Can I register my YouTube channel as a business if I only earn a few hundred dollars?

Yes, you can register at any income level. However, if you earn less than $500/month, a sole proprietorship (which requires no registration) may be sufficient. The key requirement is reporting all income to the IRS regardless of the amount.

Do I need to register in the state where YouTube/Google is located?

No. Register your business in the state where you live and work. Google's location in California has no bearing on where you file your business.

Will registering as a business change how YouTube pays me?

No. YouTube and AdSense work the same way. The only changes are that you provide your EIN instead of SSN on tax forms, and payments go to your business bank account instead of personal.

Do I need a business license to be a YouTuber?

It depends on your city and state. Some jurisdictions require a general business license for any commercial activity. Check with your city clerk's office. The cost is usually $25-$100/year.

Guide

YouTubeBusiness RegistrationContent CreatorUSA

How to Register Your YouTube Channel as a Business (2026)

Your YouTube channel became a business the moment it earned its first dollar. The IRS does not care whether you think of it as a hobby — if you are generating income, you have tax obligations. Registering your channel as a formal business gives you liability protection, tax advantages, and professional credibility. Here is the complete process for US-based YouTubers.

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Step-by-Step Guide

Choose your business structure

Sole proprietorship (free, no protection), LLC ($50-$500, liability protection), or S-Corp (LLC + tax election, best for $50K+ earners). Most YouTubers should start with an LLC.

File with your state

For an LLC, file Articles of Organization with your state's Secretary of State. For a sole proprietorship, file a DBA (Doing Business As) if using a name other than your legal name.

Get your EIN from the IRS

Apply free at irs.gov. Use this number for tax filings, W-9 forms, and bank account opening. Do not give sponsors your Social Security Number when you have an EIN.

Open a business bank account

Bring your EIN, Articles of Organization (if LLC), and government ID. Deposit all YouTube income here and pay all business expenses from here.

Update AdSense and payment settings

In Google AdSense, update your tax information to your business EIN and your payment method to your business bank account.

When your YouTube channel becomes a business

Legally, there is no registration threshold. The IRS considers any activity conducted with the intent to make a profit as a business. However, practically speaking, you should formalize your YouTube business when:

- You receive your first AdSense payment (Google issues a 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC for payments over $600/year)
- You sign your first brand deal or sponsorship
- You start deducting business expenses on your taxes
- Your annual YouTube income exceeds $1,000

Even before formalizing, you are required to report all YouTube income on your tax return — including income below the $600 1099 threshold. The IRS knows about your AdSense payments whether you report them or not.

Step-by-step business registration

Step 1: Choose your business structure
- Sole Proprietorship — Simplest option. No filing required. You just report income on Schedule C. No liability protection.
- LLC — File Articles of Organization with your state ($50-$500). Provides liability protection. Recommended for most creators.
- S-Corp — LLC with S-Corp tax election (Form 2553). Best for creators earning $50K+ net profit. Saves on self-employment tax.

Step 2: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Free from the IRS at irs.gov/ein
- Takes 5 minutes online
- Use this instead of your SSN on W-9 forms for brand deals

Step 3: Register for state and local requirements
- Check if your state requires a general business license
- Some cities require a home occupation permit if you film at home
- Sales tax registration if you sell merchandise or digital products

Step 4: Open a business bank account
- Separate all YouTube income from personal finances
- Many banks offer free business checking (Mercury, Relay, Novo)
- Get a business debit or credit card for business expenses

Step 5: Set up your Google AdSense with business info
- Update your AdSense tax info with your EIN
- Ensure payments go to your business bank account
- Provide your W-9 with your LLC name and EIN

Post-registration setup

Accounting and bookkeeping:
- Use accounting software (Wave is free; QuickBooks Self-Employed is $15/month)
- Categorize every business transaction
- Save receipts digitally for all business purchases
- Track mileage if you drive for content creation

Tax compliance:
- Pay quarterly estimated taxes if you expect to owe $1,000+ for the year (Form 1040-ES)
- Quarterly due dates: April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15
- Set aside 25-30% of net profit for taxes (federal income tax + self-employment tax)

Insurance:
- General liability insurance ($300-$500/year) covers claims related to your content
- Equipment insurance (often added as a rider to renters/homeowners insurance)
- Health insurance through the ACA marketplace if you are full-time

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Consult a CPA or attorney for your specific situation.

Pro Tips

Start with an LLC unless your income is below $500/month — the liability protection is worth the filing fee
Get a separate business credit card immediately and use it for all business expenses — this creates automatic expense tracking
Set up automatic transfers of 30% of every payment into a separate savings account for taxes
Keep a simple spreadsheet tracking every brand deal: brand name, amount, payment date, and whether you received a 1099
Update your YouTube channel description and 'About' page with your business name once registered