Posted by lucky/ca on 3/15/13 3:19pm
Msg #461382
EIN AND SSN question and identity theft.
Hello all,
We are all asked for a W-9 form to be completed and sent to everyone we work for. Sometimes I get a request from various companies and I am not sure I ever worked for them which means I wonder if it is a scam to get my SSN. Recently a signing agency kept asking for my W-9 and I went back through and found I never even worked for them. It said I wouldn't be paid for the work I did for them if I didn't complete it.
With identity theft so prevalent, do any of you use an EIN number to give to companies you work for instead of your SSN? I haven't asked my tax preparer about this yet but thought I would ask other notaries first.
Thank you in advance for your answers.
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Reply by Pam/NM on 3/15/13 3:22pm
Msg #461383
EIN only...never SSN n/m
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Reply by Chakwaina on 3/15/13 3:22pm
Msg #461384
I use and EIN but I am not real sure how well that protects me.
I also do not give my DL as ID but my Tribal ID--it meets TSA standards as identification.
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Reply by John Tennant on 3/15/13 3:23pm
Msg #461385
Only an EIN, never the SSN. n/m
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Reply by Roger_OH on 3/15/13 3:25pm
Msg #461386
EIN is a MUST for your business! NEVER give your SSN! n/m
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Reply by sueharke on 3/15/13 3:26pm
Msg #461387
I am responding to this question as a CPA and notary. Moral: get an EIN and do not share you SSN. ALWAYS use an EIN if you are business. DO NOT use your SSN! It takes no more than 10 minutes on the IRS website to get an EIN. Since you are in CA, be aware that the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) cannot match a SSN from an EIN. Actually the FTB cannot match names to SSN either. the FTB may send letter that she or he did not file a tax return, when the taxpayer actually did! My favorite issue to resolve <sigh>
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Reply by lucky/ca on 3/22/13 1:15am
Msg #462503
I started to apply for the EIN on form SS-4 Application for an EIN and saw it asks for a SS# and also did I just start a business and other questions. I don't have employees so that question is easy.
I have been been a NSA for ten years and am now only getting around to getting an EIN number, dumb yes but not sure how to fill out the form. I didn't just start this business.
Any ideas?
Thank you.
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Reply by lucky/ca on 3/15/13 3:45pm
Msg #461392
Thank you everyone.
I can't believe I have been in business all these years and didn't know to get an EIN number.
You all were very helpful.
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