Filling out a W9- for a single member LLC

[MR02474]

Can I use my business EIN when filling out a W9?  When I read the instructions it looks like I need to use my SSN.  

[Critter-3]

YES ... was that not the reason for the EIN ... so you don't have to give out your SS# ???

READ the instructions :  

Part I. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. If you are a resident alien and
you do not have and are not eligible to get an SSN, your TIN is your IRS
individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). Enter it in the social
security number box. If you do not have an ITIN, see How to get a TIN
below.
If you are a sole proprietor and you have an EIN, you may enter either
your SSN or EIN.

[MR02474]

This is from the IRS instructions on LLC's.  If you read it through to the end, it says we cannot use the LLC EIN if you are a single-member LLC. 

Taxpayer Identification Number

For federal income tax purposes, a single-member LLC classified as a disregarded entity generally must use the owner's social security number (SSN) or employer identification number (EIN) for all information returns and reporting related to income tax. For example, if a disregarded entity LLC that is owned by an individual is required to provide a Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and Certification, the W-9 should provide the owner’s SSN or EIN, not the LLC’s EIN.

[Critter-3 · Accepted solution]

Further in the W-9 instructions ...  

When you got the EIN for the single member LLC that was not incorporated you had to report your SS#  so the EIN is automatically linked to your SS# and both numbers are reported on the Sch C  thus if you get a 1099 in either number they are both recognised as income to the same Sch C on your personal return.   So once again, it you cannot use it on the W-9 then why did you bother to get the EIN to begin with.  

[Carl]

I to am self-employed with my own single member LLC for just over 15 years now. When a client requests I provide a W-9, is have always (and will continue to do so) used the EIN. Under no circumstances and with no exceptions will I ever give a client my SSN. They get the EIN or take their business needs elsewhere.
With my SSN, if it's used unscrupulously my entire financial life can be ruined. But with the EIN only the business is affected, and it's easier to invalidate an EIN.
Now I'm not saying one of your clients would abuse your EIN/SSN. But what if one of their employees is a bit on the unscrupulous side? Would you feel comfortable giving "me" your SSN? Of course not. In fact, since you and I have no business relationship, I have absolutely no legal need for your EIN either.
When it comes to the EIN, only two entities know what SSN that EIN is tied to; the IRS and the owner of the SSN it's tied to. Those are the only two that have any need to know what SSN the EIN is tied to.
If you will read what you posted from the IRS pub again, it makes it quite clear that you can use the EIN.
For federal income tax purposes, a single-member LLC classified as a disregarded entity generally must use the owner's social security number (SSN) or employer identification number (EIN) for all information returns and reporting related to income tax. For example, if a disregarded entity LLC that is owned by an individual is required to provide a Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and Certification, the W-9 should provide the owner’s SSN or EIN, not the LLC’s EIN.

Note that your single member LLC does not have an EIN, and does not need one. The EIN is tied to you personally via your SSN, and that's what you use on the SCH C, W-9 forms, and for any other tax related transactions and informational exchanges, if you choose to do so.