Content creators and influencers are public figures. You put yourself out there with your content every single day. While it can be fun to express your interests and share them with others, there is a lot of private information you don’t want floating around out there.
As a creator, you want to be able to protect your identity while growing your business. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make that happen! Here is how an LLC and EIN can help keep your private information safe as a TikTok Shop Creator.
The Privacy Risk Every TikTok Shop Creator Faces
When you start earning money on TikTok Shop, the platform requires you to submit a W-9 form so it can report your income to the IRS and issue you a 1099 at year-end. That W-9 asks for your legal name, address, and Tax Identification Number — which, for most people, means their Social Security Number.
But TikTok isn’t the only one asking. Every brand deal, affiliate partnership, and sponsorship that pays you $600 or more in a year will also request a W-9. That means your SSN could end up filed away at dozens of companies — each one a potential point of vulnerability.
For self-employed creators and independent contractors, this is a real and growing concern. The solution is to use a business identity instead of a personal one — and that starts with an LLC and an EIN.
How LLCs and Registered Agents Protect Creator Identity
Registering your content creation work as an LLC comes with a lot of benefits that keep your identity safe.
One of the biggest benefits of starting an LLC is the legal protection that you will gain. An LLC limits your liability in a lawsuit and creates a barrier between your business assets and your personal assets. If you were ever to get sued, your business is liable instead of you personally.
To increase your privacy, you can use a registered agent to establish your LLC. This removes your private information from the LLC paperwork. Most states make LLC documentation accessible to the general public. So if anybody were to find out the name of your LLC, they could look to see whose name it is registered under.
The next step to take is to get an EIN. These are your biggest sources of identity protection, especially when working with other brands.
What Is An EIN?
An EIN is an Employer Identification Number. This is a number assigned to your business by the IRS and acts as a “business social security number.” The major benefit of having one is that you can use it in place of your personal SSN.
When you fill out a W-9, there’s a section that requests a TIN (Tax Identification Number). You can either enter your SSN or an EIN if you have one. We highly recommend you use an EIN to help reduce the number of times you share your SSN with companies, brands, and sponsors who don’t need it.
How To Obtain An EIN
EINs are assigned through the IRS. While it’s not required to have a business entity like an LLC to get one, it does make the process quicker and easier. If you don’t have an LLC, it’s important to register one with your state prior to filing for an EIN. This will save you some time and reduce the delays.
EIN vs. SSN on a W-9: What’s the Difference?
When filling out a W-9 for any brand, platform, or sponsor, you’ll see a field labeled “Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).” You have two options:
| SSN | EIN | |
| What it is | Your personal Social Security Number | Your business’s IRS tax ID |
| Risk | Exposes personal identity | Keeps personal info private |
| Who should use it | Sole proprietors with no business entity | LLC owners and incorporated businesses |
| How to get it | Assigned at birth/immigration | Free application at IRS.gov |
For any creator earning income from TikTok Shop, brand deals, or sponsorships, using an EIN is the safer and more professional choice.
How To Update Your TikTok Account With Your EIN
In order to get paid by TikTok, you have to fill out a W-9. If you have already filled one out before getting an EIN, you can update your account to remove your SSN and use your EIN instead by filling out a new W-9.
Here are the steps to add an EIN to TikTok Shop:
- Log in to your TikTok Shop Seller Account
- On the left-hand menu, find My Account
- Click on Account Settings and select Taxes
- If a prompt says, “Verify Tax Information,” click that
- Complete your Form W-9:
- Include your Legal Business Name
- EIN
- Business Address
- Federal tax classification
- Electronically certify and submit the form
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an LLC to get an EIN?
No, you can apply for an EIN as a sole proprietor. However, forming an LLC first provides legal liability protection and makes the application more straightforward. We recommend forming an LLC before applying.
Is it really free to get an EIN?
Yes — the IRS does not charge any fee to obtain an EIN. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge for this service. Always apply directly through irs.gov.
Can I use an EIN instead of my SSN on every W-9?
Yes. Once you have an EIN, you can and should use it in place of your SSN on all W-9 forms submitted to brands, platforms, and sponsors.
What if I already gave TikTok Shop my SSN?
You can update your tax information at any time by submitting a new W-9 through your TikTok Shop account settings. Follow the steps in the section above.
Do I need an EIN if I only make a small amount from TikTok?
If you earn $600 or more from TikTok in a calendar year, TikTok is required to issue you a 1099 and will request a W-9. Getting an EIN before you hit that threshold is the best way to protect your SSN from the start.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
If you apply online through the IRS, you’ll receive your EIN instantly. Mail applications can take up to four weeks.
Build Your Business With A Professional
You wear a lot of hats as a content creator. Beyond making your content, you’re communicating with sponsors, designing merch, managing contract workers, researching new streams of income, tracking business expenses, and handling all the day-to-day operations. It’s a lot to handle!
We work with creators to offload some of those tasks and provide financial services you can trust. We can manage your business formation, bookkeeping, and taxes so you have more time to focus on your favorite parts of your job. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, form your LLC and get your EIN, book a call with us, and we’d be happy to handle it!