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Do I need a tax id number to do affiliate marketing?

by Mikej413
12 replies
I would like to know if it is necessary to have an ein number(which I assume is the same thing as a tax id number)if I'm going to do affiliate marketing or is just using a SS # good enough(at least for a while).

Also, say I sign up for JVZoo(actually I'm already signed up but bear with me)and also sign up for Clickbank(again already signed up). Do I need two separate ein numbers for those?

According to the IRS website you need one if you are a business. I'm not sure I would call affiliate marketing a business(I don't have a brand or a company name or anything like that). Also, they make it sound like you better know what you are doing before you even fill out the form which makes me hesitant also.

I suppose this question would apply to CPA marketing as well but from what I understand that's kind of hard to get into and it's not something I plan on trying for a while.

As you can tell, although I'm not brand new to IM, I am new to finally wanting to get really serious about this and need to know the details since I do plan on taking my efforts to the next level.

Thanks.
#affiliate #marketing #number #tax
  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    What country are you in?
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      He's in the US - PA is Pennsylvania

      No, you don't have to get the tax ID - or you can get it later if you choose. You can use your SSN but you do have to list some ID - either SSN or TaxID - if you want to be paid by affiliate programs.

      The "business" part refers to YOUR business - not the affiliate or CPA business model. If you are forming an LLC or incorporating - that is what the "business" references are pointing to. You may also use a taxID as a 'sole proprietor' but it's not required.

      I'm not a lawyer or a tax advisor - but that's my understanding over the years.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mikej413
      US (Pennsylvania).
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  • Profile picture of the author YourBizAid
    Banned
    You do not need 2 tax ID's. And FYI, affiliate marketing can be regarded as a business on its own.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      affiliate marketing can be regarded as a business on its own.
      Affiliate marketing is a valid business model - but it doesn't require a tax ID. It's the PERSON utilizing affiliate marketing as HIS business that requires tax info.
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      • Profile picture of the author Mikej413
        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

        Affiliate marketing is a valid business model - but it doesn't require a tax ID. It's the PERSON utilizing affiliate marketing as HIS business that requires tax info.
        Ok. According to what others are saying on here it might not require a tax id but I do need to at least have a SS number. I just updated my clickbank account and added it.

        If I were to get a tax id number though I would not have to get a separate one for JVzoo, Clickbank and all the others right? One ein number would cover them all?

        Thanks for the replies.
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  • Profile picture of the author ktz16
    EIN = Employer Identification Number. If you don't pay payroll and withhold federal taxes, you don't need it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mikej413
      Originally Posted by ktz16 View Post

      EIN = Employer Identification Number. If you don't pay payroll and withhold federal taxes, you don't need it.
      Isn't that the same as a tax id number?

      When you say payroll are you referring to having people employed under you(ie employees)?
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      • Profile picture of the author AnniePot
        An EIN and Tax ID number (Social Security Number) are two totally different things.

        As has already been explained, unless you employ staff and pay them wages, you don't need an EIN.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mikej413
    So a tax id number IS your social security number?
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      So a tax id number IS your social security number? 19th January 2016 02:25 PM
      No.

      Your social security number IS a tax ID number...i.e., it links you to your own financial/tax data. The govt issued "tax ID number" is for those who - for one reason or another - do not want to use their SSN.

      The number (whether SSN or TaxID) has ONE goal - to link YOUR income to YOUR tax information.
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  • Profile picture of the author iSixty
    Originally Posted by Mikej413 View Post

    I would like to know if it is necessary to have an ein number(which I assume is the same thing as a tax id number)if I'm going to do affiliate marketing or is just using a SS # good enough(at least for a while).

    Also, say I sign up for JVZoo(actually I'm already signed up but bear with me)and also sign up for Clickbank(again already signed up). Do I need two separate ein numbers for those?

    According to the IRS website you need one if you are a business. I'm not sure I would call affiliate marketing a business(I don't have a brand or a company name or anything like that). Also, they make it sound like you better know what you are doing before you even fill out the form which makes me hesitant also.

    I suppose this question would apply to CPA marketing as well but from what I understand that's kind of hard to get into and it's not something I plan on trying for a while.

    As you can tell, although I'm not brand new to IM, I am new to finally wanting to get really serious about this and need to know the details since I do plan on taking my efforts to the next level.

    Thanks.
    If you are doing business as a sole proprietor, you are normally only required to have a separate EIN (tax ID #) if you have employees. Otherwise, your SSN is your tax ID. Some people prefer to get an EIN so they can keep their SSN private.

    If you're doing business as an entity, S-corp, LLC, partnership, etc., you'll usually need an EIN, although some single member LLCs are not required to have one. I can't cover every possible situation, but those are the broad rules. Contact your local IRS office or their help line for their official answer (I know, that's a pain)
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