business tax-law
Filing business taxes with just a social security number?
<p>I read this:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Every business that pays employees <strong>or is required to file any business tax returns</strong> is required to obtain an EIN.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Source: <a href="https://justworks.com/blog/itin-ssn-or-ein-whats-the-difference" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://justworks.com/blog/itin-ssn-or-ein-whats-the-difference</a></p>

<p>Is this true? I am a sole proprietor and have filed business taxes on a Form 1040 with just a social security number.  I did not obtain an EIN, nor did anyone say I had to, when I did business taxes.</p>

<p>I always just use SSN. Is it illegal to file business taxes as a sole proprietor with just an SSN?</p>

<p>As you have experienced, you are not "required" to obtain an EIN to file "any" business tax returns.  You can go as far as a sole proprietorship filing on Schedule C just using your personal SSN.</p>

<p>You don't need an EIN until you either pay employees or want to file taxes as a separate business entity (e.g., an LLC).</p>
