If I I’ve been working as a independent contractor for someone for approximately 3 years, do I now have to provide my SSN?
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If I I’ve been working as a independent contractor for someone for approximately 3 years, do I now have to provide my SSN?
Recently the situation has gone sour and I will no longer be working for her. She did not request my SSN until a few days ago. Apparently she has not filed taxes in at least 3 years. She said her CPA needs it for her taxes. In response to her request for my SSN, I told her to have her CPA send me a notarized letter stating the purpose. Here is her exact reply, “LOL, you cannot ask for CPA notarized paper. By law you must give me your SSN”. I need the notarized letter for my records and to verify the identity and validity of the CPA. Don’t I have a legal right to request this? If she or the CPA refuse to provide me with this can I refuse to provide my SSN?
Asked on October 26, 2015 under Employment Labor Law, Maryland
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
Yes, you have to provide your SSN (or if you worked under the rubric of an LLC, the EIN): it is necessary for tax filing and is commonly provided by all independent contractors. There is no obligation on their part to provide you with a notarized CPA letter. You can refuse to provide the SSN and they can inform the tax authorities that the reason they don't have this information is your non-cooperation; the authorities may or may not do anything with that.
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