Blog EIN Requirement: What You Need to Know for Indian Bloggers

When you run a blog from India and earn money from US-based platforms like Google AdSense, Amazon Associates, or Patreon, you might hear about an EIN, a nine-digit tax identification number issued by the IRS for businesses operating in the United States. Also known as a Federal Employer Identification Number, it’s not something you need just because you have a blog—but it becomes essential if you’re collecting payments from American companies. Most Indian bloggers assume they need an EIN to avoid tax withholding, but that’s not the full story.

The real question isn’t whether you can get an EIN—it’s whether you should. If you’re earning from US companies and don’t have a US address or business entity, you’re not legally required to have an EIN. But here’s the catch: without an EIN, those companies are forced to withhold 30% of your payments as tax under US law. If you fill out a W-8BEN form correctly, you can reduce that withholding to 0% or 15%—depending on the US-India tax treaty—without ever needing an EIN. Many bloggers think they need an EIN to prove they’re not a US resident, but the W-8BEN does that job perfectly. An EIN is only necessary if you’ve set up a US LLC, have a US bank account, or are filing US tax returns. For most Indian bloggers, it’s just extra paperwork.

What you do need is clarity on how your earnings are treated. If you’re monetizing through ads, affiliate links, or digital products sold to Americans, you’re still subject to Indian income tax rules. The IRS doesn’t care where you live—they care if you’re receiving payments from US sources. That’s why the W-8BEN form matters more than the EIN. It tells the payer: "I’m not a US person, so don’t withhold tax." And yes, you can file it yourself online in under 15 minutes. No lawyer. No US address. No EIN.

Some bloggers get confused because they see other Indian creators talking about their EINs. But those people likely have US-based businesses, clients, or bank accounts. If you’re just writing from Delhi or Pune and getting paid via PayPal or Stripe, you’re not in that group. Don’t let marketing sites scare you into paying for "EIN setup services"—you can get one for free from the IRS website if you really need it. But for 95% of Indian bloggers? Skip it. Focus on your content, fill out the W-8BEN, and keep your earnings intact.

Below, you’ll find real guides on blog monetization, domain costs, YouTube earnings, and platform choices—all written for Indian creators who want to build income without overcomplicating taxes. No jargon. No hype. Just what works.