Background Check, EIN & W-9 Requirement?
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The EIN is not a big deal. It is suppose to be safer then the social security number. The IRS gets the reports on your income anyway, if you earned over $600.00 from any source. I think it's $600.00.
It's easy and free to get the EIN. I have one and it reports the same like RobG said above. I have never had to do a background check. In my opinion, I stick with the companies that are completely free to sign up with. Unless I am going to make some MEGAbucks, paying for a background check would not be worth it.
That's good to know about an EIN. I guess if we plan on signing up with #'s of companies, an EIN is much safer then our SS#. There are so many companies out there, I am sure some can be skipped if they want you to pay for background checks. I am in the middle of taking the MSPA test, so I hope my Silver would be enough.
keskandari Wrote:
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> That's good to know about an EIN. I guess if we
> plan on signing up with #'s of companies, an EIN
> is much safer then our SS#. There are so many
> companies out there, I am sure some can be skipped
> if they want you to pay for background checks. I
> am in the middle of taking the MSPA test, so I
> hope my Silver would be enough.
Hey! I am not sure if you already took the test or not but someone posted that there is a free code. I have no idea if it would still work but you may do a search on here and see.
Beats paying for it.
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> That's good to know about an EIN. I guess if we
> plan on signing up with #'s of companies, an EIN
> is much safer then our SS#. There are so many
> companies out there, I am sure some can be skipped
> if they want you to pay for background checks. I
> am in the middle of taking the MSPA test, so I
> hope my Silver would be enough.
Hey! I am not sure if you already took the test or not but someone posted that there is a free code. I have no idea if it would still work but you may do a search on here and see.
Beats paying for it.
First, pease do a search on" EIN" for "all dates" and read what others have to say about the EIN. Many refuse to use one. Some are boycotting MSCs that require an EIN. There is more than one side to the story.
Next, you must report ALL income, whether the source pays you more than $600 or not.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/17/2013 08:10PM by walesmaven.
Next, you must report ALL income, whether the source pays you more than $600 or not.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/17/2013 08:10PM by walesmaven.
I used that free code, and I am certified now. Too bad it's expired now. :-)) I will read about EIN and MSC. I am already bookkeeping everything so I can get the at home business discounts for taxes.
All of the above have to be weighed in relation to their value to you and your mystery shopping business. The only company that would have required me to have an EIN also required ICs pay for their own background checks for certain types of assignments. Since there was no guarantee I would receive enough of those assignments to offset the cost, it didn't work out for me. Several companies have required background checks at their expense and I have no problem with those.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Congrats! Too bad it is expired. I put mine on my expenses as well.
Definitely research it and see what you think on the EIN. To each their own... I find it will be much easier to commit fraud on me with my social than my EIN. I guess it depends on what state you are in and so forth on what happens. Good luck! Some of those threads are quite heated. 
Definitely research it and see what you think on the EIN. To each their own...
I find it will be much easier to commit fraud on me with my social than my EIN. I guess it depends on what state you are in and so forth on what happens. Good luck! Some of those threads are quite heated.
It only took a few minutes to get my EIN, no cost. Totally worth it to get in with the MSCs that require it.
As for the background check, I made over $500 last year and over $200 this year so far just on shops that required it, and they are shops that I actually really enjoy doing. Absolutely, positively worth it for me.
As for the background check, I made over $500 last year and over $200 this year so far just on shops that required it, and they are shops that I actually really enjoy doing. Absolutely, positively worth it for me.
LisaSTL Wrote:
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> All of the above have to be weighed in relation to
> their value to you and your mystery shopping
> business. The only company that would have
> required me to have an EIN also required ICs pay
> for their own background checks for certain types
> of assignments. Since there was no guarantee I
> would receive enough of those assignments to
> offset the cost, it didn't work out for me.
> Several companies have required background checks
> at their expense and I have no problem with those.
