is it ok to provide my ssn to a non profit interested in buying my picture
hi,
a non-profit publication expressed interest in using one of my picutres. they agreed to pay me an amount. in turn they need my ssn and an invoice with my name and address. is it mandatry that i provide my ssn?
BTW, i am just a amateur photographer, with no registered company or anything of that sort.
thanks.Sebastian
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2 Answers
Justin Case said:
If you're an individual (i.e. you don't have an entity) AND you're providing service/product to a 3rd party for payment, that party MAY require you to sign a W-9, which is the IRS form "Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification". That party is planning to report to IRS that they made payment to you. Therefore, it is usually fine, in the context of that form, to provide that SSN (which would be the appropriate number, if you don't have a Federal TIN). I believe you can apply for a Federal TIN (separate from your SSN) if you're a 'sole proprietor' (or individual contractor, which in this case you're considered to be) for these purposes. It used to be that if you're paid less than $600 in the tax period, the 3rd party is not required to report the payment to the IRS (and many, then, wouldn't request your SSN/EIN). However, I think that changed and now ALL contract services / service providers that are paid need to be reported (in any amount). As a result, most businesses, non-profits and the like are requiring W9s from anyone they pay through the year.
More info on the TIN and W-9 is available: http://www.irs.gov/instructions/iw9/ar02.html#d0e58
Hope it helps!
2 years, 2 months ago
Brian Ach said:
Short answer: if they seem to be a reputable non-profit business (check the Better Business Bureau) then yes, you should give them your SSN to get paid. Do your research on the company!
2 years, 2 months ago