How to legally work without a Social Security Number

You don't need a Social Security Number to work in the U.S.A.

  VIN SUPRYNOWICZ of the Las Vegas Review Journal explains how you can legally work without a Social Security Number. In the federal law 26 CFR 301.6109-1(c) which is include in this web page it tell what an employeer is supposed to do if the employee doesn't have a social security number. Also in a letter from the IRS which is also part of this web page it states that employees don't need to have social security numbers.

Source

Apr. 17, 2005

Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

VIN SUPRYNOWICZ: Of rats and sinking Ponzi schemes

Last time, we promised to get to the assertion of visiting Rep. John Spratt, D-S.C., ranking minority member of the House Budget Committee, that Social Security is "mandatory" -- an argument offered a bit heatedly when I asked him what would happen to all his schemes if younger workers simply refused to keep paying.

"I don't think it was voluntary to start with, in 1935, but I have no question today it is absolutely mandatory," Rep. Spratt told me on March 29. "There is no doubt in my mind that if you don't send in your Social Security taxes there will be tax liens filed against you."

Go to www.cjmciver.org/sapf/ and click on "Second response from the SSA."

There, you will find a letter dated Nov. 18, 1997, from Charles H. Mullen, associate commissioner in the Office of Public Inquiries of the Social Security Administration, to a former police officer of my acquaintance, reading in part:

"This is in response to your recent letter about the Social Security Number (SSN).

"The Social Security Act does not require a person to have an SSN to live and work in the United States, nor does it require an SSN simply for the purpose of having one. However, if someone works without an SSN, we cannot properly credit the earnings for the work performed."

Yes, an employer (with an EIN) is indeed required to ask for a number to complete (without compensation) federal tax-collection paperwork. But if the employer finds the employee has no such number, the employer need only submit the forms to the IRS with a statement that a number was requested but not received. This procedure is specifically laid out in 26 CFR 301.6109-1(c).

How then can the government functionaries (though never under oath) tell us the tax is mandatory?

Because it is -- in those island territories where the Congress has plenary jurisdiction, not subject to the constitutional restriction that "No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken" (Article I, Section 9), a requirement which has been found to bar a direct federal graduated wage or income tax, and which the Supreme Court in the Brushaber and Baltic Mining cases correctly ruled had not been affected by the purported enactment of the 16th Amendment, which does not seek to repeal the above cited section, but only allows an income tax to be enacted as an indirect excise.

You can look it up. Title 26, United States Code, Chapter 21, "FEDERAL INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS ACT," Sec. 3121 (b). defines "Employment" as "any service ... performed ... (I) within the United States ..."

But how does the Act then define "the United States"? It directs us at Sec. 3121(e)(2) that, "For purposes of this chapter ... the term 'United States' when used in a geographical sense includes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam and American Samoa."

No other locations are named.

Nor are we or the courts or the executive free to infer that the authors "must have" meant "as well as the 48 states," since the U.S. Supreme Court in Gould v. Gould, 245 US 151, ruled: "In the interpretation of statutes levying taxes it is the established rule not to extend their provisions by implication beyond the clear import of the language used, or to enlarge their operation so as to embrace matters not specifically pointed out. In case of doubt, they are construed most strongly against the government and in favor of the citizen."

No federal court will or ever has allowed the top Treasury lawyers to be placed under oath and asked to explain why the FIC Act doesn't say "and the 50 states, those being Alabama, Alaska," etc., if that's what it means, and why on earth the law has never been amended to so read, despite legal scholars assiduously pointing out this devious little anomaly for 70 years.

Furthermore, even if participation in the "Social Security" intergenerational income-transfer Ponzi scheme were currently mandatory, then-Treasury Secretary William Simon warned in an article in the Nov. 3, 1976, Wall Street Journal that because the Trust Fund "has not been allowed to grow to more than a fraction of the required size" for long-term solvency. "When the current workers retire, they will be completely dependent upon future workers for their benefits. Their position is even more vulnerable, should anything go wrong with this delicate balance. ... Each generation has the power through the electoral process to refuse to pay."

