zlinedavid Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> frodosdojo Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > For two, it
> > reminds us that they are skirting the law in
> order
> > to not pay us health benefits and social
> security
> > tax to the IRS and other such things.
>
> How is paying an independent contractor skirting
> any type of law? Consultants, specialists and
> temps have been around for years and years.
>
> And employers are not required to offer health
> benefits, even if you are an employee. A good
> amount of part-time employees have no employee
> sponsored healthcare.

Because the laws have changed. There was no reason to require EINs if the laws hadn't changed.

frodosdojo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> zlinedavid Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > frodosdojo Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > For two, it
> > > reminds us that they are skirting the law in
> > order
> > > to not pay us health benefits and social
> > security
> > > tax to the IRS and other such things.
> >
> > How is paying an independent contractor
> skirting
> > any type of law? Consultants, specialists and
> > temps have been around for years and years.
> >
> > And employers are not required to offer health
> > benefits, even if you are an employee. A good
> > amount of part-time employees have no employee
> > sponsored healthcare.
>
> Because the laws have changed. There was no reason
> to require EINs if the laws hadn't changed.


The law does not require an independent contractor to have an EIN. It's still perfectly legal and acceptable for a sole independent contractor to file under his or her SSN. Your response is exactly what MSI wants you to think. "Oh gosh, well, they wouldn't make us do it if the laws hadn't changed."

If it is now a federal requirement, why hasn't every MSC enacted this?

Every MSC may enact it as they follow each other like sheep. The real tell is that non MSCs for whom I do independent contractor work PREFER the SSN. They are contracting with ME, not with an 'employer'.

frodosdojo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Because the laws have changed. There was no reason
> to require EINs if the laws hadn't changed.

Who told you that the laws have changed? That is incorrect. There is currently no legal requirement that makes it necessary to require EINs from ICs.

AustinMom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> frodosdojo Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> >
> > Because the laws have changed. There was no
> reason
> > to require EINs if the laws hadn't changed.
>
> Who told you that the laws have changed? That is
> incorrect. There is currently no legal
> requirement that makes it necessary to require
> EINs from ICs.

I didn't say the law had changed requiring EIN's. You missed my whole point. There have been many significant changes in labor laws over the past two years and I won't go into all of them here. BECAUSE of the changes, MSC's have hit upon the idea to require EINs to circumvent requirements on their part for hiring ICs.

It appears from much of the research that has been done my forum members that the EIN is not going to be their silver bullet, but rather grabbing at straws. Companies who have a fair and equitable relationship with shoppers don't seem to feel the need. Maybe those that think this will help should just revisit some of their own policies and make sure they are in line with current laws. Most laws under consideration are because of companies who do otherwise. This probably falls under that lovely category, we don't need more laws we just need the laws on the books to be enforced

What they are wanting is your SSN. If you make over $600 (?) in one calendar year they must have it for the IRS. If you don't ant to give it thn you don't have to, but then you will not be able to work with them possibly.

Don



lisams901 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Is Trendsource now requiring an EIN?
>
> When I logged in just now I had a message at the
> top saying they still need an EIN from me. This is
> the first I've heard it mentioned by them and
> can't find anything on the site about it being
> required.

Actually it is specifically an EIN that they are requiring and an SSN is no longer adequate. Anyone who doesn't comply by May 1 will have their accounts frozen.

yes Lisa is right and its absurd on TS's part. When I finish and receive payments for my last possible assignments I plan to send them a firm email on this matter. We should not let them call the shots - stand up for yourself!

Having an EIN gives the MS stronger identity protection instead of supplying SSN to every MSC... or am I wrong?

UnderCover Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Having an EIN gives the MS stronger identity
> protection instead of supplying SSN to every
> MSC... or am I wrong?


Possibly. But I already gave them my SSN, so that does me little good. Also as others have pointed out, other MSC companies require an SSN, so it doesn't help us any when just one or two accept EIN instead.
AND if you put an EIN instead of an SSN in the space for one on the form, companies will think it is an SSN, which means youre actually putting someone else's SSN...

Have the laws changed?

Do the research yourself. According to the IRS, a EIN is not required for everyone, just for many businesses in specific circumstances. When I read the requirements, the IRS does not require it for me, and this will likely be the same for many other mystery shoppers.


Do you need an EIN? [www.irs.gov]

Do you need a New EIN? [www.irs.gov]

PS: If you prefer not to click on the links, google the titles above on the IRS site.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/10/2012 06:40PM by vlade5394.

Thank you, vlade5394, for giving us the facts!

LisaSTL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> People like to @#$%& about CORI starting fees so
> low, but at least they actually increase during
> the month. They don't attempt silly bidding wars
> to reduce them further.


I have always taken CORI's side on this over Trendsource. At least their fees will go up. Trendsource's regular fees are fairly low. I am very surprised of the amount of love this company has gotten in the past as it always seemed very over-rated, if you ask me.

If you follow the link to the IRS, there is a list of who needs an EIN. It has quite a few examples of individuals who DO need one. Interestingly, an independent contractor is NOT on this list. There isn't even anything that could be construed as government-speak for independent contractor. I happen to really LIKE working for TrendSource and do mostly BV work and health care shops. They pay well and give me mileage when I request it. I would really hate to give up working for them, but will have to if required to get an EIN. As I stated in a previous thread on this forum, when several banks required one to open an account for a business, the IRS told me they seriously discouraged individuals getting an EIN unless because of the reason stated on the above-mentioned list.

