but also a vital bridge connecting international commercial cooperation. In the context of globalization, understanding and mastering the application and usage of the EIN is of great practical significance for companies aiming to enter the U.S. market.

Whether for tax filing, opening a bank account, signing contracts, or managing e-commerce platforms, the EIN plays an irreplaceable role. Mastering it signifies the beginning of compliant operations and marks a key step toward internationalization for any business.