I would argue not only that this becomes more likely as taxes go up and benefits are reduced, but that it could also happen de facto, whether or not a vote is allowed, through the mechanism of more and more young people simply performing more and more of their labor (online, perhaps) in the untaxed "gray market."

This -- not fear of enemy terrorism or evil drug dealers -- is why the federal government is now dragooning everyone from bank tellers to supermarket clerks to pawnbrokers into the uncompensated government spy service, trying desperately to track the movement of any sum of cash or valuables worth more than $5,000, introducing "Suspicious Financial Transaction Reporting Forms" and going so far as to create the new crime of "structuring" to nab anyone who goes from supermarket to supermarket, buying multiple $900 money orders on the same day.

They're afraid the rats are getting ready to abandon their sinking Ponzi schemes.

Vin Suprynowicz is assistant editorial page editor of the Review-Journal and author of "The Black Arrow." His Web sites are www.TheLibertarian.us and www.LibertyBookShop.us.


Letter from the IRS which says you don't have to have a social security number to work in the USA. It says
The Social Security Act does not require a person to have an SSN to live and work in the United States, nor does it require an SSN simply for the purpose of having one. However, if someone works without an SSN, we cannot properly credit the earnings for the work performed.
The full letter follows:

Who needs a Social Security Number?


Here is the second letter I got from the Social Security Administration when I appealed the quality of the first response.


     [Letterhead]
TEH2B     November 18, 1997

Mr. Neil McIver
Number 102
210 River Way Court
Owings Mills, Maryland 21117

Dear Mr. McIver:

This is in response to your recent letter about the Social Security Number (SSN).

The Social Security Act does not require a person to have an SSN to live and work in the United States, nor does it require an SSN simply for the purpose of having one. However, if someone works without an SSN, we cannot properly credit the earnings for the work performed.

Other laws require people to have and use SSNs for specific purposes. For example, the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6109 (a)) and applicable regulations (26 CFR 301.6109-1(d)) require an individual to get and use an SSN on tax documents and to furnish the number to any other person or institution (such as an employer or a bank) that is required to provide the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) information about payments to the individual. There are penalties for failure to do so. The IRS also requires employers to report SSNs with emplyees' earnings. In addition, people filing tax returns for taxable years after December 31, 1994, generally must include the SSN of each dependent.

The Privacy Act regulates the use of SSNs by government agencies. They may require an SSN only if a law or regulation either orders or authorizes them to do so. Agencies are required to disclose the authorizing law or regulation. If the request has no legal basis, the person may refuse to provide the number and still receive the agency's services. However, the law does not apply to private sector organizations. Such an organization can refuse its services to anyone who does not provide the number on request.

We hope you find this information helpful. If we can be of further assistance, please let us know.

Sincerely

         [signed]

          Charles H. Mullen
          Associate Commissioner
          Office of Public Inquiries


The below was last updated March 9, 1998.

This response was much better than the last one. Almost everything here is consistent with that advocated by Save-A-Patriot Fellowship.

The second paragragh lays it right out. An SSN is NOT required to live and work in the United States! Right from the horse's mouth. As happy as I am to point this gem out, I have to say it's not quite true. The Social Security Act does say that aliens are to be issued numbers upon entry into the United States, so "a person" described above must be a citizen and not an alien. So much for accuracy.

The third paragragh states that a number must be obtained to put on any tax documents that are required to be filed. Please note that it does not say that individuals are required to file tax documents, only that any documents filed should have a number put on them. So if one is not required to file tax documents, then one absolutely does not need an SSN.

So if one with a requirement to file a federal form does not have an SSN, and the form requires one, must that person apply for an SSN?

No.

An information request (a form) cannot lawfully require someone to take affirmative action or waive a right. If the application for an SSN is required by law, it must exist as a law passed by Congress, and must be supported by the Constitution. So it comes right back to the basic question: What statuatory law requires people to apply for an SSN?

The application for an SSN is done on a form SS-5. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), pursuent to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, has indicated that the filing of the SS-5 is "required to obtain or retain a benefit" when given that choice and the choices "voluntary" and "mandatory".

