Before you take your first client
A printable from Earning Without a Work Permit Complete Guide. Fill it in by hand. Nothing you write is collected by this website.
Before you take your first client
Talk first
- I had a free immigration legal screening about my situation
- I asked about my ITIN, and about filing taxes, before I applied
My tax numbers
- I have my own SSN, or an ITIN from the IRS
- I got a free EIN from irs.gov, if I need one
- I know how to fill out Form W-9 for a client
Am I really independent?
- I bring my own tools or materials
- I offer my work to the public
- I have, or am looking for, more than one client
- I set my own hours and decide how to do the work
- My client cares about the result, not how I do each step
Licenses and permits
- I asked my city about a business license
- I checked if my work needs a state license or county permit
Money
- I opened a bank account and keep business money apart
- I write down every payment I get and keep receipts
- I save part of each payment for taxes
- I know my estimated tax dates
- I know where to get free tax help
You don't need every box checked to begin. Don't write your immigration status, ITIN or bank numbers on this sheet.
From Earning Without a Work Permit Complete Guide. Facts checked October 21, 2026. Free information, not legal or medical advice.