Im 16 as of August, and have a fairly well rounded knowledge of business; I decided I wanted to get into E commerce. I referred to a forum; https://community.shopify.com/c/shopify-discussions/can-i-still-manage-a-shopify-store-if-i-m-under-18/m-p/1211327, and referred to Shays response. I got in contact with a live support advisor and had a lengthy conversation with Xiania. She explained that I could run a Shopify store, and use my personal bank account to pay for incurred expenses, like the Shopify subscription, and receive Payouts, while having the account under a parent or guardians name (Whom I have consent with). She said that it can be used for day to day transactions and operations. I asked several times if it should be raised to Business Risk Operations Team and she ensured that it was no need, and that I could run a store without any ramifications on my parents tax situation or income and that I could file form T2125 to provide a statement of income to the CRA, using my personal bank account and getting payments. Can I proceed? I’m unsure and would like to start asap. Thanks. I can provide the transcripts if needed.
Topic summary
A 16-year-old entrepreneur is seeking confirmation about running a Shopify e-commerce store while underage. After consulting with Shopify support, they were advised they can operate a store under a parent or guardian’s name while using their personal bank account for expenses and payouts.
Key concerns addressed:
- Whether this setup would impact their parent’s tax situation (support indicated it wouldn’t)
- Ability to file form T2125 with the CRA to report income independently
- Risk of payment holds or account issues
Current status:
- The user plans to consult with a professional advisor within a week before proceeding
- They have prior business experience reselling vintage clothing and using PayPal
- Already tracking income/expenses via Google Sheets for tax reporting
- Received encouragement from community members and plans to move forward after professional consultation
The discussion remains open as the user awaits their professional consultation before launching their store.
Thank you for the fast response! I’ve spent an innumerable amount of time researching and planning! I hope so, I’m going to go live soon, I would just like to ensure that my payments wont be withheld from me and everything is copacetic and in good order! I haven’t navigated Shopify payments yet but I believe it shouldn’t be too difficult, I use PayPal for my other business ventures and have had no problems, this will be my first time using Shopify for any of my business ventures! Do you too use Shopify? Thank you for the kind words and the encouragement! I’m just trying to be cautious before I proceed! I always keep my mom in the loop, especially when tracking expenses and income, I resell vintage clothing on the side and have some other ventures and use google sheets to track everything to make sure I can report my income correctly! Again thank you for your brisk response!
Thank you very much @Hay ! I am going to go discuss everything with a professional in about a weeks time here!
Thank you @Kejito ! I believe you have affirmed what I needed to know! Thank you! Do you have an instagram so I can get in touch with you? You have the credential of a shopify partner and I may need some guidance aloong the way..