Conclusion: If one is required by law to complete a form that requests an SSN, that does not create a requirement to apply for an SSN. There is no law requiring citizens to apply for an SSN. If I were this person, I would put "none" in place of the SSN.

As for the requirement to furnish one's number to others such as an employer or bank, what is stated is correct -- IF the company in question has an absolute requirement to obtain that person's number. An employer (with an EIN) is required to ask for a number to complete it's paperwork, but if it does not obtain one, it need only submit the forms to the IRS with a statement that a number was requested but not received. This procedure is laid out in 26 CFR 301.6109-1(c).

<SNIP>



301.6109–1 Identifying numbers. copied June 23, 2005 from
www.washingtonwatchdog.org.

Click here to jump to section (c) which tells you what to do if the employeer doesn't know the employees SSN in bold italics

(a) In general—(1) Taxpayer identifying numbers—(i) Principal types. There are several types of taxpayer identifying numbers that include the following: social security numbers, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) individual taxpayer identification numbers, IRS adoption taxpayer identification numbers, and employer identification numbers. Social security numbers take the form 000–00–0000. IRS individual taxpayer identification numbers and IRS adoption taxpayer identification numbers also take the form 000–00–0000 but include a specific number or numbers designated by the IRS. Employer identification numbers take the form 00–0000000.

(ii) Uses. Social security numbers, IRS individual taxpayer identification numbers, and IRS adoption taxpayer identification numbers are used to identify individual persons. Employer identification numbers are used to identify employers. For the definition of social security number and employer identification number, see §§301.7701–11 and 301.7701–12, respectively. For the definition of IRS individual taxpayer identification number, see paragraph (d)(3) of this section. For the definition of IRS adoption taxpayer identification number, see §301.6109–3(a). Except as otherwise provided in applicable regulations under this chapter or on a return, statement, or other document, and related instructions, taxpayer identifying numbers must be used as follows:

(A) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(B) and (D) of this section, and §301.6109–3, an individual required to furnish a taxpayer identifying number must use a social security number.

(B) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(D) of this section and §301.6109–3, an individual required to furnish a taxpayer identifying number but who is not eligible to obtain a social security number must use an IRS individual taxpayer identification number.

(C) Any person other than an individual (such as corporations, partnerships, nonprofit associations, trusts, estates, and similar nonindividual persons) that is required to furnish a taxpayer identifying number must use an employer identification number.

(D) An individual, whether U.S. or foreign, who is an employer or who is engaged in a trade or business as a sole proprietor should use an employer identification number as required by returns, statements, or other documents and their related instructions.

(2) A trust all of which is treated as owned by the grantor or another person pursuant to sections 671 through 678—(i) Obtaining a taxpayer identification number. If a trust does not have a taxpayer identification number and the trustee furnishes the name and taxpayer identification number of the grantor or other person treated as the owner of the trust and the address of the trust to all payors pursuant to §1.671–4(b)(2)(i)(A) of this chapter, the trustee need not obtain a taxpayer identification number for the trust until either the first taxable year of the trust in which all of the trust is no longer owned by the grantor or another person, or until the first taxable year of the trust for which the trustee no longer reports pursuant to §1.671–4(b)(2)(i)(A) of this chapter. If the trustee has not already obtained a taxpayer identification number for the trust, the trustee must obtain a taxpayer identification number for the trust as provided in paragraph (d)(2) of this section in order to report pursuant to §1.671–4(a), (b)(2)(i)(B), or (b)(3)(i) of this chapter.

(ii) Obligations of persons who make payments to certain trusts. Any payor that is required to file an information return with respect to payments of income or proceeds to a trust must show the name and taxpayer identification number that the trustee has furnished to the payor on the return. Regardless of whether the trustee furnishes to the payor the name and taxpayer identification number of the grantor or other person treated as an owner of the trust, or the name and taxpayer identification number of the trust, the payor must furnish a statement to recipients to the trustee of the trust, rather than to the grantor or other person treated as the owner of the trust. Under these circumstances, the payor satisfies the obligation to show the name and taxpayer identification number of the payee on the information return and to furnish a statement to recipients to the person whose taxpayer identification number is required to be shown on the form.