I think this is probably the same company that I am contemplating signing up with...unfortunately, this particular company wont allow you to view their assignments and pay, unless you have your EIN and paid for a Background Check...oh well...just wondering, is this common now, among the better-paying mystery shopping companies? I've been a casual shopper, now looking to pick up more work, which is why I'm looking to sign up with more companies.
-------------------------------------------------------
> All of the above have to be weighed in relation to
> their value to you and your mystery shopping
> business. The only company that would have
> required me to have an EIN also required ICs pay
> for their own background checks for certain types
> of assignments. Since there was no guarantee I
> would receive enough of those assignments to
> offset the cost, it didn't work out for me.
> Several companies have required background checks
> at their expense and I have no problem with those.
I think this is probably the same company that I am contemplating signing up with...unfortunately, this particular company wont allow you to view their assignments and pay, unless you have your EIN and paid for a Background Check...oh well...just wondering, is this common now, among the better-paying mystery shopping companies? I've been a casual shopper, now looking to pick up more work, which is why I'm looking to sign up with more companies.
Most of my companies do not require background checks and those that do are often project specific. At this point I don't think it will limit you at all.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I have been using EIN for the last 3 years and prefer that than putting my social security number anywhere on the internet. I do not understand why anyone would prefer using their SSN, when there are identify theft issues.
Not my circus - Not my monkeys @(*.*)@
~Polish Proverb~
~Polish Proverb~
cubbie. There are many reasons for not using an EIN. Depending on the Shopper, an SSN is the better way to go.
Shopping Bama and parts of Georgia.
I'm still learning 24/7.
I'm still learning 24/7.
I already had fingerprint clearance in Arizona when I sought Nevada certification. They required their own fingerprint card. Why isn't there cross-state clearance? Is it just one more way to add to state coffers?
rezteach Wrote:
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> I already had fingerprint clearance in Arizona
> when I sought Nevada certification. They required
> their own fingerprint card. Why isn't there
> cross-state clearance? Is it just one more way
> to add to state coffers?
Totally off subject but no one is coordinated in that effort. In my small town of 35,000 to volunteer at the preschool (private), grade school (one district) or high school (another district) you need to be fingerprinted and back ground checked three times. They do no sharing at all. I have a friend with a child in each of these schools so she has to do it three times every other year.
Liz
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> I already had fingerprint clearance in Arizona
> when I sought Nevada certification. They required
> their own fingerprint card. Why isn't there
> cross-state clearance? Is it just one more way
> to add to state coffers?
Totally off subject but no one is coordinated in that effort. In my small town of 35,000 to volunteer at the preschool (private), grade school (one district) or high school (another district) you need to be fingerprinted and back ground checked three times. They do no sharing at all. I have a friend with a child in each of these schools so she has to do it three times every other year.
Liz
tralynnme Wrote:
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> Would anyone care to give opinions, feedback, on
> the idea of companies requiring shoppers to obtain
> an EIN from the IRS, and to pay for Background
> Checks?
>
> I've been performing shops for approx. 20 clients,
> for years, and I've not quite decided if I want to
> sign up with new companies that require these
> things. I'm not so much bothered by a background
> check - mine would be completely clear - but I
> wonder if the cost is worth the investment?
>
> And obtaining an EIN from the IRS, when I'm not
> earning the required amount that has to be
> reported...is this a good / bad idea?
If you are making over $400 a year as an IC, you are supposed to report all your income. You will receive a 1099 for any company that paid you over $600. You can risk it and not report income you receive that you didn't get a 1099 for, but the MSCs have to report and pay taxes, and the IRS can cross-reference and find out that way.
I am not sure if an audit would be the only way the IRS might find out about "under $600 non-reporters"...does anyone know?
-------------------------------------------------------
> Would anyone care to give opinions, feedback, on
> the idea of companies requiring shoppers to obtain
> an EIN from the IRS, and to pay for Background
> Checks?
