Early in onboarding, you'll be asked to select an account type: Individual or Business. Your choice affects how your tax information is collected and how your income is reported — so it's worth getting right from the start.
Individual
Select Individual if you work under your own name and don't have a formally registered business entity. This includes freelancers, sole proprietors, and contractors who use their personal SSN or equivalent tax ID.
Choose Individual if:
You haven't registered a business with any government agency
You don't have an EIN or separate business tax ID
You file taxes under your personal name and SSN (or ITIN)
Business
Select Business if you operate through a legally registered entity — an LLC, corporation, partnership, or similar structure — with a separate business tax ID.
Choose Business if:
Your business is registered and has its own EIN, Canadian Business Number, or equivalent
You file taxes separately for your business
Your business operates under a legal name separate from your own
Common questions
I don't have a registered business. Can I still use Pebl?
Yes — select Individual. Pebl fully supports freelancers and sole proprietors operating under their own name.
I use a business name but haven't formally registered it. Which do I choose? Individual. A DBA name doesn't constitute a registered business entity. For tax purposes, you're still operating as an individual.
I have a single-member LLC. Which do I choose?
It depends on how your LLC is treated for tax purposes. If it has its own EIN and files taxes separately, select Business. If it's a disregarded entity and you file under your personal SSN, select Individual.
What happens if I select Individual?
Payments will be reported under your personal tax ID. If applicable, you'll receive a Form 1099-NEC at tax time. This is standard for sole proprietors and freelancers who are in the US.
My business is registered outside the US. Can I still select Business?
Yes. Provide your country's business tax ID during onboarding. Pebl supports contractors globally.
Can I change my account type after onboarding?
It's possible, but it may require re-submitting documentation and additional verification, and could temporarily affect your account. It's best to select the correct type upfront.
My organization is a non-profit. What do I select?
Select Business, and choose C-Corp as your entity type on the W-9. There's no dedicated non-profit option, but the IRS classifies non-profits alongside corporations for 1099 reporting purposes. Selecting C-Corp lets Pebl process your information correctly and doesn't affect your tax-exempt status.
Still not sure? A tax professional or legal advisor can help you determine the right classification based on your specific situation.