Business Verification Requirements
In some cases, if we’re unable to verify your business automatically, we may request additional documentation to confirm your legal entity. This typically includes uploading a Proof of Legal Entity document.
What We Use to Verify Your Business
Below are general guidelines for which information commonly matches IRS records, depending on your business structure.
Common IRS Identification Criteria by Business Type:
Individual: Individual name and Social Security Number (SSN)
Sole Proprietorship: Individual name and SSN (or EIN, if your sole proprietorship has one)
Single-Member LLC (Disregarded Entity):
Owned by an individual: Use the owner’s name and SSN or EIN
Owned by a corporation or partnership: Use the owner’s name and EIN
Note: The LLC’s name or EIN should not be used
LLCs taxed as Corporations or Partnerships: Use the LLC’s legal name and EIN
Corporation: Use the business name and EIN
Partnership: Use the business name and EIN
Tax-Exempt Organizations (Nonprofits): Use the organization’s legal name and EIN as listed in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search
Other Entities: Use the name and EIN exactly as shown on your U.S. federal tax documents or founding legal documents
Document Requirements
Your uploaded Proof of Legal Entity document must meet all the following criteria:
Clearly display the legal business name, business address, and company registration number or VAT number
Match the business information listed in your Online Payments account
Before uploading, verify that your business details are correct by visiting Payment Settings and clicking Edit next to your business information
Be successfully reviewed and matched to your Stripe account before verification can be completed
Reviews typically take up to 24 hours once your documentation has been submitted.
Don’t Have an EIN?
To use Online Payments, you must provide a valid, verifiable Tax Identification Number - either:
An Employer Identification Number (EIN), or
A Social Security Number (SSN) (for individuals not operating as a registered business)
If you're an individual (not registered as an LLC or Sole Proprietor), you may generally use your SSN instead of an EIN. For additional information, learn Why do I have to provide Date of birth and Social Security Number?