When E-commerce Sellers Need an EIN

Nov. 17, 2025, 6:11 p.m.
E-commerce businesses in the U.S.—including sellers on Amazon, Shopify, Etsy, Walmart Marketplace, and eBay—often reach a point where an Employer Identification Number (EIN) becomes necessary for tax reporting, banking, or platform requirements. While some small sellers can begin with just a Social Security Number, most growing online businesses eventually need an EIN for compliance and operational reasons.
E-commerce Sellers EIN

You Need an EIN as an E-Commerce Seller When:

1. You Form an LLC or Corporation

Any business entity other than a sole proprietorship must obtain an EIN.

  • Single-member LLC

  • Multi-member LLC

  • C-Corp or S-Corp

2. You Hire Employees

If you hire staff—remote, warehouse, or fulfillment support—you must have an EIN for payroll taxes.

3. You Open a Business Bank Account

Banks require an EIN for business checking, merchant accounts, and business credit applications.

4. You Apply for State Sales Tax Permits

Many states require an EIN during registration for sales tax collection, especially for marketplace sellers with nexus.

5. Marketplaces Require It for Tax Reporting

Platforms may require an EIN for verification:

  • Amazon (especially Pro Sellers)

  • Walmart Marketplace

  • Shopify Payments

  • PayPal, Stripe, and Square (for high-volume sellers)

6. You Want to Separate Personal and Business Finances

Using an EIN avoids exposing your Social Security Number and builds a separate business identity.

7. You Work With Wholesalers or Suppliers

Many wholesalers require an EIN to open accounts or issue resale certificates.

Not Always Required For:

  • Hobby-level selling

  • Occasional garage-sale type listings

  • Very small sellers using only a personal SSN (though EIN is still recommended for privacy)

Bottom Line

If you're operating as a real business, collecting sales tax, hiring help, or growing your online store, you should have an EIN for compliance, banking, and platform requirements.