Social Security # on Property Release?A television channel wants to show one of my short films on one of their shows. They sent me a numb...

Question

Social Security # on Property Release?

A television channel wants to show

one of my short films on one of their

shows. They sent me a number of

forms to fill out, including Publicity

Release, Location Release,

Appearance Release, Music Release,

and Property Release. On the

bottom of the Property Release, it

asks for my Social Security Number

in addition to my name, signature,

and address. Is it normal for them

to ask for my SS#, since they didn't

ask for it on any of the other forms?

Should I give it to them, leave the

space blank, or take the space out?

Thanks.

Answer

Re: Social Security # on Property Release?

You can contact them and ask why they need it and say you'd prefer not to include it. They may let you do leave it off. Let me know if you want an attorney to review what you're signing. My firm focuses on Internet, media and entertainment law.

Answer

Re: Social Security # on Property Release?

If they're paying you they need the information. If not, you should ask them why. Some companies have these on their forms because payments are often made for licensing the program.

Answer

Re: Social Security # on Property Release?

I don't think the SSN request has anything to do with the Property Release. If a company pays more than $600 to a non-employee, they send out a W-9 requesting your SSN and at the end of the year will send both you and the IRS a 1099-form indicating your (taxable) compensation.

Good luck!