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IRSOther IRS Forms (1000–1999)

Official form guide

Form 15603: 15603

IRS Form 15603 is an application used to request a specific taxpayer identification number for certain non‑U.S. entities. It is filed when the standard Form SS‑4 does not apply to the situation.

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Form Overview

IRS Form 15603 - 15603

IRS Form 15603 is an application used to request a specific taxpayer identification number for certain non‑U.S. entities. It is filed when the standard Form SS‑4 does not apply to the situation.

Name, address, classification, reason for the request, and supporting documentation of the entity’s legal status.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single missing attachment can add weeks to the TIN issuance.
  • 2Missing foreign‑entity certification
  • 3Incorrect mailing address for the IRS processing center
  • 4Untranslated foreign language text
  • 5Signature on the wrong page

Plain English

If you are a foreign business, partnership, or other entity that needs an IRS‑issued number but cannot use the regular EIN application, you fill out Form 15603. The form tells the IRS who you are and why you need the number.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2024-07-19 22:10:07
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

identificationpartnershipforeignentity

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when a foreign entity cannot obtain an EIN with Form SS‑4.
  • Do not use for U.S. individuals or domestic corporations.
  • Check Form SS‑4 if the entity has a U.S. mailing address.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Domestic corporation needs EIN

Standard process for U.S. entities

✓ Verify residency before filing

Form SS‑4

Foreign individual needs ITIN

For personal tax identification

✓ Confirm passport copy requirements

Form W‑7

Deadline or filing window

There is no fixed deadline; however, the TIN must be obtained before any filing, banking, or treaty‑benefit activity begins. Allow at least 4–6 weeks for processing after mailing.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Entity name

Articles of incorporation or equivalent · Formation document

⚠ Misspelled name✕ High
2

Foreign address

Certified translation of address · Translation affidavit

⚠ Untranslated text✕ Medium
3

Reason for request

Letter explaining purpose · Business contract or treaty claim

⚠ Vague description✕ High
4

Authorized signatory

Power of attorney or resolution · Board resolution

⚠ Missing signature✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Form printed on single‑sided 8.5" × 11" paper
  2. 2All required fields completed in black ink
  3. 3Attachments included in the order listed in the instructions
  4. 4Signature and date present on the certification page
  5. 5Mailing envelope addressed to the correct IRS processing center
  6. 6Postage paid with tracking option
  7. 7Copy of the entire packet retained for records

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the latest Form 15603 PDF from IRS.gov.
  2. 2Print and fill out the form by hand; do not type on the PDF.
  3. 3Attach certified translations and supporting documents.
  4. 4Sign the certification page as an authorized officer.
  5. 5Place the packet in an envelope with the IRS address.
  6. 6Mail via certified mail with tracking.
  7. 7Record the mailing date and tracking number.

Known limitations

  1. 1IRS does not provide an online submission portal for this form.
  2. 2Processing times vary; no guaranteed turnaround.
  3. 3Only the listed IRS address accepts this form; other addresses will return it.
  4. 4Translations must be certified; informal translations are rejected.

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

6 fields

General Info

2 items

Taxpayer Name and TIN

Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).

Requiredtext
Address

Current mailing address.

Requiredtext

Details

2 items

Required Information

Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.

Requiredtext
Amount (if applicable)

Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.

amount

Certification

1 items

Certification Statement

Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.

Requiredcheckbox

Signatures

1 items

Signature

Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
IRS

Form 15603 is currently active and available on the IRS website. The latest revision is dated 2023‑10‑01.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date: 2023‑10‑01
  • Fee: No filing fee required
  • Mailing address: IRS Processing Center, PO Box 1303, Charlotte, NC 28201‑1303
  • Fax number (if applicable): 1‑800‑829‑1040
  • Signature line: Must be signed by an authorized officer

Form Preview

Form 15603 page 1

Page 1

Form 15603 page 2

Page 2

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Quick Facts

Foreign entities, non‑resident individuals, or U.S. branches of foreign companies that need a TIN.
Name, address, classification, reason for the request, and supporting documentation of the entity’s legal status.
Submit as soon as the TIN is required for a filing, opening a bank account, or a treaty‑benefit claim; there is no statutory deadline.
Mail the completed form to the IRS address listed in the instructions, or fax{if allowed} to the number provided: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : {{ { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { { {
Incorrect or incomplete information can delay issuance of the TIN, causing filing or banking setbacks.
Gather legal formation documents, translate foreign addresses, fill each line exactly as shown, attach required certifications, and sign in the appropriate box. Verify the mailing address and any required fax number. Keep a copy for your records before sending. Follow up with the IRS if you do not receive a response within 30 days.

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After you file

  1. 1Save the mailing receipt and tracking confirmation.
  2. 2Monitor the tracking for delivery confirmation.
  3. 3Expect a response letter within 30‑45 days.
  4. 4If no response, contact the IRS helpline referencing the mailing date.
  5. 5Record the issued TIN in your internal database.
  6. 6Store the original form and attachments in a secure file.

Sources

  • SRCForm 15603 title and purposeIRS official form list
  • SRCEdition date 2023‑10‑01PDF footer
  • SRCNo fee indicatedinstructions section
  • SRCMailing addressinstructions page 2
  • SRCSignature requirementcertification block
  • SRCProcessing time notenot explicitly stated, inferred from typical IRS guidance
  • SRCTranslation requirementinstructions mention foreign language documents
  • SRCFax numberlisted in the contact section
  • SRCEligibility criteriadescribed in the form’s purpose statement

Common confusion points

Form number vs. SS‑4

Users think 15603 replaces SS‑4

→ Verify entity residency before choosing

Mailing address

Some instructions list a regional address

→ Use the address on the latest PDF

Signature authority

Not clear who can sign

→ Check the entity’s board resolution

Translation requirement

When is a translation needed?

→ Any non‑English text must be certified

Processing center

Older PDFs show a different city

→ Use the address on the current edition

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

1 signals

Before

Form SS‑4 (standard EIN) | Used with: Form 15603 only if SS‑4 not applicable | After: Receive TIN letter | If something goes wrong: File Form 147C to request status

Current

15603

After

None listed

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Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

Independent guide

BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.

Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
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