Forum

[nm629593]

I guess this is for Affiliates in the US. What do most of you use for your affiliate programs, a Tax ID# or your SS#? I am very hesitant about putting my SS# online.

 

[newstart]

If your online business is more than a hobby business I would suggest you acquire a Tax ID#. Starting out your sales are low, however as the business grows the sales volume will increase. This growth in your business will cause a need for hiring employees. Though you can hire VA's from foreign countries initially when you do hire U. S. employees you will be required to have a Tax ID#.

I have also found that the Tax ID# seems to have minimized the scrutiny placed on the websites when I have
applied to be an affiliate or in the acquisition of business equipment.

Margene Smith

 

[nm629593]

If your online business is more than a hobby business I would suggest you acquire a Tax ID#. Starting out your sales are low, however as the business grows the sales volume will increase. This growth in your business will cause a need for hiring employees. Though you can hire VA's from foreign countries initially when you do hire U. S. employees you will be required to have a Tax ID#.

I have also found that the Tax ID# seems to have minimized the scrutiny placed on the websites when I have
applied to be an affiliate or in the acquisition of business equipment.

Margene Smith

Thanks Margene for the info! I really appreciate your advice!!

-Pam

 

[jmpruitt]

really it depends on what you want. getting a tax id is a good idea, but you can wait if you want to. with the drop out rate in the business, its a bit of time to get one just to decide you don't like the business and quit. get 1 site up and see what it takes to make some money, once you have a successful site and decide if you really want to do this full time, then go get one.

 

[esolutions]

Hi,

Don't worry about using your SS # if the business and/or affiliate program is reputable. This is how they report what they have paid you to the IRS (something that any US based business that cares to stay in business will do). Do your research first, maybe even see what others have to say about them.

 

[michellerana]

You'll find the following information on ClickBank's Accounting Policy page:

Taxpayer ID Number Requirement for U.S. Based Affiliates Earning Over $600

U.S. based Affiliate accounts earning over $600 are required to have a taxpayer ID number of some kind linked to their account, at a minimum a social security number. If inputting a social security number, be sure to use the proper 9-digit format including dashes: 123-45-6789.

ClickBank encourages U.S. based Affiliates earning over $600 a year to obtain an IRS issued Employer Identification Number (EIN) to input into your account as a taxpayer ID number. If you do not have one already, you may click here to get yours at the IRS web site. Note that this is a free process. The IRS will either provide your number online, or mail it to you. Once you have obtained your EIN please be sure to key it in to all of your ClickBank accounts, in this 9-digit format: 12-3456789. This helps to simplify the year-end 1099 reporting requirement.

Note: The taxpayer ID number input to your account must match the payee name on the account. If you are utilizing a business payee name but reporting under an individual social security number, you will need to fax a completed IRS W-9 form to us at 559-210-0502. Be sure to include a cover sheet that indicates your account nickname.

Second note: If you are utilizing a U.S. address but are a beneficial resident of a foreign country, you will instead need to fax a completed IRS W-8ben form to us at 559-210-0502. Be sure to include a cover sheet that indicates your account nickname..

Hope that helps!

 

[nm629593]

You'll find the following information on ClickBank's Accounting Policy page:

Taxpayer ID Number Requirement for U.S. Based Affiliates Earning Over $600

U.S. based Affiliate accounts earning over $600 are required to have a taxpayer ID number of some kind linked to their account, at a minimum a social security number. If inputting a social security number, be sure to use the proper 9-digit format including dashes: 123-45-6789.

ClickBank encourages U.S. based Affiliates earning over $600 a year to obtain an IRS issued Employer Identification Number (EIN) to input into your account as a taxpayer ID number. If you do not have one already, you may click here to get yours at the IRS web site. Note that this is a free process. The IRS will either provide your number online, or mail it to you. Once you have obtained your EIN please be sure to key it in to all of your ClickBank accounts, in this 9-digit format: 12-3456789. This helps to simplify the year-end 1099 reporting requirement.

Note: The taxpayer ID number input to your account must match the payee name on the account. If you are utilizing a business payee name but reporting under an individual social security number, you will need to fax a completed IRS W-9 form to us at 559-210-0502. Be sure to include a cover sheet that indicates your account nickname.

Second note: If you are utilizing a U.S. address but are a beneficial resident of a foreign country, you will instead need to fax a completed IRS W-8ben form to us at 559-210-0502. Be sure to include a cover sheet that indicates your account nickname..

Hope that helps!

Thanks so much! I read that on Clickbank. My concern was putting my SS# online because there's so much potential for someone to hack into a website and steal that information and I just wanted a sense of what most Affiliates use.

 

[nm629593]

really it depends on what you want. getting a tax id is a good idea, but you can wait if you want to. with the drop out rate in the business, its a bit of time to get one just to decide you don't like the business and quit. get 1 site up and see what it takes to make some money, once you have a successful site and decide if you really want to do this full time, then go get one.

Thanks Jim. I did not consider the drop out rate for this business. That's why I'm continuing to do my research. So far I'm still excited about getting started. Unfortunately, I have to get through the holidays first and then give it a go after the first of the year. How long does it take to get a tax ID#?