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Level 2
posted Dec 21, 2024 12:36:55 PM

Question about W-9: Employer's online form only let's me input my SSN, and not my EIN

One of my employers is changing their payments systems to Tipalti and they are requesting a W-9 from me.

 

Unfortunately, their system for their online W-9 form doesn't accept my EIN number, but I've always filled it out that way.

 

They are telling to just use my SSN number, but I told them that I've always used my EIN number.

 

Is it OK that I submit this form using my SSN instead of my EIN? 

0 3 1095
3 Replies
Level 15
Dec 21, 2024 2:35:50 PM

@codewarrior_777  as a wage earner ( employee with taxes withholding by employer ) you cannot use your business EIN --  your tax account with the IRS / State is under your personal TIN  ( Tax ID )-- SSN in this case.  If you are a Non-Employee / Self-employed  you still  have to use your SSN as TIN. On the other hand, if you are an employee of your  own entity (  C-Corp. S-Corp, LLC Partnership etc. )  then you use  the entity's  EIN, because it is the entity that is providing the service through an employee ( and the entity  pays you as an employee or as non-employee ).

 

Does this make sense ?   Is there more I can do for you ?

Level 2
Dec 23, 2024 12:04:14 PM

I have a Single Member LLC and I've always used my EIN when filling out my W-9's.

 

On my tax return, the Schedule C, my SSN number and my EIN number are both there including the code for my business type. 

 

I've never had any issues submitting my W-9 that way in the past, but now this company wants me to input my SSN number since their online system doesn't accept my EIN number. '

 

Personally, I think the whole reason for having an EIN is to avoid giving out my SSN. 

 

My question though was it OK to submit my SSN even though I'm reporting income through my Single Member LLC?

Level 15
Dec 23, 2024 12:20:41 PM

Yes you can use the ssn.  Right, In your case the EIN is only so you don't have to give out your ssn.