I did a big side job in the technical field to a local company. Before they could issue me a check, they want my social security number. It appears this is a normal practice for companies to do that. But I am thinking they already have my name and address, and giving them my number can lead to abuse and criminal activity. I want to get paid. On the other hand, I do not feel comfortable providing them with my SS number. What should I do?

They have to report your earnings to Social Security. (Someday when you're old, you'll get a monthly SS check.) It's standard procedure. But don't give your SS# to a phone telemarketer or other cold caller. That's where the danger lies.

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Originally Posted by moonlite

I did a big side job in the technical field to a local company. Before they could issue me a check, they want my social security number. It appears this is a normal practice for companies to do that. But I am thinking they already have my name and address, and giving them my number can lead to abuse and criminal activity. I want to get paid. On the other hand, I do not feel comfortable providing them with my SS number. What should I do?

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I don't see what the problem is. IF you're doing work with a registered company then they'll need your SS number to complete payroll. It is to make sure you're taxed right and all that.

The IRS has it, your banks require it, you will not be able to file taxes next year without a 1099. Almost every credit card requires it and I just got a new gas provider and they required it-they supposedly cant see the screen.

You did work for them, that work becomes an expense. For them to claim that expense on their tax return, they have to file a 1099 with the IRS. To do so they need your SSN or an EIN if you have one. This is absolutely SOP. If you worked for them as a salaried employee you would have to provide your SSN.

Yes, if someone knows your SSN they can use it to steal your identity. So you need to be careful about given the number to someone you don't know. But if you want to get paid you give them the number.

In the US it is the law, not only must you give it, you must show them your card, and other proof of ID, like drivers or state ID.

In fact they should not have allowed you to work one day, without providing it.

No work place will allow you to work without proving full ID and SS number

Thank you for all the responses. They were much appreciated. I guess I will give it and hope for the best !

The only difference between you, and others who share your NAME is your social security number.

The only issues, as noted, is if this is real job. You actually go into work, they have an office and so on.

Many of the work at home things are scams, you work, and never get paid.

Any place that may hire you, without a SS number are hiring you illegally and they are actually the ones to be more worried about.

Since this must be your first contract job, I hope you know that you and the IRS will get a 1099, and you must pay self-employment tax on it. It won't be a small amount!
I hope you charged about 1/3 more than an employee would get. Not getting vacation, holidays, sick time, and 1/2 the SE tax usually are worth that.