I am under 18, and started a business. My guardian agreed to let me use his social security number, but taxes are his only concern. I don’t know how to set it up, and I need the BEST way to make sure nothing goes wrong.
New York.
Topic summary
A minor in New York wants to start a Shopify business and use a guardian’s Social Security number, asking how to set up sales tax safely.
Key guidance:
- All business, store, and tax registrations should be under the guardian’s name and information with local tax authorities.
- Shopify’s Terms of Service prohibit account ownership by anyone under 18 (or under the local age of majority). The store account must therefore be in the guardian’s name until the minor reaches majority. A link to the Terms was provided.
Implications:
- The minor cannot legally hold the Shopify account; the guardian must be the registrant and responsible party for taxes and documents.
- “Age of majority” means the legal adulthood age (typically 18) in the user’s jurisdiction.
Action items:
- Guardian to register the business and sales tax accounts in New York in their own name.
- Seek legal counsel for the appropriate business structure and sales tax compliance.
Status: No detailed tax setup steps were provided; resolution pending professional advice.
Your guardian should also register your Shopify online business to your local tax authorities under his name and other needed information. All of the information or documents needed for your store should be under your Guardian’s name.
Hi, @Kouncourz_Brand . We aren’t able to provide legal advice or tax advice, but I did want to mention that it is against the Shopify Terms of Service to open an account if you are not older than 18 years, or at least the age of majority in the jurisdiction where you reside and from which you use the services to open an account. You can find the Terms of Service outlined here. I recommend speaking with your guardian about seeking legal counsel for this. They would be able to accurately advise you and your guardian on the best way to start your business and manage your sales tax.