Clarification Needed from any Mechanical Turk Workers

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   Glenda Motsavageposted 10 years ago

   Just a few days ago I signed up to work on Amazon's Mechanical Turk website.  I've done about 20 HITS so far; still experimenting with the concept.  Here's my question:  mturk is asking for my tax information.  I fully understand why they need it.  But, when I submit my social security number, does it get distributed to ALL the requesters I do HITS for, or only mturk?  I've read all the fine print, but with the terminology used, I'm having difficulty comprehending this one (important) thing!  Thanks in advance for any clarification!

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      Millionaire Tipsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      That is a good question. I'm not sure, but my understanding is that it only goes to Amazon, who collects the money and gives to us.

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      lisavollrathposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You are submitting your tax information to MTurk, and not to the individual vendors. MTurk collects money from them, and pays you. They're the only ones who need any of your personal information, including your tax info.

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      1. 69

         Glenda Motsavageposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         @lisavollrath  I found this statement under the FAQ on the MTurk website:  "The information is only provided to Requesters who have provided an EIN and for whom you have exceeded the IRS tax reporting threshold."
         
         Do you know what the threshold is, Lisa?  It's usually around $600, I think.

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2. 69

   Glenda Motsavageposted 10 years ago

   @Millionaire Tips  That's what I initially thought too, but I don't think so because I already gave the info to Amazon and now mturk is asking for it. 
   
   Okay, just now under FAQ, I found this:  "The information is only provided to Requesters who have provided an EIN and for whom you have exceeded the IRS tax reporting threshold."
   
   I'm not sure what the threshold is (possibly $600?).  So, does that mean each Requester will only receive my social security number IF I exceed that amount with them?  I'm trying to understand this as I don't like giving this personal info more than I absolutely have to!

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   1. 69

      Beaddoodlerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I'm not sure I understand that either.  The only reason an entity with an EIN would need your ss# after you reached the tax threshold is to send you a 1099 form.  If Amazon pays you they should be the ones sending you the 1099.

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3. 69

   Glenda Motsavageposted 10 years ago

   @lisavollrath  I'm not sure why my inquiry has 2 different threads, but can you please read my response to 'Millionaire Tips' on the other thread and provide further clarification for me.  I value your input as a previous MTurk worker!  Thanks Lisa!

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4. 69

   Glenda Motsavageposted 10 years ago

   @lisavollrath  Sorry for the confusion, there's only one thread - just needed to refresh my screen!

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5. 69

   Beaddoodlerposted 10 years ago

   If Amazon pays you they're the only ones who get your ss#.

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   1. 69

      Glenda Motsavageposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      @Beaddoodler  Not so!  That's what I initially thought.  I had provided it to Amazon when I first signed up for MTurk.  Now MTurk is asking for my Tax Information.  In fact, I cannot do any more HITS until I provide the requested info. 
      
      A few hours ago I found this information (regarding the handling of my Social Security Number) in their FAQ:  "The information is only provided to Requesters who have provided an EIN and for whom you have exceeded the IRS tax reporting threshold."
      
      So, if I'm understanding this correctly, MTurk keeps my Social Security Number private unless I reach the tax reporting threshold.  At that time they will release it to the Requester.  How do you interpret this statement?  Thanks for your input!

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