(3) Obtaining a taxpayer identification number for a trust, or portion of a trust, following the death of the individual treated as the owner—(i) In general—(A) A trust all of which was treated as owned by a decedent. In general, a trust all of which is treated as owned by a decedent under subpart E (section 671 and following), part I, subchapter J, chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code as of the date of the decedent's death must obtain a new taxpayer identification number following the death of the decedent if the trust will continue after the death of the decedent.

(B) Taxpayer identification number of trust with multiple owners. With respect to a portion of a trust treated as owned under subpart E (section 671 and following), part I, subchapter J, chapter 1 (subpart E) of the Internal Revenue Code by a decedent as of the date of the decedent's death, if, following the death of the decedent, the portion treated as owned by the decedent remains part of the original trust and the other portion (or portions) of the trust continues to be treated as owned under subpart E by a grantor(s) or other person(s), the trust reports under the taxpayer identification number assigned to the trust prior to the decedent's death and the portion of the trust treated as owned by the decedent prior to the decedent's death (assuming the decedent's portion of the trust is not treated as terminating upon the decedent's death) continues to report under the taxpayer identification number used for reporting by the other portion (or portions) of the trust. For example, if a trust, reporting under §1.671–4(a) of this chapter, is treated as owned by three persons and one of them dies, the trust, including the portion of the trust no longer treated as owned by a grantor or other person, continues to report under the tax identification number assigned to the trust prior to the death of that person. See §1.671–4(a) of this chapter regarding rules for filing the Form 1041, “U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts,” where only a portion of the trust is treated as owned by one or more persons under subpart E.

(ii) Furnishing correct taxpayer identification number to payors following the death of the decedent. If the trust continues after the death of the decedent and is required to obtain a new taxpayer identification number under paragraph (a)(3)(i)(A) of this section, the trustee must furnish payors with a new Form W–9, “Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification,” or an acceptable substitute Form W–9, containing the new taxpayer identification number required under paragraph (a)(3)(i)(A) of this section, the name of the trust, and the address of the trustee.

(4) Taxpayer identification number to be used by a trust upon termination of a section 645 election—(i) If there is an executor. Upon the termination of the section 645 election period, if there is an executor, the trustee of the former electing trust may need to obtain a taxpayer identification number. If §1.645–1(g) of this chapter regarding the appointment of an executor after a section 645 election is made applies to the electing trust, the electing trust must obtain a new TIN upon termination of the election period. See the instructions to the Form 1041 for whether a new taxpayer identification number is required for other former electing trusts.

(ii) If there is no executor. Upon termination of the section 645 election period, if there is no executor, the trustee of the former electing trust must obtain a new taxpayer identification number.

(iii) Requirement to provide taxpayer identification number to payors. If the trustee is required to obtain a new taxpayer identification number for a former electing trust pursuant to this paragraph (a)(4), or pursuant to the instructions to the Form 1041, the trustee must furnish all payors of the trust with a completed Form W–9 or acceptable substitute Form W–9 signed under penalties of perjury by the trustee providing each payor with the name of the trust, the new taxpayer identification number, and the address of the trustee.

(5) Persons treated as payors. For purposes of paragraphs (a)(2), (3), and (4) of this section, a payor is a person described in §§1.671–4(b)(4) of this chapter.

(6) Effective date. Paragraphs (a)(3), (4), and (5) of this section apply to trusts of decedents dying on or after December 24, 2002.

(b) Requirement to furnish one's own number—(1) U.S. persons. Every U.S. person who makes under this title a return, statement, or other document must furnish its own taxpayer identifying number as required by the forms and the accompanying instructions. A U.S. person whose number must be included on a document filed by another person must give the taxpayer identifying number so required to the other person on request. For penalties for failure to supply taxpayer identifying numbers, see sections 6721 through 6724. For provisions dealing specifically with the duty of employees with respect to their social security numbers, see §31.6011(b)-2 (a) and (b) of this chapter (Employment Tax Regulations). For provisions dealing specifically with the duty of employers with respect to employer identification numbers, see §31.6011(b)-1 of this chapter (Employment Tax Regulations).

