What if my employee does not have a social security number?
Andrew Mclaughlin
Published Mar 21, 2026
It is legal to hire someone who does not have a social security number. However, the employer must have the employee complete an affidavit or IRS approved document for failure to obtain a valid tax identification number.
Can a person work without a social security number?
If an employee does not receive an SSN or gets turned down for one, they cannot legally work for you. Do not accept an ITIN in place of an SSN. An ITIN cannot be used for employee identification or work. ITINs are only available to resident and nonresident aliens who are not eligible to work in the U.S.
What makes someone a household employee?
A household employee is an individual who is paid to provide a service within their employer’s residence. Some examples of household employees (or household workers) include babysitters, nannies, and gardeners. Independent contractors such as repairmen, carpenters, and plumbers are not considered household employees.
Can an employer pay an employee without a social security number?
Despite the widespread misunderstanding that it is illegal for an employer to pay an employee who does not have an SSN, there is nothing in the law prohibiting it. On the other hand, employers of workers lacking SSNs are still required to pay them.
Can you start a company without a social security number?
Myth #5: You Can’t Start a Business Without a Social Security Number (SSN) (FALSE) Can you start a business without a Social Security Number (SSN)? The answer is YES, you can start a business without an SSN. All you need to do is apply for an EIN in order to start your business without an SSN.
Do companies need your social security number?
Generally, employers should not request a Social Security number (SSN) on an employment application as the SSN is not directly related to an applicant’s ability to perform a specific job and applications are often viewed by individuals who do not have a need to know this information.
Can you pay taxes without a Social Security number?
The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax-processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to ensure that people—including undocumented immigrants—pay taxes even if they do not have a Social Security number and regardless of their immigration status.
How many U.S. citizens do not have a Social Security number?
For 20 Million Americans, One Social Security Number’s Not Enough – CBS News.
Can you work in the United States without a Social Security number?
In general, only noncitizens authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to work in the United States can get a Social Security number. You can get many services without a Social Security number, including a driver’s license.
Why do employers need Social Security number?
Employers often ask to see an employee’s Social Security card. While not required, SSA provides a service for employers to verify a name and SSN for wage reporting purposes when you want additional assurance of an employee’s correct name and SSN.
What happens if an employee does not have a Social Security card?
If the employee does have an SSN but does not have his/her Social Security card but knows what his/her number is, the employee shall advise the employer of the number.
How is Social Security number used by insurance companies?
Your Social Security number is used to obtain detailed reports about your credit history and criminal background. All of this information is used by the insurance companies in order to calculate your premium.
Are there places that no longer use social security number?
Even Medicare has stopped using Social Security numbers, and issued a personal ID number instead. The largest hospital system in GA, Clark’s home state, now requires last 4 SSN to have an online account to check on your records, appointments, and bills. Is this different enough from medical records to use it for identification?
