Should You Trust Freelance Writing Clients with Personal Information?

W-9 form for freelancers

How much information should you give to your freelance writing clients? This is a question  popping up often as more freelance writers launch their careers. Specifically, freelancers are a little wary about giving clients their addresses or social security numbers. I find it interesting, because we have no hesitation when providing these details on a full time job application, doctor’s office form, or when  applying for credit. We’re more suspicious of potential clients than we are someone at the mall requesting our details on a credit application in exchange for a free bottle of Pepsi.

Should you give a potential freelance writing client your Social Security Number?

It’s understandable. I don’t give out my social security number to just anyone either. However, clients will need your details in order to take the appropriate action when tax time comes along. Many clients prefer to get this information up front rather than have to scramble at the last minute. Honestly, it’s normal and usually there’s nothing unsavory going on. Still, before you rush over and give a client your first born, be sure the client and the gig are right for you. If your freelance writing client isn’t someone you’d trust with your personal details, he might not be someone you want to work with anyway.

Getting around the Social Security Number issue

Something to consider is to become a Sole Proprieter or LLC so your Social Security Number doesn’t even have to be a factor. You can use your EIN (Employer Identification Number) instead. Also, if you’re not sure if you want to stick with this particular client, or you’re not sure you’re feeling the gig, consider asking him if you can have a 30 or 90 day trial before submitting your private details.

Other considerations:

  • How much do you know about your client? Are they upfront with their own details? Before you give anyone your SSN or banking details, make sure you have names, addresses, phone numbers and even an EIN if you can get it. If the client leaves you with no way to get in touch if something bad happens, pass on the opportunity.
  • Does the potential client have a good reputation? Research using the web, the Better Business Bureau, past newspapers (in the client’s locale) and other methods. Find out if he or his business has been in the news for scams or fraud.
  • What do other writers say? Does this freelance writing client hire other freelance writers? If so, contact them and ask questions. See if you can find former writers and get their opinions as well.
  • What type of information does the client want, and why? For example, if the client wants you to fill out a W-9 form, that’s normal, especially if it’s a lucrative project. However, if they request your details in an email, that’s a bit more suspicious. Most clients won’t flat out request your Social. They’ll ask you to complete a @-9 form.

And another thing…

  • While it’s normal to want writers to provide addresses or SSNs for tax purposes. You shouldn’t have to provide your Driver’s License ID number, bank details (unless you’re being paid by Direct Deposit), names of the members of your family, school information, information regarding personal habits (unless it pertains to the gig) and any other personal information that is, in essence, none of your client’s business.

Questions to ask:

  1. Why do you need my social security number (or other private information)?
  2. Where will you keep this information?
  3. Is this form encrypted? (hint when using an online form look for “https” rather than “http”.)
  4. Who else will have access to my information?
  5. How are you protecting my information?
  6. What will happen if I don’t provide the required information?
  7. Can I wait and give you my Social Security Number towards the end of the year after we’ve established a trusted relationship?

Giving a client a social security number does not give them access to your private Social Security records. It only allows them to report your taxes to the IRS. If you’re not sure if you should give up your personal details, ask questions and do your research. If things still smell fishy, pass on the opportunity. Your safety and peace of mind is worth more than a gig.

Know that it’s perfectly normal for a potential client to ask you to fill out forms containing your address and social security number. In most cases there’s nothing to worry about. Most of my clients request this information towards the end of the year, but it’s not unheard of to have a series of forms to fill out once the contract is signed. It’s important to be cautious, but keep in mind refusing to provide those details may mean you have to find a different job.

Keep in mind that if a client is paying by check he’ll need your address, and if he’s paying by Direct Deposit, he’ll need your bank details. As you can imagine, it’s essential to stick with clients you trust off the bat since you’re giving up such important information.

Good luck  – and keep asking those important questions!

Have you ever had a request from a potential client that was a bit odd? Tell us about it in the comments.

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Comments

5 responses
  1. Lori Avatar

    This is a great post. I’m always nervous about giving my SSN and when I first started writing really questioned if I was supposed to or had to. I’m not one of those people that hands it out easily for credit cards and the potential employers I have given it to have been businesses or universities, not someone I was put into contact with via Craigslist. 🙂 I never give it if I don’t have to. I understand that it is needed for tax purposes for some clients, but I make sure it is a valid gig before handing over the info. I check out the site, see if there are other writers, etc.
    .-= Lori´s last blog ..A Big Win and a Good Cause =-.

  2. Rebecca Quinn Avatar

    Great post, Deb! We can’t be too careful these days. I also recommend that freelancers in the US get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS. Anyone who is doing freelance work is already a sole proprieter, and you don’t need to set up an LLC to get one of these numbers. You don’t even need to have employees. All you need to do is call the IRS or go online and apply – you will receive your EIN immediately. Then you can give this number to clients instead of your Social Security Number. More info on the IRS website at: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98350,00.html

    Also, using a private mail box and toll-free number are great ways to make your freelance business look more professional while protecting your home address and personal phone numbers. Thanks again for reminding us to use caution!

  3. Thursday Bram Avatar

    I’m a big believer in using an EIN with my clients. I also use a PO box for my address — sure, many of my clients know in general where I live, but I feel like giving them my actual address is just asking for trouble.
    .-= Thursday Bram´s last blog ..Ask Me Anything: First Steps and Contracts =-.

  4. Andrea Avatar
    Andrea

    The issue that I had with this was due to method of transmission. One company that I work with changed its invoice procedures so that invoices are now only accepted electronically. An SSN is required on each invoice in order for it to be processed. I don’t mind that the company has my SSN. They’re reputable, and I’m very comfortable with them. However, I wasn’t too crazy about that information being sent through cyberspace. Who knows what sort of glitches could occur? I offered to call the office each time I submitted an invoice and verbally give my SSN to Accounting, but the company said that as long as the number’s on file, they’d just go ahead and look it up. Everything’s worked out fine.

  5. Kathleen Avatar
    Kathleen

    Thanks so much for this post. I have been worried about providing information to my clients.

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