Beginner's Guide: What documents do I need to register as a Corporation or Partnership?

Let's get started on TikTok Shop! After selecting your business type as a Corporation or Partnership, you will be prompted to submit specific documents to set up your seller account.
In this article, we'll go through each document requirement and give you tips to look out for when you submit your documents.

Overview

Requirements for All Documents

All submitted documents must meet the following requirements:

• All documents must be valid and not expired.
• Must be full image of the ID
• The ID photo and personal information must be clear and visible.
• ID information must match the TikTok Shop registration information.
• Files must be less than 10 MB and in a JPG, PNG, JPEG, or PDF format.

The following are not accepted:

• Expired documents
• Paper form of identification
• Documents with information cropped out
• Photos of a computer or phone screen
• Files larger than 10MB

For identification verification, you can provide a copy of either a United States Passport/Passport Card, a United States Driver's License, a United States Identification Card or State ID, or a Permanent Resident Card. Please note that all other types of ID verification will be rejected.

Identity Verification: United States Passport/Passport Card

The image of the passport must include all the following:

• First and last name
• Photo of the passport holder
• Passport number
• Date of birth
• Expiration date

Identity Verification: United States Driver License or State ID

The image of your license or ID must show the following information clearly:

• First and last name
• License/permit number
• Date of birth
• Residential address
• Expiration date

Identity Verification: United States Permanent Resident Card

The image of your license or ID must show the following information clearly:

• First and last name
• USCIS number
• Date of birth
• Expiration date

If asked to provide proof of address during registration, you can use any utility bill, bank or credit card statements, or insurance policy.

Proof of Address: Utility Bill

You can use any utility bill from your gas, water, electricity, phone or Internet company. Make sure that the image you upload shows your address clearly, and matches the address that you manually entered in your TikTok Shop registration.

Proof of Address: Bank or Credit Card Statement

You can use any bank statement or credit card statement. Make sure that the image you upload shows your address clearly, and matches the address that you manually enter in your TikTok Shop registration.

Proof of Address: Insurance Policy

You can use the following types:

1. Life and Disability Insurance
   1. Term/Permanent Life Insurance
   2. Health Insurance
   3. Medicare/Medicaid
2. Property and Casualty Insurance
   1. Home Insurance
   2. Car Insurance

Make sure that the image you upload shows your address clearly, and matches the address that you manually enter in your TikTok Shop registration.

Proof of Business: IRS-Issued Document

If proof of business is requested, please submit one of the following:

• IRS 147 C
• IRS 252 C
• IRS CP 575 A
• IRS CP 575 B
• IRS CP 575 G
• IRS CP 575 E

The proof of business IRS-issued document must clearly show all of the following information:

• Legal business name
• Business address
• EIN (tax number)

Also known as the Federal Employer Identification Number or the Federal Tax Identification Number

• Date of notice

The following are not allowed:

• A screenshot of the IRS website
• SS-4 Applications (or any IRS application to update or file information), tax returns, or e-file confirmations.

Note: If your business name has changed, please include supporting documentation that clearly shows both the previous business name and the new business name. Examples of acceptable documentation include

• Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation
• Amendment to LLC Articles of Organization
• Secretary of State Amendment to Articles
• Amendment of Assumed Business Name Certificate
• Assumed Name Certificate

Tax Purpose: W9 Form

Other Forms For Tax Purposes

You may also be prompted to submit other forms for tax purposes, depending on your selected business type. Get them ready and follow the instructions to upload them during registration!

• Sole Proprietorship (Form W9),
• General Partnership (Form 1065),
• Limited Partnership (Form 1065),
• Limited Liability Partnership (Form 1065),
• C Corporation (Form 1120),
• Single-member LLC (Form 1040),
• Multi-member LLC (Form 1065 or Form 8832), Form 1120-S (S Corporation)

Letter of Authorization (LOA)

In some instances, TikTok Shop may require your business to provide a Letter of Authorization (LOA). The Letter of Authorization (LOA) is a written document that confirms a person of authority has the permission to act on behalf of a business.
For example, the LOA allows a person of authority to manage the TikTok Shop account on behalf of a business.
The LOA must meet the following criteria:

• Business name (If the LOA is typed on Parent Company letterhead, please ensure that the business name used in registration is also included)
• Authorized Representative's name
• Clear details about the person who has been authorized
  • Role/title of the primary business representative and the authorized representative
• Signatures of the primary business representative and authorized representative
  • Digital and handwritten signatures are accepted.
• Duration of the authorized letter (if any) (non-expired)

Need Help Finding Documents?

If you are missing any of the following required documents, you can follow the guidelines below to request them.

• Proof of Address

The process for requesting this document varies depending on the type of document and the company who has it. Call the customer service phone number of the company to have it emailed or mailed.

• Proof of Business (IRS-issued document)

Visit the IRS website and follow the guidelines to request a copy of the IRS 147C. If the initial CP 575 notice has been lost. Businesses can request the IRS 147C by calling the number on the IRS website.

• Letter of Authorization (LOA): Contact the business listed on the LOA to determine the proper process for requesting or creating this document.

Ready to Register?

Kickstart your selling journey with us and set up your shop today!

Need More Help?

If you're running into issues during login or registration, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Troubleshooting Sign-Up Issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Ultimate Business Owner (UBO), Primary Business Representative

Who is an Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO)?

An Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) is a person who directly or indirectly owns at least 25% of the equity interest in a company. We require UBO information only from Business sellers (Corporation/ Partnership). Do take note that a Business seller can have more than one UBO.

Why is an Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) needed?

This is part of our account registration, security and fraud prevention measures, and to comply with applicable laws, regulations and legal obligations.
Identifying the Ultimate Beneficial Owner helps to verify the legitimacy and integrity of parties involved, maintaining a secure and trustworthy marketplace.

Can I submit a non-US passport for UBO verification?

Yes, you can. You can also submit a US driver's license or a State ID instead of a passport.

What is the difference between a UBO and a US Business Representative?

An Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) is a person who directly or indirectly owns at least 25% of the equity interest in a company. We require UBO information only from Business sellers (Corporation/ Partnership). Do take note that a Business seller can have more than one UBO.
A US Business Representative is someone based in the US that is authorized to conduct business on behalf of the company. This can be anyone from the CEO to an entry-level marketing employee.