I do not have a work permit and need income
Working for yourself, an ITIN and taxes.
5 steps
Step 1 of 5: See the ways people earn
Start with the full picture.
- Earning Without a Work Permit Complete GuideNo work permit does not mean no way to earn. Many people in California build a living by working for themselves, as freelancers, independent contractors, licensed professionals, food sellers and small business owners. This guide shows you where the legal line is, how to set up, how to pay your taxes, how to protect your pay, and who will help you for free. Read it top to bottom, or jump straight to your situation.Complete guide
- Working for YourselfMany people without a work permit earn a living by working for themselves, as a freelancer, an independent contractor or a small business owner. Federal hiring rules are written for employees, not for people who run their own work. That door is real, but it has edges. Here is where the line is, how to pay your taxes, and who to ask before you start.Guide
- Before you take your first clientPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 2 of 5: Get an ITIN
Your tax number for getting paid and filing.
- Get or Renew an ITINNo Social Security number? You can still pay taxes the right way. An ITIN is your tax number from the IRS, and you can get one free. Here is what it is, what to bring, how to renew it, and when you might need an EIN instead.Guide
- ITIN checklistPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 3 of 5: Set up your business
Pick a setup and get free coaching.
- Business Without SSNYes. 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.Guide
- Free Business CoachingYou do not have to build your business alone, and you should not pay for basic advice. Free business coaches in the Bay Area help with business plans, permits, pricing, marketing and loans, many in Spanish. Here is who offers it, where they are, what to bring, and one rule about federally funded centers that people without papers should know before they sign up.Guide
- Business start checklistPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 4 of 5: Handle taxes
Paying taxes on your own work protects you later.
- Self Employment Taxes with an ITINYou work for yourself, and that takes courage. Taxes are part of running your own work, and you can do them with an ITIN. No one takes taxes out of your pay, so you set money aside and pay during the year. Here is what to report, what you owe, and when to pay.Guide
- Money in, money out logPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 5 of 5: Get help from a person
You do not have to do this alone. Ask about cost, languages and current openings before you share documents.
- IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)The IRS page on ITINs, a tax number for people who need to file or be claimed on a federal tax return but are not eligible for a Social Security number. An ITIN is for tax purposes only and does not change immigration status or authorize work.Organization
- CFPB consumer money toolsExplore information about bank accounts, credit, debt, loans and other money questions.Organization
This page puts DNLH guides in a useful order. It is general information, not legal advice. Each guide shows its sources and the date its facts were checked.
Not quite your situation?
All situations- My employer did not pay me what I am owedCheck what you are owed, gather proof and file a claim.5 steps
- I lost my jobYour last check, income help and health coverage.5 steps
- I got hurt or sick and cannot workWorkers' comp, disability pay and keeping your job.4 steps
- I am having a babyLeave, pay and changes at work.4 steps