SSN FAQ’s
What is the timeline for the Interim Final Rule eliminating the collection of the
Social Security Number (SSN)?
The Interim Final Rule was published on August 5, 2009. It becomes effective
September 4, 2009 and is implemented on December 3, 2009. After December 3, 2009,
the SSN cannot be used to register for AES or AESDirect or used for identification
purposes when reporting the USPPI or Freight Forwarder in AES or AESDirect.
Why was the Social Security Number (SSN) eliminated?
The Office of Management and Budget has mandated the Census Bureau to eliminate the
collection of the SSN for the Automated Export System purposes. This rule is being
implemented to ensure that a U. S. Principal Party in Interest’s or U.S.authorized agent’s
SSN is protected in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, Title 5, United States Code,
Section 552a. The Census Bureau had to comply with this federal law by eliminating the
use of the SSN. Information on how to obtain an EIN on-line, by phone, fax or mail can
be found at the Internal Revenue Service website (www.irs.gov).
What does the Interim Final Rule mean for the Automated Export System (AES)
filers?
As a result of the Interim Final Rule, AES filers will no longer be able to submit a Social
Security Number for registering in the AES. In addition, filers will not be allowed to use
a Social Security Number in the USPPI or the Freight Forwarder field in AESDirect or
PcLink. Filers will have to obtain an Employee Identification Number from the Internal
Revenue Service, or a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet to use as an identification
number.
How do you apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and how long will
it take to obtain an EIN?
Applying for an EIN can be done on-line [PDF, 379k], by phone, fax or
mail. See the chart below for information on the methods for applying for an EIN.
Method |
How |
Process Timeframe |
| Online |
http://www.irs.gov, under ‘Online
Services’, click on ‘Apply for an Employer
Identification Number (EIN) Online’ |
Approximately 15
minutes |
| Toll-Free Call |
(800) 829-4933 |
Approximately 15
minutes |
| Apply By FAX |
(859) 669-5760 (Need Form SS-4) |
4 business days |
| Apply By Mail |
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
(Need Form SS-4) |
4 weeks |
Can an individual apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) on behalf of
an individual?
A person can serve as a third party designee and apply for an EIN on behalf of an
individual. Before applying online, the third party must have a completed and signed
Form SS-4. The third party must keep the signed Form SS-4 in the company’s permanent
files. (See step-by-step instructions [PDF, 471k].)
What information should be reported in the U. S. Principal Party In Interest (USPPI) Identification field if a Social Security Number cannot be used?
The USPPI shall report its own Employer Identification Number in the USPPI identification field in the Automated Export System. If the foreign entity is the USPPI
for filing purposes, it shall report a DUNS number, border crossing number, passport
number, or any number assigned by the Customs and Border Protection.
If a customer ships his/her personal items or ships very seldom, does he/she have to
obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?
Regardless of the type of items being shipped or the shipping frequency, any person/entity shipping goods to a foreign country that requires filing Electronic Export
Information via the Automated Export System will need to obtain an EIN from Internal
Revenue Service. The Social Security Number is no longer acceptable after December 3,
2009.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) site states that an Employer Identification
Number (EIN) is for use in connection with business activity only. It further states,
do not use your EIN in place of a Social Security Number. The information
provided by the Census Bureau and the IRS is conflicting.
The IRS publication titled “Understanding Your EIN” which is located on their webpage (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1635.pdf [external link]) states that "...Employer Identification Number (EIN) is for use in connection with business activity only, do not use your EIN in place of a Social Security Number" The IRS's intention of this statement is to ensure that individuals do not use their EIN in lieu of their SSN. For example, they do no want an individual who is filing their Federal income tax to use their EIN in place of the SSN. The two numbers are not interchangeable. However, for the purposes of registering or filing in the AES you can and should use your EIN. While it is not specifically stated, an EIN can be obtained for government reporting
purposes when a person does not own a business. (See step-by-step instructions [PDF, 379k].)
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