Posted by Retsing on 9/24/12 9:32am
Msg #435624

ISGN

In order to receive payment for a closing on 7/28/12, ISGN is saying they need a copy of my SSN card to verify what is on the W-9. I'm not comfortable with doing that. Seems a little over the top. Any suggestions/comments?

Reply by John Tennant on 9/24/12 9:46am
Msg #435626

Why are you using your social security number? For your own protection you should get an EIN. Just log on to the IRS website and apply for one. They are free for the asking.

Reply by sueharke on 9/24/12 10:55am
Msg #435635

Right on John! Using a SSN may lead to identity theft.

Reply by Gregory/CA on 9/24/12 11:33am
Msg #435637

IRS Link for Convenience

http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Employer-ID-Numbers-(EINs)-

Number is issued within moments of submission.

Reply by IAC on 9/24/12 2:49pm
Msg #435675

I had the problem with them, I told them I would turn them into the government since it seems they filter the calls from oversea. I received my check within 2 days

Reply by MW/VA on 9/24/12 12:03pm
Msg #435643

Probably because there's been so many scams using

stolen ss nos. Get an EIN #.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 9/24/12 12:08pm
Msg #435645

I won't work for them any more

Payment now takes 60-90 days at a minimum.

Reply by Retsing on 9/24/12 3:04pm
Msg #435679

Re: I won't work for them any more

Thanks everyone.

Reply by Luckydog on 9/24/12 5:24pm
Msg #435696

Re: I won't work for them any more

I still use my SS as well. I guess easier on taxes, and I am not doing my taxes as a business, just self employed? Not sure if you can merge your SS and Tax ID#, or have to file 2 returns? My CPA is not cheap, so for me, not doing it would be too costly. I would question that as well, I have never asked that as validation. They only send you out a 1099 at the end of the year, and not deducting taxes for you, so they should not need that. Tell them if they have a problem year end, you will send directly to the IRS.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 9/24/12 6:57pm
Msg #435705

Self-employed is a business...

and if you're CPA is not cheap then he should know his stuff...filing with an EIN together with your social security number on your personal return is not that tough.

Reply by sueharke on 9/24/12 9:42pm
Msg #435718

Re: I won't work for them any more

I am a CPA too and putting a EIN on a business schedule C is not expensive (if it is, get another CPA who will not gouge you for standard business practices). When you do your taxes using a schedule C (once you have an EIN), tell your CPA your EIN is for the business. The IRS knows how to match the EIN to your name. There is no issue on identifying who the income belongs too. The answer is different when dealing with the State of CA, as this taxing group does not have the computer ability to match a SSN to an EIN.

If you were my tax client I would say, get an EIN to prevent identity theft!

Reply by John/MO on 10/15/12 11:11am
Msg #438605

I am also end the end of my patience with these clowns. I have invoices at 60 days and 45 days. I have left two voiceamails that have gone unanswered and am also frustrated with their call center in "India". The classic runaround.
I got my $100 fee on the order but what good is that if you can't get paid?

Reply by Arlene Mills on 11/21/12 7:45am
Msg #444242

They also told me I needed SSN, although I provided them my federal id number. They said they wouldn't pay me unless I sent that too them. The job I did for them was in June of 2012, finally got paid November 20, 2012, after letting them know I was going to file in small claims court.