Yesterday I was opening an account on Fotolia. I gave them all the information they asked for but I refused to give them my SSN, so the account was not approved. Is anyone else reluctant to give out their social security number to these agencies?

Tailspin, I have to agree it's a bite the bullet moment. Just think what can happen if their security is sloppy. When I first got set up with them they didn't require it but as my sale built up then they asked for it. This is the point I desided that if they're going to tax me like a business I would keep really good records and treat it like a business. I think it's the way most photo sites will go when government does an audit and wants to know if they really paid out any money.

Very true. I haven't yet tried it, but I am starting an LLC business and getting a Tax ID number (EIN) instead of using my SS#. I hope the agencies will let me change over and report everything under that number (starting Jan 1, 2008).

Rule #1: Seperate business and personal.

You should really try and get it out of your SS#. Some sites don't have a field that works with an EIN, but you can call and have them put that into their records. Run it like a business and you'll save yourself a world of trouble later.

PS: Get a bank account in a business name. This really helps to keep things legit and well tracked.

Very true. When I joined them earlier this year I didn't provide my SSN and was set up as a buyer but still permitted to upload and sell photos. I guess when it gets time for a payout then I'll need to provide the info. There is another site in the US that I know of that not only requires your SSN but also a copy of you drivers license!

Yes, I know that 123RF does this. It seemed like another site recently required it as well.