SSN needed for contract work? (apply, employer, jobs, company)

[amylewis]

The guy I'm doing contract work for just emailed me asking for my SSN and birth date for accounting data, saying it needs it to pay me. Is that true? I thought I handled all that with a 1099 form.

[jwiley]

He has to have an Employer ID number or SS number to issue the 1099, which means he has to have it to even pay you. Assuming you would not have an EIN (registered company with the IRS and State) than he would need your SS.

[amylewis]

Okay, thank you, this is the first contract job I've had, and I've heard a lot of stories about some employers giving SSN's out to illegals to use. Seems to be a rather wide-spread practice in some parts.

[jwiley]

Originally Posted by amylewis

Okay, thank you, this is the first contract job I've had, and I've heard a lot of stories about some employers giving SSN's out to illegals to use. Seems to be a rather wide-spread practice in some parts.

I have never heard of that one, but I could see it being common in certain jobs in certain areas. the option you do have is to file a Florida DBA which is a fictitious name, and in most states is only $10-20. Then file for an Employer ID number at this link How to Apply for an EIN. You will just have to file an update yearly but your tax return will be the same as it will working solely under your name.


Also another benefit is if you do end up starting your own cleaning service in the future, you will not have to give your SS# out to anybody for business purposes, you can always use your EIN.