Hi all. I have been researching different affiliates and some ask for your SSN at sign up. Do most use a business tax ID or do you use your personal SS ID? Any recommendations as to how to handle this?
Thanks, Bella

Really just depends on whether or not you feel comfortable giving out your SS#. Its pretty common to give out your SS# if you don't have a tax ID number, but its up to you - either one will work.

No one is concerned about their SSN being spread all over the internet? Just wondering. . .

Hi,
Just try to use your best judgement - make sure whatever site you are joining as an affiliate is reputable. Check it out. Clickbank, for example is very well-known and trusted, as is CJ.com and several other major affiliate networks. Most (if not all I have signed up with so far) have required a SSN from residents of the USA and that is for tax purposes of the affiliate network. Some of the smaller affiliate programs dont require it but it's becoming the norm.

Even if you don't have a "business", you can apply and get a federal EIN - and I highly recommend this. When you sign up, you can sign up as a Sole Proprieter and receive an EIN that will allow you the security of not having to enter your SSN anywhere.

See the article and link from the IRS site, shortlinked here:
http://dpcgate.com/go/federalein/

In this day and age, the less places I have to record my SSN, the better!