www.inkthinkerblog.com — I frequently get questions from blog readers and forum colleagues. This one came today via e-mail. Remember, I’m neither a lawyer nor an accountant, just a girl who’s got a system that works for her. You’re responsible for the success or failure of your own business. This is only my perspective.
QUESTION
I read your article on www.aboutfreelancewriting.com about finding writing projects using resources like Craigslist. Based on your experiences, I’m hoping you can answer a question for me. What is the best way to receive payment from customers with whom you have had limited contact and don’t really know. I was recently asked to complete a Form W-9 for tax purposes. I’m a bit hesitant to hand out my Social Security Number to people I’ve never met in person and have corresponded with just a few times via email. Is there a way I can get around this?
ANSWER
I accept PayPal, but most of the time people mail me a check and I start work once it clears at the bank. There’s info about my up-front payment policy on my website’s payment page. As far as Form W-9 goes, there’s not a whole lot you can do about that. You and they are legally required to file it for income above a certain amount (I think it’s $600, but I’m really not sure).
If you’re really weirded out about giving your SSN to strangers, request an EIN/TIN from the IRS. It’s free, and you can use it in place of your SSN. Follow the directions, and when you call, they’ll actually give you one over the phone in many cases.
If you have a question, please send it my way.
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www.kristenkingfreelancing.com
Finalist in 2006 Writer’s Digest Best Writer’s Website Contest
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