Why does Square require a SSN for an account?

[CCES0104]

The title of this thread has been edited by a Square Moderator from the original: "Square Business Account requires personal SS#"

Why does setting up a Square Business account require a personal SS# for the account? Can this be changed to the EIN #? 

Thanks. 

[Candlestore]

@CCES0104;

I am not sure how the sign up form is currently written but when I signed up the wording sounded like they wanted a SS# but in smaller print you could use an EIN number.   The number entered has to match tax forms that you send to the government.  Since my account for checking was a business account with my business EIN were used I was able to just use my ein.  I recommend calling Square support to verify this.

Now as for the second question , NO you can not change your ss# for an EIN in square.  Squrae doesnot even allow me to sell my square account to anyone else because of the Tax reportsassociated with the account.  People have had this issue before where they legally changed their name and tried doing that here and square for years said nope.  Not sure if that has or will change.

[_Violet · Accepted solution]

Hi @CCES0104 - Thanks for reaching out to us here on the Square Seller Community👋 @Candlestore, appreciate you providing some information already. I can certainly provide some more details.

When you sign up with Square to accept payments, you'll be asked to input your personal information and to answer a few questions to verify your identity. Square is legally required to collect and verify your personal information to ensure that your account remains safe and secure. 

The following information is required to activate a Square account:

1. Full legal name

2. Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

3. Date of birth

4. U.S. home mailing address

If you have not yet entered your business’ taxpayer information (such as a TIN), by default your Square account is associated with your legal name and SSN. If you'd like to update the Taxpayer Identification Number from your SSN to a TIN, you can follow these steps:

1. Sign in to your Square Dashboard and select Account & Settings > Business > Tax Forms.

2. Select the location you want to update.

3. Enter your updated taxpayer information so your Square business name matches what the IRS has on file. If applicable, you can replace your legal name with your business’ name and enter your EIN in the SSN ON FILE field.
   
   

I hope this information is helpful but please do let me know if you have any additional questions 🙂