When completing a W-9 as a sole proprietor, is it better to use my social security number (SSN) or employee identification number (EEN)?

[Michael16]

I'm beginning a small business as a sole proprietor this year. When completing a W-9 as a sole proprietor, is it better to use my social security number (SSN) or employee identification number (EEN) for the Taxpayer Identification Number in Part I? Is there an advantage for tax purposes (I imagine not using your SSN helps with potential identity theft) of using one over the other? Will using my EEN cause issues if I don't have it linked to my bank accounts?

Thanks.

[rjs · Accepted solution]

It's generally better to use your EIN on the W-9 for the reason that you mentioned - to help prevent identity theft. By using your EIN you avoid giving out your Social Security number unnecessarily.

For your taxes, it doesn't make any difference which number you use, and it also doesn't matter that the EIN is not on your bank account. However, to clearly separate personal and business income and expenses, you should have a business bank account separate from your personal bank account. The bank will want your EIN for the business account.