Client wants my SSN to write me a check? WTF?

[notfred]

Ok, so I did some freelance work for a small company, they owe me a fairly small amount of money. Regardless, they have been less than punctual with thier payment, and I've had to send them several reminders. The longer this goes on,the shadier the place seems.

Anyway, I got a voicemail today saying that they were going to issue my check, but thier accountant wanted either my SSN or a Tax ID number (which I don't have).

Is there any reason they should need either of these numbers? I don't want to give this place my SSN, not the way they do business, but I still want to get my money.

Advice from accountant-y types would be much appreciated.

 

[AMDMaddness]

yup they need your SSN so they can 1099 you at the end of the year its a common practice. I have been down your road before.

Pete

 

[FoBoT]

yes, if you are a contractor, they'll need to issue you a 1099 (and copy to the IRS) so you can pay your taxes correctly on your income

 

[EagleKeeper]

As stated above; they need it to keep Uncle happy and you unhappy come next year.

 

[notfred]

ok, thanks, as long as it's standard practice.

 

[imported_LoKe]

Originally posted by: notfred
ok, thanks, as long as it's standard practice.

Since you're already giving it away, can I have it, too?

 

[Torghn]

Get a tax Id number, it's not hard and it's not expensive.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Be sure to keep good records, the IRS tried to bill me $800 one year for form 1099 consulting income that was already accounted for on my schedule C.

I explained their mistake (which a copy of the income worksheet I used for the sched C) and they went away.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

You can get an EIN here: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html

I've done it and the process is very quick and easy, you'll get it in the mail. Drop me a PM if you have any questions.