(2) Foreign persons. The provisions of paragraph (b)(1) of this section regarding the furnishing of one's own number shall apply to the following foreign persons—

(i) A foreign person that has income effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business at any time during the taxable year;

(ii) A foreign person that has a U.S. office or place of business or a U.S. fiscal or paying agent at any time during the taxable year;

(iii) A nonresident alien treated as a resident under section 6013(g) or (h);

(iv) A foreign person that makes a return of tax (including income, estate, and gift tax returns), an amended return, or a refund claim under this title but excluding information returns, statements, or documents;

(v) A foreign person that makes an election under §301.7701–3(c); and

(vi) A foreign person that furnishes a withholding certificate described in §1.1441–1(e)(2) or (3) of this chapter or §1.1441–5(c)(2)(iv) or (3)(iii) of this chapter to the extent required under §1.1441–1(e)(4)(vii) of this chapter.

(c) Requirement to furnish another's number. Every person required under this title to make a return, statement, or other document must furnish such taxpayer identifying numbers of other U.S. persons and foreign persons that are described in paragraph (b)(2)(i), (ii), (iii), or (vi) of this section as required by the forms and the accompanying instructions. The taxpayer identifying number of any person furnishing a withholding certificate referred to in paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section shall also be furnished if it is actually known to the person making a return, statement, or other document described in this paragraph (c). If the person making the return, statement, or other document does not know the taxpayer identifying number of the other person, and such other person is one that is described in paragraph (b)(2)(i), (ii), (iii), or (vi) of this section, such person must request the other person's number. The request should state that the identifying number is required to be furnished under authority of law. When the person making the return, statement, or other document does not know the number of the other person, and has complied with the request provision of this paragraph (c), such person must sign an affidavit on the transmittal document forwarding such returns, statements, or other documents to the Internal Revenue Service, so stating. A person required to file a taxpayer identifying number shall correct any errors in such filing when such person's attention has been drawn to them.

(d) Obtaining a taxpayer identifying number—(1) Social security number. Any individual required to furnish a social security number pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section shall apply for one, if he has not done so previously, on Form SS–5, which may be obtained from any Social Security Administration or Internal Revenue Service office. He shall make such application far enough in advance of the first required use of such number to permit issuance of the number in time for compliance with such requirement. The form, together with any supplementary statement, shall be prepared and filed in accordance with the form, instructions, and regulations applicable thereto, and shall set forth fully and clearly the data therein called for. Individuals who are ineligible for or do not wish to participate in the benefits of the social security program shall nevertheless obtain a social security number if they are required to furnish such a number pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section.

(2) Employer identification number—(i) In general. Any person required to furnish an employer identification number must apply for one, if not done so previously, on Form SS–4. A Form SS–4 may be obtained from any office of the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. consular office abroad, or from an acceptance agent described in paragraph (d)(3)(iv) of this section. The person must make such application far enough in advance of the first required use of the employer identification number to permit issuance of the number in time for compliance with such requirement. The form, together with any supplementary statement, must be prepared and filed in accordance with the form, accompanying instructions, and relevant regulations, and must set forth fully and clearly the requested data.

(ii) [Reserved]

(iii) Special rule for Section 708(b)(1)(B) terminations. A new partnership that is formed as a result of the termination of a partnership under section 708(b)(1)(B) will retain the employer identification number of the terminated partnership. This paragraph (d)(2)(iii) applies to terminations of partnerships under section 708(b)(1)(B) occurring on or after May 9, 1997; however, this paragraph (d)(2)(iii) may be applied to terminations occurring on or after May 9, 1996, provided that the partnership and its partners apply this paragraph (d)(2)(iii) to the termination in a consistent manner.

(3) IRS individual taxpayer identification number—(i) Definition. The term IRS individual taxpayer identification number means a taxpayer identifying number issued to an alien individual by the Internal Revenue Service, upon application, for use in connection with filing requirements under this title. The term IRS individual taxpayer identification number does not refer to a social security number or an account number for use in employment for wages. For purposes of this section, the term alien individual means an individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States.