>
> I've been performing shops for approx. 20 clients,
> for years, and I've not quite decided if I want to
> sign up with new companies that require these
> things. I'm not so much bothered by a background
> check - mine would be completely clear - but I
> wonder if the cost is worth the investment?
>
> And obtaining an EIN from the IRS, when I'm not
> earning the required amount that has to be
> reported...is this a good / bad idea?
If you are making over $400 a year as an IC, you are supposed to report all your income. You will receive a 1099 for any company that paid you over $600. You can risk it and not report income you receive that you didn't get a 1099 for, but the MSCs have to report and pay taxes, and the IRS can cross-reference and find out that way.
I am not sure if an audit would be the only way the IRS might find out about "under $600 non-reporters"...does anyone know?
P.S. You don't need to sign up for an EIN to fill out the W-9. I just check the box that says "individual" and put in my SSN. The form states that a SSN is preferable anyway.
I remember when Maritz tried to require EINs. I think so many shoppers protested/quit that they eliminated the requirement.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/18/2013 05:03AM by rainy.
I remember when Maritz tried to require EINs. I think so many shoppers protested/quit that they eliminated the requirement.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/18/2013 05:03AM by rainy.
I personally prefer using my EIN. I've already been the victim of identity theft once and signing up with 100 companies that I know little or nothing about does not give me a warm fuzzy feeling regarding being confident that they are safeguarding their database. Business records get hacked all the time. The fewer places my SSN is, the safer I am. I would be inclined to go the opposite direction, and boycott the ones that don't LET us use an EIN.
But there is no practical reason for them to REQUIRE one. It should be our choice which we want to use.
I paid about $8 for a background check for one company that does business audits. I haven't done an audit yet but my schedule frees up in the summer (when school's out, I sub teach) so I will be better able to take some of those jobs because they're always for "immediately." Unfortunately I started MSing right at the start of the school year so I've been a bit constrained.
But there is no practical reason for them to REQUIRE one. It should be our choice which we want to use.
I paid about $8 for a background check for one company that does business audits. I haven't done an audit yet but my schedule frees up in the summer (when school's out, I sub teach) so I will be better able to take some of those jobs because they're always for "immediately." Unfortunately I started MSing right at the start of the school year so I've been a bit constrained.
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I pray it does not occur that the last thing I did before I died was vacuum the house or eat broccoli.
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I pray it does not occur that the last thing I did before I died was vacuum the house or eat broccoli.
I actually like the kind of work that required the background check. Unfortunately in my area there was no way for me to get and maintain a self-assign status without taking assignments that were real dogs. Relying on requesting the assignments only got me one over the course of about 18 months.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I too absolutely prefer using the EIN instead of my social security number and it only took a week or two to obtain after submitting an internet printable form via US mail. I wish all msc's used EIN's instead of ss numbers.
LisaSTL Wrote:
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> I actually like the kind of work that required the
> background check. Unfortunately in my area there
> was no way for me to get and maintain a
> self-assign status without taking assignments that
> were real dogs. Relying on requesting the
> assignments only got me one over the course of
> about 18 months.
Lisa -
I took the dogs, resented it greatly, but moved past it within a month. The lucrative shops, including the ones requiring the bg checks, I'm now doing with nothing less than a minimum 50% bonus (distance pay). Totally worth the few worthless ones up front to get the self-assigning status for the good ones.
-------------------------------------------------------
> I actually like the kind of work that required the
> background check. Unfortunately in my area there
> was no way for me to get and maintain a
> self-assign status without taking assignments that
> were real dogs. Relying on requesting the
> assignments only got me one over the course of
> about 18 months.
Lisa -
I took the dogs, resented it greatly, but moved past it within a month. The lucrative shops, including the ones requiring the bg checks, I'm now doing with nothing less than a minimum 50% bonus (distance pay). Totally worth the few worthless ones up front to get the self-assigning status for the good ones.
EIN isn't free anymore. I just went to apply and it's $147 for them to send it to me. Of course they don't advertise that until you complete the form. I had to cancel it. I went to ein-gov.us Maybe there is another site?
