Should You Get an EIN or Use Your SSN? A Practical Guide for Creators & Business Owners
If you’re a freelancer, YouTuber, Shopify store owner, Amazon seller, TikToker, doctor, dentist, or local business owner, you’ve probably wondered: Should I use my Social Security Number (SSN) for taxes — or get an EIN?
The right choice can protect your privacy, keep your books clean, and help your business grow — but many business owners get this wrong or put it off until it costs them money.
At Velin & Associates, Inc., we guide creators, online sellers, and small businesses every day on when to stick with an SSN — and when an EIN is the smarter move.
SSN vs. EIN: What’s the Difference?
Your SSN is your personal taxpayer ID. Many freelancers start with it because it feels easy — but it can expose you to privacy risks and makes it hard to keep personal and business finances separate.
Your EIN (Employer Identification Number) is like a Social Security Number for your business. With our help, it becomes the backbone of how you build your business credit, open a business bank account, hire employees properly, or deal with vendors, sponsors, and platforms securely.
Who Might Stick With an SSN?
Some solo freelancers — like a YouTuber just starting out or a hobby-level Shopify seller — may be fine using an SSN for now. But as your income grows, the benefits of an EIN often outweigh any hassle.
When an EIN Makes Sense
Many of our clients — whether they’re looking for a CPA for YouTubers, CPA for Shopify Store, CPA for Amazon Business, CPA for Filmmakers, or CPA for Dental Practice — find out that getting an EIN is a smart step forward.
✔ Planning to hire even one employee? You’ll need an EIN.
✔ Running an LLC, Partnership, or Corporation? An EIN is required.
✔ Want a true business bank account? Banks often require an EIN to open one.
✔ Selling on Shopify, Amazon, or working with big sponsors? They often ask for an EIN on W-9 forms.
✔ Protecting your privacy? An EIN keeps your SSN off invoices, contracts, and tax paperwork.
✔ Want to build business credit? An EIN helps establish your company’s financial identity, separate from your personal one.
Why Work With Us
While it’s technically possible to apply for an EIN yourself, our clients trust us to handle every detail correctly the first time. At Velin & Associates, Inc., we take care of EIN registration, business structure planning, state paperwork, and the tax implications that come with it — so you can focus on what you do best.
When you work with our team — whether you need a CPA for Online Commerce, Shopify Store CPA, CPA for Creators, CPA for Filmmakers, Amazon Business CPA, CPA for Dental Practice, or CPA for TikTokers — you get clear advice and hands-on support. No IRS confusion. No missed steps.
The Bottom Line
✔ An SSN may work if you’re truly solo and your business is more of a side gig.
✔ An EIN, combined with the right tax strategy, sets you up to grow, protect your privacy, separate business and personal income, and stay IRS-compliant — with expert help every step of the way.
Ready to Get It Right?
Velin & Associates, Inc. is your trusted partner in smart tax planning, business setup, and year-round support. Let’s make sure your structure, EIN, and books are done right — so you keep more of what you earn and run your business with confidence.
Contact Velin & Associates, Inc:
8159 Santa Monica Blvd STE 198/200
West Hollywood, CA 90046
📞 323-902-1000
📧 dmitriy@losangelescpa.org
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Our firm provides the information in this e-newsletter for general guidance only, and does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. Tax articles in this e-newsletter are not intended to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding accuracy-related penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The information is provided "as is," with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.