Do You Need a Tax ID to Sell on Amazon?
Short answer: Yes. Amazon requires a Tax ID for reporting. It can be an SSN or an EIN, depending on your business setup, and you will enter it during the Tax Information Interview.
Tax IDs for Amazon Sellers
- Sole proprietors in the U.S. with no employees can use an SSN.
- Single-member LLCs can use an SSN unless taxed as an S-Corp or C-Corp.
- You’ll provide your Tax ID during Amazon’s Tax Information Interview.
- Amazon uses your info to generate a W-9 (U.S.) or W-8BEN (non-U.S.).
| Scenario | Use SSN or EIN | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorships | ||
| U.S. sole proprietor, no employees | SSN | EIN not required unless you hire employees or meet IRS triggers. |
| Single-Member LLCs | ||
| Single-member LLC taxed as disregarded entity | SSN or EIN | SSN is acceptable; an EIN is optional for banking or privacy. |
| Single-member LLC elected S-Corp or C-Corp taxation | EIN | Entity election requires an EIN. |
| Other cases | ||
| Multi-member LLC, corporation, or partnership | EIN | Required for all formal entities and partnerships. |
| International seller | EIN or foreign TIN | Depends on tax residency; Amazon will collect W-8BEN data. |
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Tax Information Interview | During account setup you complete the interview in Seller Central. |
| 2. Provide Tax ID | Enter your SSN or EIN based on your business setup. |
| 3. W-9 or W-8BEN | Amazon uses your responses to create the appropriate tax form data for IRS compliance. |
Do You Need an EIN to Sell on Amazon?
Short answer:
- If you operate as an LLC, corporation, partnership, or have employees, you need an EIN.
- Sole proprietors without employees can use an SSN.
- An EIN is also needed for importing goods into the United States.
When an EIN is required:
- Business entities: LLC, corporation, partnership, multi-member LLC.
- Employees: any payroll employees.
- Withholding taxes: payments to non-resident aliens.
- Keogh plan: if your business has one.
- Importing goods: required for US Customs.
- Sole proprietors who elected S-Corp or C-Corp taxation.
When an EIN is not required:
- Individual sole proprietor with no employees can use an SSN.
Why an EIN matters:
- Tax reporting: required for accurate IRS filings.
- Banking: needed to open a business bank account.
- Amazon compliance: helps verify identity and limit duplicate accounts.
Do You Need a Business License to Sell on Amazon?
Short answer: Usually no. Amazon does not typically require a business license. But you must follow your local and state rules, which may require a business license, seller’s permit, or other registrations.
Key considerations
- Local and state laws – Check city and county requirements for licensing and taxes.
- Product type – Regulated categories like food or cosmetics may have extra rules.
- Sales tax – You may need to register, collect, and remit sales tax in certain states.
- Sole proprietor vs. LLC – You can sell as a sole proprietor, but you assume personal liability. An LLC can separate business liability.
- EIN – Some licenses require an EIN. Sole proprietors without employees can often use an SSN.
Next steps
- Contact your city and county offices to confirm licensing rules for home-based or online businesses.
- Apply for a state seller’s permit and sales tax number if required.
- Set up systems to collect and remit sales tax where you are registered.
Do you need a Sales Tax ID to sell on Amazon?
Short answer: usually yes. You’ll need a sales tax permit in your home state and in any other state where you have nexus (for example, FBA inventory stored in that state, employees, an office, or meeting economic thresholds). Exact rules vary by state.
Why you need a sales tax permit
- Collect and remit sales tax – a permit lets you legally collect tax from customers and send it to the state.
- Nexus triggers obligations – storing FBA inventory, hiring staff, or hitting sales thresholds can create nexus in additional states.
- Avoid penalties – operating without required permits can lead to fines or account issues.
NOTES
- Marketplace facilitator laws – Amazon collects and remits in many states, but you may still need to register if you have nexus or sell through other channels. Check each state’s guidance.
- This is general information, not tax advice. When in doubt, confirm with your accountant or state tax agency.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Determine home state requirements | Check your state tax agency for how to register for a seller's permit. |
| 2. Review other states | If Amazon stores your inventory in other states, you may need permits there too. |
| 3. Complete Amazon's Tax Information Interview | Provide your SSN or EIN during seller setup for IRS reporting. |
| 4. Gather documents | Have a government ID, bank account, and any state registration details ready. |
Amazon FBA Registration: Documents Checklist
To register for Amazon FBA, you’ll provide proof of identity, address, and tax information. Requirements vary by country and business type.
For U.S. sellers
- Identity verification: government photo ID (passport or driver’s license)
- Proof of address: recent bank or utility statement (typically within the last 90–180 days)
- Tax information:
- SSN for sole proprietors
- EIN for businesses (apply with IRS Form SS-4)
- You’ll complete a Form W-9 during the online tax interview
- Other info: valid credit card and a bank account with routing number
For non-U.S. sellers
- Tax interview: complete Form W-8BEN (or W-8BEN-E for entities)
- VAT number for EU marketplaces, if applicable
For all sellers
- Email address: a valid work email
- Business information: legal name and address
- Business license: may be requested depending on your location and category
Tips
- Make sure names and addresses match across all documents.
- Use clear, unobstructed scans or photos.
- Keep statements recent and show full pages.
