Carol,
I’m a treasurer of a co-op that’s just starting out. We need a bank account. I’ve tried applying for the EIN (Employer Identification Number) online, but the IRS website is asking for the SSN (Social Security Number) of the responsible party. Do I need to give my own? I’d prefer not to.Thanks in advance,
Paula in TX
Paula,
Someone must give a Social Security Number (SSN) so that the IRS can always trace leadership of a nonprofit (or a business) to a human being. This is avoid scam or shell companies from getting an EIN and a bank account.
You can request the IRS remove your name from the EIN when you step down from being treasurer.
When that time comes, fill out IRS Form 8822-B and change the “responsible party” to the new leader.
For more information on running a co-op, I recommend taking my Board Training for Homeschool Groups webinar series.

Carol Topp, CPA
HomeschoolCPA.com
The post Is it necessary to give my social security number to apply for an EIN? first appeared on HomeschoolCPA.com.The post Is it necessary to give my social security number to apply for an EIN? appeared first on HomeschoolCPA.com.