Someone should send this to Trendsource! I'm not going to uneccessarily complicate my taxes by getting an EIN, they're complicated enough! I felt some remorse yesterday, while shopping in my favorite Trendsource location, but honestly, it's just not worth it. Besides which, there is no way I'm going to bid against other shoppers for coveted shops. Um, make that shop, singular.

vlade5394 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Have the laws changed?
>
> Do the research yourself. According to the IRS, a
> EIN is not required for everyone, just for many
> businesses in specific circumstances. When I read
> the requirements, the IRS does not require it for
> me, and this will likely be the same for many
> other mystery shoppers.
>
>
> Do you need an EIN?
> [www.irs.gov]
> 97872,00.html
>
> Do you need a New EIN?
> [www.irs.gov]
> 98011,00.html
>
> PS: If you prefer not to click on the links,
> google the titles above on the IRS site.

I believe Trendsouce is going to be at the Chicago conference...maybe they will address it there.

Liz

it doesnt complicate your taxes at all. Your taxes are done same way they are now. There is a line to enter your ein number on if you have one. I have one and have had it for years.

Having an EIN does not change the way you report your income for tax purposes. I've had an EIN over twenty years.

I do not agree with the statements made by the last 2 posters. It does not complicate and change the way you report your taxes for some folks. It does create unnecessary problems and issues for others...

And by far not all of those issues are income tax reporting! Forest and trees . . .

Getting away from any income tax arguments. For me to operate a small home based business I would be subject to regulations from my city, my county and my state. This would mean business licenses from each. I would also be subject to paying business property taxes on furniture and equipment used for the business. My car insurance would also have to be changed and would go up. There are other regulations in place which would dictate how much of my home could be devoted to the business, etc. I was just reminded of all these things because I looked into starting another home-based business just 4 years ago. The things I found should be applicable because for that business I was going to start out as the sole employee working off-site while running the business out of my home.

Many of these things are not going be applicable to shoppers in other states. That's where cost vs income has to be taken into consideration. Obviously for me there is not enough benefit from one company (at least not this company) to justify all of the licensing and increased cost. I'm not even sure there would be enough benefit if the entire industry converted. At that point I would probably look at another source of revenue

All true in my area as well, LisaSTL. And I came across the sheaf of correspondence the other day from when we DID get an EIN for a small business using part of our land. What a disaster that was! In addition to what you are mentioning, we were also required to get a Sales Tax number even though the items sold were exempt from tax under our state law. That, of course, meant quarterly reporting to the state of income even though none of it was taxable.

An EIN would most certainly complicate things for me, as verified by my accountant.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/11/2012 07:25PM by nicelytwicely.

I was advised by my accountant not to do it either. Bye bye Trendsource.

I think the difference here is I have a number in my personal name from a closed business I had years ago, and some of you are apparently talking about setting up a new business. I originally thought that the old EIN would no longer be in effect, but when I tried to get a new one for Maritz, I was referred to the old one.

If I had needed an EIN because I was setting up an incorporated business or trust, had employees, or needed to file excise tax or ATF reports, there might be tax complications reporting that business and paying taxes at all levels. I can see where an accountant would advise you not to get it if you don't need it. I believe most of us who mystery shop would be unincorporated, have no employees, and not be required to file excise tax returns or ATF reports. I used mine originally to report on and make deposits for employee withholding and employer's contributions, and to file federal excise taxes and reports to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Now it's just a number I have and can render up the same as an SSN.

It's not required for most unincorporated taxpayers without employees. There are lots of mystery shopping companies, and no one has to shop for all of them. I want to shop for Trendsource and Maritz, so I supplied the number when requested. I'm not expecting any negative repercussions from supplying this number, but if anything develops I'll let you know.

I am sure it is true for some that it wouldn't present a problem, but to make a blanket statement assuming that this is the case for all is misleading.

That aside, it's not necessary for this type of reporting, so yes, I would be curious to hear Trendsource's reasoning for it. If anyone goes to the conference and finds out more, please post.

We should all do what we think best on this issue. Time will tell how it plays out.

I quit Trendsourue. I don't need big brother. I pay my taxes, but this is too much.

When I asked what do I get for applying for the EIN and why do they want one when they go my SSN. They responded with the same qoute as "Lisa STL" above provided. The way I see it is the government will now know we are not paying taxes on most of the money we make. I also will have to keep better records for the accountant. I sell Avon, and I do claim that every year so I will apply for one through Avon.

As for the background check, I did it and costed me 14 dollars. I have also gotten 2 jobs a week or more doing BV. Most are self assigning for me, but I do ones for the company that need to be done with-in 2 days when they call.

Could someone tell me what bidding is? Is it when you are asking for PAD? If it is I tell them how many mile I have to travel, and ask them to pay for the gas.(25 miles, my car gets 22 to a gallon, gas 4.00, I ask for the 4.00). This works sometimes but not always. I have waited 4 weeks to get a answer and have not got one,the job is past its due date and I only asked for 5 dollars. I will not do the shop unless they give me 20.00. They snoozes, they PAY .