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MSI Services - EIN vs. SSN

February 26, 2015 03:11PM
Does anyone know why MSI wants an EIN instead of a SSN for their shoppers?

Do other companies require EIN's? This is the first time I've encountered this.
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More Discussions About TrendSource / MSI Mystery Shopping (All Companies)
More About Mystery Shopping Taxes
February 26, 2015 03:55PM
It doesn't really matter much *why* they want it. If you want to shop for them you need one. There's nothing nefarious about it. Go to the New Mystery Shoppers section and read the thread on taxes for more information on the subject.

Time to build a bigger bridge.
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February 26, 2015 03:57PM
This company, every few years, requires shoppers to submit a new W-9. I just submit my ss on the W-9.

EIN - is basically a businesses social security number. Don't worry about it and just use your own ss.
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February 26, 2015 04:13PM
You are using your SSN because you were grandfathered in. For a couple of years new shoppers have no other option than an EIN. As of now Trendsource is the only company requiring one.

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.
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February 26, 2015 06:18PM
People who file a schedule C *are* in business and can get an EIN. It stands in as a redirect to their SSN for tax purposes. You don't have to have one to file a schedule C, but you can get one and it doesn't cost anything. Trendsource happens to require it, maybe because they see people with an EIN as being more committed to their business than people who don't. We don't really know why they want it. But if you want to work for them, you need it.

Time to build a bigger bridge.
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February 26, 2015 08:42PM
Ty all
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February 27, 2015 02:17AM
I recently received the message (when I log in) telling me to provide both an EIN number and my SS number with a W-9.

I emailed them and they said to just provide the W-9, no EIN number was mandatory. Maybe the person gave me wrong information or I misunderstood it.
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