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Magicsharpie1 Regular user 136 Posts |
Basically a client calls me yesterday for a gig, all was going well and I booked it. Then after he mentions that I need to fill out a w-9 form in order to get paid. This includes filling out my personal information including my ss number.
I did a bit of research and from what I understand you do not need to fill this form out unless your pay is over 600+(im not getting that much). I just don't feel comfortable filling out personal information like that. I did a background check on the company, and they seem legitimate,only problem was that the intern that called to book me was a bit shaky over the phone and called from his cell,not the company line. So this made me hesitate, But they did mention that I need to fill it out if I wanted the check during the gig since its next week. So I filled it out and emailed it back. which comes down to my question. Do you all fill out w9 forms for your gigs,are there security risk in doing so and are there ways to get around this? Thanks |
tacrowl Inner circle Maryland 1633 Posts |
You could always get an EIN - Employer Identification Number.
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Chad C. Inner circle 1522 Posts |
I fill them out with schools all the time and fax them and have never had a problem so far.
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jlibby Inner circle 1044 Posts |
Some institutions routinely have them filled out. I have never had a problem with filling one out.
Joe Libby San Antonio, TX
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Signor Blitz Elite user 419 Posts |
It is the nature of the game - some places have their own rules that everyone must have one on file - other wise it is a pain in the butt for them come January when thay are trying to get 1099's out and they have to trackdown Joe the pinhead magician.
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
This is very common and not out of line at all for any company or organization to request this. You would be making yourself look unprofessional to question this or not fill this out upon request of a client. You've also partially misquoted or misunderstood the law you referred to. Although your client doesn't have to complete a 1099 for anything less than $600.00 many still do just for proper record keeping.
Stop being skeptical, it's just proper business practice. |
Blair Marshall Inner circle Montreal, Canada 3660 Posts |
As a sidebar, here in Canada, I have been requested by individual schools for my S.S. (Social Insurance number) number. Our govt. indicates that it should NOT be given out to just anyone, to me the desk of a school secretary is not the most private of places, and as that document is processed through THE system, too many eyes, and hands, handle and see it. So I contacted the school board and they opened a file with me with my personal information for payment purposes in their accounting department, they also expressed concern that I was being asked for this information at different schools, even though it was on a school form.
"it's just proper business practice" - it may be the company's practice, but it may not be "proper" practice. I would just check to see what legally they are able and allowed to ask you to provide. And it certainly does not make you look unprofessional if you are more knowledgable about the law than they are. In my case when I am asked for the information and say "the board has it on file" they are actually more impressed. ANYTIME you give out personal information (SS, Lic.#, Medicaid # etc.) to someone you do not know, you run a risk. B
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Paddy Inner circle Milford OH 1571 Posts |
Many companies require the W-9 for all vendors no matter how small the amount paid. This gives the accounting department total records of money spent. I have one in my files so I can email or fax it to clients all the time. The only "bad" thing is that the IRS then gets a copy.
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RebelEntertainer New user John Abrams 73 Posts |
It's standard POLICY for many companies to require a W-9 before they release payment. I've never had a problem with it (knock on wood).
And, by the way Paddy, companies are NOT required to submit your W-9 to the IRS. They're only required to keep them "on file". If they send you a 1099 at the end of the year, then they are required to send the IRS a copy of your 1099. John Abrams Rebel Entertainer and Guy that loves LifeLock |
MikeClay Special user Atlanta GA 761 Posts |
I have one filled out and printable on the desktop.. with a digital signature so it can be emailed
yeah this is pretty much the cost of getting into anything outside of birthday parties
its ok.. balloon dogs don't bite
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Magicsharpie1 Regular user 136 Posts |
Okay thank you guys for clearing things up,just that I never been asked to fill one out before. I hope this will help magicians in the future becasue I did a search and nothing came up.
And as for Mindpro, I do see where your coming from becasue it does seem unprofessional to refuse,which I didn't. but we are talking about personal information here and one bad move could become serious so I was a bit skeptical. Once again thanks everyone,appreciate it. |
Scott O. Inner circle Midwest 1143 Posts |
Quote:
but we are talking about personal information here and one bad move could become serious so I was a bit skeptical. Which is why I set up an EIN number (the other option on the W-9). This is a business number, not personal info like a SS#.
Do not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest, if you do not give up. Galatians 6:9
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-05-28 22:42, Scott O. wrote: Ditto. The EIN is free for the asking on the IRS site and can be used in place of the SSAN. I'm paranoid about email security and make a practice of never emailing my SSAN. I have no such concerns over emailing or releasing my EIN, however. Highly recommended.
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Marshall Thornside Inner circle chicago 2016 Posts |
I fill out a W9 and always have one ready to print out and
fax or email if necessary. many companies require it to cut the check whether or not you make over $600 a year with the prospective company. it doesn't hurt.
you will remember my name
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Mystical Matthew Elite user 468 Posts |
Impeccable timing! I had this come up last week. I wasn't sure, but since I had an EIN I gave them that. Looks like it's a pretty standard thing. Glad I didn't make an issue of it! ;-)
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Pizpor Elite user 476 Posts |
I do them all the time. It's part of the game. I've had to do them for as little as a $25 invoice - so get used to it. Lately I just send them when I mail the invoice.
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Steven Steele Chief of Staff 1868 Posts |
Think of it this way. When a company asks you for a W-9, you instantly become a VENDOR and when they need a service, where do they look? Their VENDOR list! Over the years I've been contacted by a company for a show (under $600), but within a year or so, they call me back and they have my W-9 on file, my certificate of insurance and I'm an easy hire. So think of it as an investment, an opportunity for more business. Also if you just smile and say, 'no problem' you become more professional and legitimate as a real business. It's no big deal.
As for giving out my social. Years ago when I started doing this professionally, you didn't need an EIN and the Social worked fine. My social is everywhere. I can't count the times I have given that thing out. I don't do it anymore, because there are other forms to do what they want. But banks, loan companies, still require them. So I think it's a lot of concern about nothing. But just in case, I purchase an identity theft protection policy every year (it's tax deductible) just in case. Remember, "trust everybody but cut the cards" (Unknown).
Coram Deo
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