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IRS EIN

February 01, 2008 03:16PM
Jacob: Hav run in2 a # of co.'s that want u 2 divulge ur SSN on the site, many of which r not encrypted/secure. Went 2 IRS site 2 get an EIN & filled in req'd 4m--but where do u actually "submit" it & get the # the IRS assigns 2 u? Does the IRS e-mail 2 inform u of #? Prompt reply requested---hav co.'s interested in giving me work, but don't want 2 giv up SSN 2 get it, @ least not now...Thanks, man.
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More About Mystery Shopping Taxes
February 01, 2008 04:55PM
Hey, Laureen. I've not dealt with an EIN, so I don't know much about how the works once you apply.

However, if you experience a delay at all in getting an EIN, try registering using 000-00-0000 for the SS#. You can always go back into your profile with the companies that you actually shop for and "update" it to show your correct information after you have done a shop for them and gotten paid. That way, you know if they're a "good" company to work with.

By doing that, you keep your actual EIN or SS# away from employees at the companies that you register with, but don't actually shop for.
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February 01, 2008 07:43PM
It beats the stuffin' out of me how an EIN is enough safer than a SS# to make it worth the bother. Sure your SS# is tied to your credit rating and all your financial accounts, but it would seem to me that an EIN is also linked to a "record" and a new small business with an EIN is often awarded credit cards with higher limits than an individual with a SS# is offered. I recognize that identity theft happens and we all want to avoid it, but businesses get ripped off even more often than individuals--and there are a whole lot more individuals out there than businesses!

I do like the approach of using an obviously deliberately wrong social security number to sign up with an unknown company. I also like it for the unsecure website. But I am not sure one would be wise to use an EIN in either of these cases anyway.
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February 03, 2008 06:27PM
Rule of thumb - never give your SS# to someone that solicits it. Some of the companies allow you to leave that field blank until you do a shop and learn they are legit. If you get a message that the company's security license is expired, then put an obvious fake one in, or back out and don't register.
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