Originally Posted by
vincentharris
People here really have a "who cares about SSN flying around" type of attitude, which is surprising....
I for one do and do not give it out unless I HAVE to (work, banks, credit cards, loans, etc)
I also setup a business tax id under my SSN years ago for things like eBay/paypal when they mandated you give them your SSN and I in no way trust them.
I equate DL asking for it for a companion pass to doctors offices asking for it. Neither need the SSN to do the job, and they should allow alternatives (drivers license number, passport number, etc.) Most people know not to give their doctors your SSN, why would you give it to a company you have no affiliation with?
ebay/PayPal are subject to financial regulations that require they obtain a SSN. If you're using a TIN for a personal account you can get in trouble with the law. Not saying they're going to catch it, but what ebay/PayPal are asking for is required by law. A TIN isn't a substitute SSN.
Doctors need/want your SSN for two or three reasons. 1)billing, most insurance companies use SSN as a verification that the right insured is being pulled up, 2)in some states it's required for various issues under the law, and 3)it's needed in order to put a mark on your credit report for failing to pay.
I'm curious if DL must report the amount of free travel given to the IRS. For the employee this would be simple to do via their W2. However for anyone else it would require them obtaining a SSN to file a 1099 on.