Hello, I have been trying to figure out if I can set up a Shopify store as a minor if my parents have filed for bankruptcy. Since I am a minor they would have to put the store in their name but they can’t have any other source of income coming into their name. I’m really passionate about starting up my new business and would really love a response even if it’s one that’s telling me no. Just want to know if I should keep having false hope that I can do it or just having to wait 2 more years until I turn 18. Thank you.
While I can’t give direct tax advice, as we’re not tax experts, I can give you some general information to help guide you in the right direction. If you are based in the United States, then Shopify is required to report any income to the IRS. As you’re a minor, one of your parents would need to be listed on the Shopify Payments account along with being the Account Owner, which would result in income being reported as an SSN is required.
Other payment providers may not report the income, nor require that the account is under your parents’ name. I’d recommend researching the payment providers for your region by clicking your country here. Keep in mind that if you do not use Shopify Payments, then the account would be subject to transaction fees per order. Transaction fees range between 0.5% - 2% per order (based on your plan) which would be on top of the fees your payment provider charges you.