Any non-US citizens with a US LLC?

[Soultrader]

Im looking for some help on filling out my W7 forms to obtain a ITIN#. Does anyone here own a LLC in the US with a foreign citizenship? Thanks

[notouch]

Have you considered the tax implications of doing that? I think a Japanese or offshore limited company would be a better option for what you're trying to achieve.

[cooter]

James,

Do you have US citizenship, in addition to your native-born Japanese status?

If not, why do you want to subject yourself to paying US taxes if you don't have to?

[Soultrader]

I dont have a US citizen. I recently filed for a LLC in Delaware and trying to fill out some tax forms. I spent some time on the phone with the IRS but they were extremely useless. Anyone have any experience with this? Thanks

[cooter]

So I take it you never received a SSN while you were in the States?

[notouch]

Soultrader, why would you even want to set up a LLC in the US? It seems you'd just be paying tax to the US government for no reason.

[TinGull]

James, I'm interested as well as to why you'd want to do that. You said that taxes for yourself in Japan are next to nothing.

[Soultrader]

Im trying to setup a US business completely different from trading. With the US and Japan, I can claim a tax treaty benefit which will prevent me from getting taxed double.

[cooter]

Well, if you have an SSN, you don't need to get an ITIN. Since you apparently weren't issued one when you were stateside, you'll have to apply for an ITIN, just to get an EIN, correct?

However, as you no doubt know, the effort required to show that you really need an ITIN is burdensome, since you have to attach a tax return to prove your immediate need for it.

This is because illegals and scammers were using the 9-digit ITIN in place of the SSN for employment and credit purposes. Hence the crackdown.

Might I suggest you consult with a good tax or immigration attorney who is well versed in this issue?

[Soultrader]

I finally heard back from the IRS and they have told me that I do not need a SSN or ITIN to apply for the EIN number. A couple or rules changed regarding the EIN# after 9-11.