(ii) General rule for obtaining number. Any individual who is not eligible to obtain a social security number and is required to furnish a taxpayer identifying number must apply for an IRS individual taxpayer identification number on Form W–7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or such other form as may be prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service. Form W–7 may be obtained from any office of the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. consular office abroad, or any acceptance agent described in paragraph (d)(3)(iv) of this section. The individual shall furnish the information required by the form and accompanying instructions, including the individual's name, address, foreign tax identification number (if any), and specific reason for obtaining an IRS individual taxpayer identification number. The individual must make such application far enough in advance of the first required use of the IRS individual taxpayer identification number to permit issuance of the number in time for compliance with such requirement. The application form, together with any supplementary statement and documentation, must be prepared and filed in accordance with the form, accompanying instructions, and relevant regulations, and must set forth fully and clearly the requested data.

(iii) General rule for assigning number. Under procedures issued by the Internal Revenue Service, an IRS individual taxpayer identification number will be assigned to an individual upon the basis of information reported on Form W–7 (or such other form as may be prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service) and any such accompanying documentation that may be required by the Internal Revenue Service. An applicant for an IRS individual taxpayer identification number must submit such documentary evidence as the Internal Revenue Service may prescribe in order to establish alien status and identity. Examples of acceptable documentary evidence for this purpose may include items such as an original (or a certified copy of the original) passport, driver's license, birth certificate, identity card, or immigration documentation.

(iv) Acceptance agents—(A) Agreements with acceptance agents. A person described in paragraph (d)(3)(iv)(B) of this section will be accepted by the Internal Revenue Service to act as an acceptance agent for purposes of the regulations under this section upon entering into an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service, under which the acceptance agent will be authorized to act on behalf of taxpayers seeking to obtain a taxpayer identifying number from the Internal Revenue Service. The agreement must contain such terms and conditions as are necessary to insure proper administration of the process by which the Internal Revenue Service issues taxpayer identifying numbers to foreign persons, including proof of their identity and foreign status. In particular, the agreement may contain—

(1) Procedures for providing Form SS–4 and Form W–7, or such other necessary form to applicants for obtaining a taxpayer identifying number;

(2) Procedures for providing assistance to applicants in completing the application form or completing it for them;

(3) Procedures for collecting, reviewing, and maintaining, in the normal course of business, a record of the required documentation for assignment of a taxpayer identifying number;

(4) Procedures for submitting the application form and required documentation to the Internal Revenue Service, or if permitted under the agreement, submitting the application form together with a certification that the acceptance agent has reviewed the required documentation and that it has no actual knowledge or reason to know that the documentation is not complete or accurate;

(5) Procedures for assisting taxpayers with notification procedures described in paragraph (g)(2) of this section in the event of change of foreign status;

(6) Procedures for making all documentation or other records furnished by persons applying for a taxpayer identifying number promptly available for review by the Internal Revenue Service, upon request; and

(7) Provisions that the agreement may be terminated in the event of a material failure to comply with the agreement, including failure to exercise due diligence under the agreement.

(B) Persons who may be acceptance agents. An acceptance agent may include any financial institution as defined in section 265(b)(5) or §1.165–12(c)(1)(v) of this chapter, any college or university that is an educational organization as defined in §1.501(c)(3)–1(d)(3)(i) of this chapter, any federal agency as defined in section 6402(f) or any other person or categories of persons that may be authorized by regulations or Internal Revenue Service procedures. A person described in this paragraph (d)(3)(iv)(B) that seeks to qualify as an acceptance agent must have an employer identification number for use in any communication with the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, it must establish to the satisfaction of the Internal Revenue Service that it has adequate resources and procedures in place to comply with the terms of the agreement described in paragraph (d)(3)(iv)(A) of this section.

(4) Coordination of taxpayer identifying numbers—(i) Social security number. Any individual who is duly assigned a social security number or who is entitled to a social security number will not be issued an IRS individual taxpayer identification number. The individual can use the social security number for all tax purposes under this title, even though the individual is, or later becomes, a nonresident alien individual. Further, any individual who has an application pending with the Social Security Administration will be issued an IRS individual taxpayer identification number only after the Social Security Administration has notified the individual that a social security number cannot be issued. Any alien individual duly issued an IRS individual taxpayer identification number who later becomes a U.S. citizen, or an alien lawfully permitted to enter the United States either for permanent residence or under authority of law permitting U.S. employment, will be required to obtain a social security number. Any individual who has an IRS individual taxpayer identification number and a social security number, due to the circumstances described in the preceding sentence, must notify the Internal Revenue Service of the acquisition of the social security number and must use the newly-issued social security number as the taxpayer identifying number on all future returns, statements, or other documents filed under this title.

