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Can I start a business without a Social Security number?

Yes. You can own a business in the United States without a Social Security number. What you need is a tax number. For most people that is an ITIN, and with it you can get a free business number from the IRS. Here is what to get, in what order, and what to watch for.

Where this applies
Federal tax rules, the same in every state. California and local permits vary by city and county. Local help is for the Bay Area.
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Who it’s for

People in California who do not have a Social Security number and want to open a business, and the family members and helpers who support them.

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This page answers one question: can you open a business without a Social Security number. Choosing a business type is on Sole owner, LLC or worker cooperative. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Can I own a business without a Social Security number?

Yes. Federal hiring rules are about employers checking their employees' papers. They do not stop you from running your own business. The IRS gives ITINs regardless of immigration status, and you can use an ITIN to file and pay your taxes as a business owner.

An ITIN is only for taxes. The IRS says it does not give you immigration status or permission to work as someone's employee. Before you apply, read Is it safe to get an ITIN? and talk with a trusted immigration attorney if you are worried.

What do I need, and in what order?

  1. Your tax number. Your ITIN, from Form W-7. Free help is on Free tax help and filing with an ITIN.
  2. Your business type. A sole owner business is the simplest. An LLC or corporation keeps business debts more separate from you. See Sole owner, LLC or worker cooperative.
  3. An EIN, if you need one. This is a tax number for your business. Many owners get one to hire workers or to open a business bank account. Ask a business coach whether you need one now.
  4. Local licenses and permits. Your city or county decides most of these. California's CalGOLD tool lists the permits for your type of business and city. The state says the tool is new and still under construction, so confirm with your city.
  5. A bank account in the business name. See Open a bank account with an ITIN or consular ID.
  6. A plan for taxes. You will owe self employment tax on your profit. See How do I pay taxes when I work for myself?

Can I get an EIN with an ITIN?

Yes. The IRS online EIN tool says the "responsible party" (the owner who controls the business) must have a Social Security number or an ITIN. So an ITIN works.

  • Online: the fastest way. The IRS says you can get an EIN in minutes. The tool has set hours, listed in the toolkit above.
  • By fax: send Form SS-4 to 855-641-6935. Add your fax number, and the IRS faxes the EIN back in about 4 business days.
  • By mail: send Form SS-4 to Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. It takes about 4 weeks.

An EIN is always free from the IRS. Websites that charge you for one are not the IRS.

What does it cost to start?

Less than many people think. These are the official fees (checked October 19 to 21, 2026):

Step Cost
ITIN from the IRS $0 at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or a free VITA site. Acceptance agents may charge.
EIN from the IRS $0, always
California seller's permit, if you sell goods $0, though the state may ask for a security deposit
LLC, if you choose one $70 to file, $20 for the first Statement of Information (Secretary of State), then an $800 tax every year
City business license and permits Set by your city. Ask your city hall.

A sole owner business skips the LLC costs. That is one reason many people start that way and form an LLC later. See Sole owner, LLC or worker cooperative.

An example (made up, to show the steps). Rosa wants to sell tamales and catering in her city. She already files taxes with an ITIN. She starts as a sole owner. She gets a free EIN online in one evening. She checks CalGOLD, then calls her city and county about the business license and food permits it lists. She opens a business account at a credit union that takes ITINs, and puts part of every payment aside for taxes. A year later, with steady clients, she talks with a coach about whether an LLC is worth $800 a year.

What if a form asks for my Social Security number?

Ask the office if you can use your ITIN or your business's EIN instead. Write down who you spoke to and what they said. If you are told no, a free business coach or legal aid office can help you find another way. Never use a number that is not yours.

Can I hire workers?

Yes, but the rules for employers apply to you. Every employer must check each new employee's papers on Form I-9 and may not knowingly hire someone who is not allowed to work. You must also follow California pay and safety laws. Talk with a business coach and a lawyer before you hire.

If you hire another business or an independent contractor to do a job, you do not fill out Form I-9 for them.

Who can help?

Contact these to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service.

Is there a checklist I can print?

Sources

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Printed from https://donotlosehope.com/guides/start-business-social-security-number/. Facts checked October 21, 2026. Free information, not legal advice.

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