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Social Security Number required to be affiliate

by David Maschke
8 replies
Hey guys,

Do you join affiliate programs that require you to give them your SSN?

There have been a few that I wanted to join, but I hit a brick wall when they ask for my social security number.
#affiliate #number #required #security #social
  • Profile picture of the author webapex
    Strictly speaking they don't require it until you hit the yearly IRS reporting threshold ($500?) for the affiliate co. if that's not anticipated you might be able to negotiate going without, although a low earner is someone they may reject.

    If age and U.S. residency is no issue and you just want to protect personal info you can apply for an IRS Employer Id Number (EIN) online, usually associated with at least a fictitious business name, the EIN is an acceptable alternative tax ID not as prone to identity theft as SS#.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      They have a reason for asking for your SSN or EIN - they have to report income you earn. If you get a job, your employer requires your SSN when you apply for the job.

      If you open a bank account, get a credit card, apply to rent an apartment - they ask for your social security number.

      You provide it. I would expect any affiliate program to ask for it - and if I wanted to sell affiliate products, I'd provide it.

      I think the threshhold for reported earnings is still $600 - but that can change. Many affiliate programs require the information up front to avoid any confusion. If it's a large, known program, I have no problem providing the SSN. If its a small, new or single-item program, I prefer to provide it when and if I reach the threshhold payment.

      kay
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      • Profile picture of the author Paul Fernandez
        David,

        The best thing to do is to set up a "real" business presence such as a corporation. Once you do that, get your tax id number from the IRS. When you have this, you don't need to give anyone your personal SS#.

        I won't go into all of the benefits of having a corporation but there are plenty. It's not expensive to set up and it's well worth it. I recommend setting up a Delaware corp.
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  • Profile picture of the author merereilly
    Originally Posted by David Maschke View Post

    Hey guys,

    Do you join affiliate programs that require you to give them your SSN?

    There have been a few that I wanted to join, but I hit a brick wall when they ask for my social security number.
    If you don't want to give your SSN, try putting 000-00-0000 as your social. I know that works at our network because a lot of guys don't want to provide it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Rose Anderson
      Originally Posted by merereilly View Post

      If you don't want to give your SSN, try putting 000-00-0000 as your social. I know that works at our network because a lot of guys don't want to provide it.
      That's going to be a problem at tax time. Anyone who makes over $600 has to be sent a 1099 and it has to have a SS number.

      (Unless it's a corporation or you're operating out of the U.S. I don't know how it works in other countries)
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    • Profile picture of the author Simon Royal
      I am with the setting up a REAL Business and not being 100% of being a sole proprietor. As said in another post if it is a small one product affiliate program I would be a little hesitant simply because the risk of identity theft.
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      • Profile picture of the author Mr Precision
        I will agree with everyone else that posted. I've signed up with several affiliates in the last few months. I didn't have to provide my SSN at the time, but it makes sense that they would need it at some point for taxes. I hate to repeat something that someone already said, but I would think that simply creating a DBA for your business would be the easiest way around it.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Yes, of course. If I want to join it, I give it to them. If they are too shady to give it to them, they are too shady to promote their products.
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