TikTok Shop Verification in the U.S. for Non-Residents Isn’t Simple—Here’s What You Must Know.
Launching your TikTok Shop Seller Account in the U.S. as a non-resident isn’t just about forming an LLC—it’s about navigating a complex maze of verification hurdles. Recent changes, including mandatory video verification by a U.S.-based Primary Business Representative (PBR), have left many sellers scrambling as casual arrangements with friends or family are no longer viable.
Even minor errors—such as discrepancies between your CP 575 EIN letter and your business profile—can trigger costly delays or outright account suspensions. Strategic planning is essential, and the stakes are high.
This guide will break down critical considerations to ensure your launch on TikTok Shop is smooth and compliant. Here’s what you must carefully evaluate before proceeding:
Here’s what you should know before getting started.
1. Compliance Starts with the Right U.S. LLC and Tax Plan
TikTok Shop success begins with your U.S. entity and tax plan. Your decisions here will shape your ability to open a U.S. bank account, verify your business, and meet TikTok’s compliance requirements.
- Choose the right entity type and bank combination: Avoid single-member LLCs using platforms like Mercury Bank, which require a U.S. person.
- Select the best state for your business: Tax obligations and operating costs vary by state. Will this be owned by your existing company that sells on Amazon or Shopify? Should it be the same U.S. LLC that is on your Amazon account? What are the risks to your Amazon account if your TikTok account is in the same U.S. LLC?
- Match your LLC address with banking requirements to avoid delays: This is the most overlooked time and money drain. Suppose you don’t get verified (which is happening more often) by Relayfi or Mercury in most cases. In that case, it is almost impossible to make changes to your account to override your financial decision.
Mistakes at this stage can ripple through the entire process, causing unnecessary verification issues or delays.
2. The Role of the Primary Business Representative
TikTok Shop requires every seller to appoint a Primary Business Representative who meets strict qualifications:
- Must be U.S.-based with valid identification (driver’s license or passport).
- Requires a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Key point: It is NOT required to hold ownership in your business, but it acts as a critical compliance contact.
- Updated from TikTok: What most do not know is that once you choose a U.S. primary business representative, you can not change it! The same goes for the ultimate beneficial owner. Hint: Never form a U.S. LLC managed by members! The only way to change that person is to close your account and open a new one! This means you will lose all your TikTok data from your existing account. Think carefully before randomly selecting a service from Fiverr or anywhere else to set up your TikTok Shop account. Finally, TikTok Shop limits the number of accounts the same U.S. primary business representative can be on, so don’t be surprised if your account is rejected for some unknown reason; this might be it.
- Update: Video verification is now required for your PBR.
Choosing the wrong representative or overlooking their importance can lead to account setup issues (so choose wisely).
Finally, what could be the U.S. tax impact of having a primary business representative in regard to your analysis of a USTOB and ECI with your US LLC and TikTok Shop business? The video below points out this consideration in your overall expansion plan for your TikTok Shop.
3. Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs): What TikTok Expects
If your business has individuals holding 25% or more ownership, they must be declared Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs). You can NOT change the UBO, either!
- UBOs are supposed to be U.S. residents or resident aliens, and that is why they have the option to use a non-U.S. passport as a verification option. This opens the door for non-residents, but the UBO must also have a personal residential U.S. address.
- TikTok may request an SSN or ITIN for UBOs (an issue for non-residents who may not otherwise need an ITIN but may come in handy, similar to Stripe requiring an ITIN once your sales are above $500K
Update: Ultimate Beneficial Owner’s Address Glitch on Both Desktop and Mobile Application (update March 19, 2025, this glitch has been fixed).
Compliance with TikTok Shop requirements involves much more than checking boxes. Every step, from U.S. LLC formation to selecting the right representative and verifying UBOs, must align with your business goals and platform regulations.
Important: TikTok Shop will REJECT a second account application if the information matches the first account. This happens often when sellers make a verification error on the first account. Instead of being patient and getting expert support to fix it, they open a second account with similar information. TikTok Shop will cross-reference the information on the second account to the first, and neither will be verified. This is a similar approach that Amazon takes. You must fix your first account. See our chat history with TikTok Shop recently:
Our expert team simplifies your entire TikTok Shop Seller Account setup—from strategic U.S. tax planning and compliant LLC formation to navigating TikTok’s rigorous verification process. Our comprehensive Done-For-You packages include our exclusive Primary Business Representative Protection Checklist, ensuring every critical step is handled seamlessly.
As a valued client, you’ll also receive direct referrals to our vetted tax and legal experts to draft robust agreements protecting you and your primary business representative, as well as introductions to trusted insurance providers to secure comprehensive coverage tailored to your products. Schedule your free Fit call today and launch confidently, right from the start.
