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Tax Id

by Eric Land
5 replies
Ok i know that you need to give your social security number in order to be an affiliate for almost any website that is if there affiliate program is llegal.

The only thing is i am scared to give me ssn because i feel that i shouldn't just be giving this number out to websites i am signing up for, for the first time.

How can i make sure that these websites are safe.
#tax
  • Profile picture of the author kristinecpa
    Hey cires123,

    You're right to be worried about giving your SSN out to everyone who asks. There is a lot of fraud these days, and recovering from identity theft can be very timely and costly (my husband and I have both been victims, and it's definitely no fun...).

    So, instead of giving your SSN, I suggest you apply for a Employer Identification Number (EIN, also referred to as a TIN or Tax Identification Number). While sole proprietors with no employees are not required to get an EIN, you are allowed to apply for one. There is no charge for an EIN, just go to the IRS website to apply.

    More information on EINs from the IRS website...
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  • Profile picture of the author Curt Dillion
    Your social security number is on file with all of the credit reporting agencies. Anyone can pay to get your file at any time.

    You will also be required to give your SS# whenever you apply for any loan.

    It's kind of a waste of time and energy to avoid giving it out. If someone really wants it, it's no problem to get it.

    One of the things that is not widely known is that you can get the Social Security Administration to issue you a new number if you are a victim of identity theft.
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    • Profile picture of the author kristinecpa
      Originally Posted by Curt Dillion View Post


      It's kind of a waste of time and energy to avoid giving it out. If someone really wants it, it's no problem to get it.
      Having been a fraud victim myself, I disagree that it's a waste of time to avoid giving your SSN out.

      Yes, you will need to give your SSN in some instances (like on your tax return, applying for a loan, etc.), but if you can take steps to avoid giving your SSN (such as getting an EIN if you're a sole proprietor, or whiting your SSN out on documents that are requested but where no SSN is needed), why wouldn't you? Just my 2 cents...
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      • Profile picture of the author Eric Land
        Thank you for your responses i think i am defiantly going to sign up for an ein but as well im not as worried any more though im sorry you had your identity stolen.

        But thank you both for your input
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    • Profile picture of the author Chris Lockwood
      Originally Posted by Curt Dillion View Post

      Your social security number is on file with all of the credit reporting agencies. Anyone can pay to get your file at any time.
      "Anyone" cannot request your credit file at any time. Also, to get your file, they need your SSN, so I'm not sure what point you were making.
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