Reluctant to put SSN on SS-4

[CarolToppCPA]

A nonprofit treasurer is reluctant to put her SSN on the SS-4 application for an EIN.

She asked me if she can have her SSN removed from the SS-4 after she steps down from being treasurer.

I've never been asked that before. What can I tell her?

[ChEAr$]

A nonprofit treasurer is reluctant to put her SSN on the SS-4 application for an EIN.

She asked me if she can have her SSN removed from the SS-4 after she steps down from being treasurer.

I've never been asked that before. What can I tell her?

Good grief! Is she afraid that IRS in it's registration process with the SS4 form might compromise her number?

What you can tell her is to read the fine print as to purpose of the form. Somewhere it says "we collect this information to ... .. etc; something about procedures... etc"

[Gary2]

I'd think that a legitimate concern is being held liable for taxes if the non-profit becomes obligated in some way after she leaves. For example, suppose it hires employees and is responsible for FICA and withholding, or doesn't file the 990 and loses its exemption.

My advice would be that as long as she is treasurer, she is responsible for ensuring that all forms are filed and taxes are paid. After she leaves that position, have her signature removed from any bank accounts. If she's really concerned, keep copies of any paperwork related to her leaving that position (official resignation, minutes of board meetings, etc.) and make sure that the next 990 doesn't include her name (unless she's taken a different officer role with the organization).

[Burke]

A nonprofit treasurer is reluctant to put her SSN on the SS-4 application for an EIN. She asked me if she can have her SSN removed from the SS-4 after she steps down from being treasurer.I've never been asked that before. What can I tell her?

If she is uneasy about this, have the President or other CEO put his/hers on there. She cannot "have it removed" later. Applying for an EIN does not obligate her under the non-profit or corporate charter for anything except possible falsification of information on the SS-4.