Shopify Payments Verification without EIN (using SSN)

Topic summary

Multiple sole proprietors are encountering a verification roadblock when setting up Shopify Payments. The system requires EIN-specific documentation (Form SS-4 or 147c), but these users operate using their SSN for tax purposes instead of an EIN.

Current Status:

  • Online support has not provided a solution or workaround
  • One user escalated the issue through customer service to the finance team, awaiting email follow-up
  • The problem remains unresolved across multiple users

Key Issue: No clear alternative verification path exists for sole proprietors who legitimately use SSN rather than EIN for their business structure.

Summarized with AI on November 2. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.

I’m attempting to set up Shopify Payments for my business, which is a Sole Proprietorship. I use my SSN for tax reporting purposes, NOT an EIN. My issue is thus-- Shopify Payments verification requires documentation that is specific to EIN’s (SS-4 or 147c). Online support didn’t have any suggestions for me. Is there a workaround for this?

1 Like

I have this same exact issue. I chatted with a CSR yesterday and they were unable to resolve it after speaking with the finance people on-hand, so it was escalated and I was told I would hear back via email. Did you ever get this resolved?

I am having a similar issue - were you ever able to resolve this?