Go to IRS.gov. This is a free number issued by the government. You don't have to pay anyone to get it for you. You get it for yourself.
Mary Davis Nowell. Based close to Fort Worth. Shopping Interstate 20 east and west, Interstate 35 north and south.
Yes, I was at the wrong site. Here is the real link: [www.irs.gov]
Oh the last message didn't let me post the whole link, only the main address.
I am so glad for this forum! Because of here, I am now Silver Certified and I have a free EIN and I am signed up with a bunch of companies. Now I have to go through every one of them and change my information. This is so great! Now I won't be so nervous signing up with more companies.
Thanks!
I am so glad for this forum! Because of here, I am now Silver Certified and I have a free EIN and I am signed up with a bunch of companies. Now I have to go through every one of them and change my information. This is so great! Now I won't be so nervous signing up with more companies.
Thanks!
I have an EIN# with one company and it has paid off well for me....I can now self-assign those upscale grocery stores, and
am eating well (thank you). I am now getting a background check (after holding back), so I can do more jobs for same Co.
No problem, it depends on your personal situation, I don't make enough for it to be a problem from this company. Read other threads on this, some are opposed to it, others not.....
am eating well (thank you). I am now getting a background check (after holding back), so I can do more jobs for same Co.
No problem, it depends on your personal situation, I don't make enough for it to be a problem from this company. Read other threads on this, some are opposed to it, others not.....
Live consciously....
Kes -
Sorry, but that's a question nobody is going to answer. Shoppers work long and hard to find shops, and while we're glad to support each other in completing the work we have, sending folks to MSC's for specific work just doesn't happen here.
Search the forum threads for grocery shops and you'll probably get lucky in finding some places to pick them up, or slog it out with the rest of us here by signing up for an ever-increasing number of MSC's in a neverending quest to find the shops that meet your needs and preferences.
Good luck, and enjoy the pleasant discoveries you'll make by reasearching many new MSC's!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/19/2013 01:55AM by elcarev68.
Sorry, but that's a question nobody is going to answer. Shoppers work long and hard to find shops, and while we're glad to support each other in completing the work we have, sending folks to MSC's for specific work just doesn't happen here.
Search the forum threads for grocery shops and you'll probably get lucky in finding some places to pick them up, or slog it out with the rest of us here by signing up for an ever-increasing number of MSC's in a neverending quest to find the shops that meet your needs and preferences.
Good luck, and enjoy the pleasant discoveries you'll make by reasearching many new MSC's!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/19/2013 01:55AM by elcarev68.
Honestly, I didn't have the time or inclination to take those. It would be one thing if some would have been in my neighborhood, but I'm talking $7 and $8 shops that were 30-40 minutes away were the only ones ever left to request and even they did not last long. The occasions when I did request them with a reasonable distance pay they were denied.
I always had so much work from other companies it didn't much matter and they will call me on occasion to complete a shop with a good bonus. In fact, they hounded me over their Medicare Advantage shops so most of their shoppers in my area must be younger.
elcarev68 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Lisa -
> I took the dogs, resented it greatly, but moved
> past it within a month. The lucrative shops,
> including the ones requiring the bg checks, I'm
> now doing with nothing less than a minimum 50%
> bonus (distance pay). Totally worth the few
> worthless ones up front to get the self-assigning
> status for the good ones.
I always had so much work from other companies it didn't much matter and they will call me on occasion to complete a shop with a good bonus. In fact, they hounded me over their Medicare Advantage shops so most of their shoppers in my area must be younger.
elcarev68 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Lisa -
> I took the dogs, resented it greatly, but moved
> past it within a month. The lucrative shops,
> including the ones requiring the bg checks, I'm
> now doing with nothing less than a minimum 50%
> bonus (distance pay). Totally worth the few
> worthless ones up front to get the self-assigning
> status for the good ones.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
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