Unregistered business beginner

[Muse333]

hello, I am a crocheter based in the US. I’m wondering If I’m just starting out. I have no EIN number and my business isn’t registered. How do I set up a Shopify payment for customers to pay? 

[Muse333]

I’ll wait for an actual staff to answer thanks.

[Kudosi-Carlos]

Hello @Muse333 

You don’t need an EIN or a registered LLC to start taking payments on Shopify—you can use your personal Social Security Number (SSN) as a sole proprietor. Shopify Payments will accept that and deposit directly into your bank account. Here’s what to do next:

1. Enable Shopify Payments

• In your Shopify Admin, go to Settings → Payments.
• Under Shopify Payments, click Complete account setup.

2. Enter your personal details

• Business type: select “Sole proprietor” (that means it’s you, personally).
• Tax ID: enter your SSN (Shopify only needs the last four digits for verification).
• Address & contact: fill in your U.S. mailing address and phone number—this must match your bank records.

3. Link your bank account

• Provide your routing and account numbers so Shopify can deposit your payouts.
• Double-check these numbers to avoid payout delays.

4. Finish KYC verification

• Shopify will run a quick identity check (“Know Your Customer”) using your SSN and address.
• Once approved (usually within minutes to a few hours), you’re ready to accept credit cards.

5. Test your checkout

• Place a “bogus” order with a $1 test payment (you can then refund it).
• Confirm the transaction appears under Orders, and watch for your first payout in Settings → Payments → Payouts.