(ii) Employer identification number. Any individual with both a social security number (or an IRS individual taxpayer identification number) and an employer identification number may use the social security number (or the IRS individual taxpayer identification number) for individual taxes, and the employer identification number for business taxes as required by returns, statements, and other documents and their related instructions. Any alien individual duly assigned an IRS individual taxpayer identification number who also is required to obtain an employer identification number must furnish the previously-assigned IRS individual taxpayer identification number to the Internal Revenue Service on Form SS–4 at the time of application for the employer identification number. Similarly, where an alien individual has an employer identification number and is required to obtain an IRS individual taxpayer identification number, the individual must furnish the previously-assigned employer identification number to the Internal Revenue Service on Form W–7, or such other form as may be prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service, at the time of application for the IRS individual taxpayer identification number.

(e) Banks, and brokers and dealers in securities. For additional requirements relating to deposits, share accounts, and brokerage accounts, see 31 CFR 103.34 and 103.35.

(f) Penalty. For penalties for failure to supply taxpayer identifying numbers, see sections 6721 through 6724.

(g) Special rules for taxpayer identifying numbers issued to foreign persons—(1) General rule—(i) Social security number. A social security number is generally identified in the records and database of the Internal Revenue Service as a number belonging to a U.S. citizen or resident alien individual. A person may establish a different status for the number by providing proof of foreign status with the Internal Revenue Service under such procedures as the Internal Revenue Service shall prescribe, including the use of a form as the Internal Revenue Service may specify. Upon accepting an individual as a nonresident alien individual, the Internal Revenue Service will assign this status to the individual's social security number.

(ii) Employer identification number. An employer identification number is generally identified in the records and database of the Internal Revenue Service as a number belonging to a U.S. person. However, the Internal Revenue Service may establish a separate class of employer identification numbers solely dedicated to foreign persons which will be identified as such in the records and database of the Internal Revenue Service. A person may establish a different status for the number either at the time of application or subsequently by providing proof of U.S. or foreign status with the Internal Revenue Service under such procedures as the Internal Revenue Service shall prescribe, including the use of a form as the Internal Revenue Service may specify. The Internal Revenue Service may require a person to apply for the type of employer identification number that reflects the status of that person as a U.S. or foreign person.

(iii) IRS individual taxpayer identification number. An IRS individual taxpayer identification number is generally identified in the records and database of the Internal Revenue Service as a number belonging to a nonresident alien individual. If the Internal Revenue Service determines at the time of application or subsequently, that an individual is not a nonresident alien individual, the Internal Revenue Service may require that the individual apply for a social security number. If a social security number is not available, the Internal Revenue Service may accept that the individual use an IRS individual taxpayer identification number, which the Internal Revenue Service will identify as a number belonging to a U.S. resident alien.

(2) Change of foreign status. Once a taxpayer identifying number is identified in the records and database of the Internal Revenue Service as a number belonging to a U.S. or foreign person, the status of the number is permanent until the circumstances of the taxpayer change. A taxpayer whose status changes (for example, a nonresident alien individual with a social security number becomes a U.S. resident alien) must notify the Internal Revenue Service of the change of status under such procedures as the Internal Revenue Service shall prescribe, including the use of a form as the Internal Revenue Service may specify.

(3) Waiver of prohibition to disclose taxpayer information when acceptance agent acts. As part of its request for an IRS individual taxpayer identification number or submission of proof of foreign status with respect to any taxpayer identifying number, where the foreign person acts through an acceptance agent, the foreign person will agree to waive the limitations in section 6103 regarding the disclosure of certain taxpayer information. However, the waiver will apply only for purposes of permitting the Internal Revenue Service and the acceptance agent to communicate with each other regarding matters related to the assignment of a taxpayer identifying number, including disclosure of any taxpayer identifying number previously issued to the foreign person, and change of foreign status. This paragraph (g)(3) applies to payments made after December 31, 2001.

