Does your employer need your social security number?

Employers often ask to see an employee's Social Security card. The Internal Revenue Service's Publication 15 (Circular E), Employer's Tax Guide, states, “You should ask your employee to show you his or her social security card. The employee may show the card if it is available.” But, do you really need to see the card? read more

If you have a legitimate job, your employer needs your social security. If you do not have a legitimate job, you are probably committing tax fraud, so you don’t want to do that. In addition, your employer is probably denying you various benefits to which you are entitled, such as a share of your employment taxes. read more

Definitely do not email your social security number to any prospective employer - or to anyone, in general. Avoid sharing any personal information beyond your contact information. Do not include, for example, your driver’s license number and/or credit card information. read more

The Social Security and Medicare contributions that were withheld from your paychecks plus an equal amount contributed by your employer gets credited to your account. Hence the need to provide that, usually on form W-4. read more

Some companies will ask for your Social Security number to make sure you meet the minimum age requirement for the position. An example of this would be: Must be 18 or older to apply. You should use your best judgement when applying for a job that asks you for this information. read more