An SSN (Social Security Number) is a nine-digit ID the US issues to citizens and work-authorized residents to track earnings and taxes. Non-resident founders abroad generally don't qualify for one, which is why most use an EIN or ITIN instead.
How does an SSN work?
The Social Security Administration assigns SSNs to track wages and Social Security benefits over a person's working life.
Eligibility is the catch for founders outside the US. The SSA issues SSNs to US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain noncitizens with work authorization. If you live in India or another country and have no US work visa, you generally cannot get one.
That is by design, not a gap you need to fill, because the US tax system already has separate identifiers for people and businesses without an SSN.
Why does this matter for an Indian or global founder?
A common myth is that you need an SSN to start a US company. You do not.
Your US LLC or C-Corp gets an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS, which is the business's tax ID and is what banks actually require to open an account.
You can apply for an EIN without an SSN. On Form SS-4, line 7b, the IRS instruction is to enter "Foreign" (or "N/A"); in practice some filers leave it blank and the EIN still issues.
If you personally owe a US filing, an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is the personal equivalent of an SSN for non-residents.
So the absence of an SSN never blocks formation. It just routes you to the right identifier, covered in our guide to getting an EIN without an SSN.
Where does an SSN fit with StableCorp?
StableCorp forms your Wyoming LLC or Delaware C-Corp, files the SS-4 to obtain your EIN, and opens a US bank account, none of which requires you to hold an SSN. From there you can receive USD and USDC payments and off-ramp to INR on compliant rails. As a foreign-owned single-member LLC you will also have an annual Form 5472 obligation; see our guide to Form 5472 for foreign-owned LLCs. Formation through bank account is one flow, priced transparently at pricing.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Verify current IRS guidance before filing.
Sources
Social Security Administration — Social Security Number and Card — https://www.ssa.gov/number-card
IRS — Instructions for Form SS-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number) — https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-ss-4
IRS — Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — https://www.irs.gov/individuals/individual-taxpayer-identification-number