(h) Special rules for certain entities under §301.7701–3—(1) General rule. Any entity that has an employer identification number (EIN) will retain that EIN if its federal tax classification changes under §301.7701–3.

(2) Special rules for entities that are disregarded as entities separate from their owners—(i) When an entity becomes disregarded as an entity separate from its owner. Except as otherwise provided in regulations or other guidance, a single owner entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner under §301.7701–3, must use its owner's taxpayer identifying number (TIN) for federal tax purposes.

(ii) When an entity that was disregarded as an entity separate from its owner becomes recognized as a separate entity. If a single owner entity's classification changes so that it is recognized as a separate entity for federal tax purposes, and that entity had an EIN, then the entity must use that EIN and not the TIN of the single owner. If the entity did not already have its own EIN, then the entity must acquire an EIN and not use the TIN of the single owner.

(3) Effective date. The rules of this paragraph (h) are applicable as of January 1, 1997.

(i) Special rule for qualified subchapter S subsidiaries (QSubs)—(1) General rule. Any entity that has an employer identification number (EIN) will retain that EIN if a QSub election is made for the entity under §1.1361–3 or if a QSub election that was in effect for the entity terminates under §1.1361–5.

(2) EIN while QSub election in effect. Except as otherwise provided in regulations or other published guidance, a QSub must use the parent S corporation's EIN for Federal tax purposes.

(3) EIN when QSub election terminates. If an entity's QSub election terminates, it may not use the EIN of the parent S corporation after the termination. If the entity had an EIN prior to becoming a QSub or obtained an EIN while it was a QSub in accordance with regulations or other published guidance, the entity must use that EIN. If the entity had no EIN, it must obtain an EIN upon termination of the QSub election.

(4) Effective date. The rules of this paragraph (i) apply on January 20, 2000.

(j) Effective date—(1) General rule. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (j), the provisions of this section are generally effective for information that must be furnished after April 15, 1974. However, the provisions relating to IRS individual taxpayer identification numbers apply on and after May 29, 1996. An application for an IRS individual taxpayer identification number (Form W–7) may be filed at any time on or after July 1, 1996.

(2) Special rules—(i) Employer identification number of an estate. The requirement under paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(C) of this section that an estate obtain an employer identification number applies on and after January 1, 1984.

(ii) Taxpayer identifying numbers of certain foreign persons. The requirement under paragraph (b)(2)(iv) of this section that certain foreign persons furnish a TIN on a return of tax is effective for tax returns filed after December 31, 1996.

(iii) Paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) introductory text, (a)(1)(ii)(A), and (a)(1)(ii)(B) of this section apply to income tax returns due (without regard to extensions) on or after April 15, 1998.

[T.D. 7306, 39 FR 9946, Mar. 15, 1974 as amended by T.D. 7670, 45 FR 6932, Jan. 31, 1980; T.D. 7796, 46 FR 57482, Nov. 24, 1981; T.D. 8633, 60 FR 66090, Dec. 21, 1995; T.D. 8637, 60 FR 66134, Dec. 21, 1995; T.D. 8671, 61 FR 26790, May 29, 1996; 61 FR 33657, June 28, 1996; T.D. 8697, 61 FR 66588, Dec. 18, 1996; T.D. 8717, 62 FR 25502, May 9, 1997; T.D. 8734, 62 FR 53494, Oct. 14, 1997; T.D. 8739, 62 FR 62520, Nov. 24, 1997; T.D. 8739, 63 FR 13124, Mar. 18, 1998; T.D. 8839, 64 FR 51242, Sept. 22, 1999; T.D. 8844, 64 FR 66583, Nov. 29, 1999; T.D. 8869, 65 FR 3856, Jan. 25, 2000; T.D. 8977, 67 FR 2329, Jan. 17, 2002; T.D. 9023, 67 FR 70313, Nov. 22, 2002; T.D. 9032, 67 FR 78382, Dec. 24, 2002]