If you're thinking about launching your own online store without having to go freelance, you've come to the right place to learn how! But before you dive into this exciting world of e-commerce, I want to share some helpful tips.
First, please note that this guide is intended to provide information, not legal advice. For specific details regarding your country and situation, it's best to consult with a legal expert. Also, remember that Shopify is not responsible for your use of this guide.
Now, opening an online store can be a great way to earn extra money or even establish a more consistent income. The key is the dedication you put into it, and hoping that dedication will translate into profits.
Today, thanks to platforms like Shopify, creating an online store is easier than ever. But the big question is: can I do it without being self-employed?
After discussing tax obligations in a previous article, many readers asked us questions like:
✅ Can I sell online without being self-employed?
✅ Is it enough to register with the Treasury?
These seemingly simple questions have answers that can be a bit complicated. I imagine your goal is to make money with minimal investment, and that's great!
But here's the reality: the Treasury and Social Security will be monitoring your earnings, so it's important to understand the legal implications. Above all, pay attention to the possibility of opening your online store without being self-employed.
The Treasury will want its share of your sales, and Social Security will try to get you to register as self-employed so you can pay your monthly contributions. According to them, being self-employed is mandatory if your online store becomes your main source of income.
So, can you sell online without being self-employed ? In principle, it doesn't seem possible, but there are nuances. It all depends on the frequency of your activity and your income.
Social Security considers online sales to be more common than physical sales. If you sell regularly, you'll likely be considered self-employed.
Now, how do you determine if your sales will be regular and if they'll become your main source of income? Good question!
Many people are just looking for extra income through online sales, but here's the trick: you can avoid registering as self-employed if your income doesn't exceed the annual Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI).
But be careful! Determining whether you'll exceed the minimum wage can be complicated, especially since the government can change it. This is easier for self-employed professionals who issue few invoices per year, such as a web programmer who only works sporadically.
If you're sure you'll only make sporadic sales and won't exceed the minimum wage, you can register with the Tax Agency alone. But remember that you won't be able to issue invoices without being registered, so keep that in mind!
So, is it possible to invoice without being registered as self-employed in 2024? In principle, yes, but with conditions and depending on the country.
In Spain, for example, you must be registered with the Treasury, but not with Social Security. Your activity must be non-habitual, and your income must not exceed the minimum wage.
In Mexico, conditions may vary, so it's best to check directly with the SAT.
Finally, keep in mind that not registering as self-employed can lead to problems. Social Security could claim any contributions you haven't paid since you started your business.
But don't worry! Although this may sound complicated, there are ways to take advantage of bonuses to pay lower fees as a self-employed person, such as the initial flat rate. In short, don't let anything stop you! Just make sure you do things right from a legal standpoint.
And if you need help creating or growing your online store , we're here to help!