why does an attorney need social aecurity numbwrs

by Noah Goldner DVM 7 min read

Social security numbers are necessary when filing for bankruptcy or in other types of legal representation. Of course, it is up to you when you want to provide it, you may want to wait until you actually retain the attorney. Maybe it is a way for the attorney to determine who is serious about the services he or she offers.

One of the ways to do this is with your Social Security number. By law, we are required to provide this information to the defense attorneys. It allows them the ability to do background checks on you as well as investigate your past and current issues.

Full Answer

Why do I need a Social Security number for a lawyer?

Jun 15, 2013 · Social security numbers are necessary when filing for bankruptcy or in other types of legal representation. Of course, it is up to you when you want to provide it, you may want to wait until you actually retain the attorney. You should bring up your discomfort at your consultation and see what the attorney says. 2 found this answer helpful

Should I give my Social Security number to a client?

Nov 07, 2018 · Your attorney does not need your social security number to draft a declaration of trust, but it is helpful to have it as it identifies you. It is required for tax purposes, and it will be required if you own real property in CA to exempt the property from reassessment upon your death if the property is transferred to your children.

Why do organizations ask for your Social Security number?

Sep 10, 2016 · Message. Posted on Sep 10, 2016. No social security number is needed to devise property to a beneficiary under a will or trust. It is possible that the social security numbers were requested because the aunt wanted to name you and your sons as beneficiaries to a payable on death account with a bank, or an IRA account.

Do I need a Social Security number for durable power of attorney?

May 22, 2018 · You do need to give your Social Security number (SSN) to: Companies from which you are applying for credit: credit cards, loans of any type, cell phone service. Your department of motor vehicles. Employers. The three main credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Federal and state agencies when applying for benefits: Social ...

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Why do they ask for Social Security number?

Many businesses will ask for your Social Security number simply because it's a convenient way for them to identify customers. Unfortunately, criminals can use your Social Security number to commit identity theft, so you should guard your SSN carefully and only give it out when absolutely necessary.

Why does my therapist need my Social Security number?

Most healthcare providers will ask you for your Social Security number when you are seeking medical care. They often require this so that they can collect payment for healthcare services and verify your identity when it comes to looking up your health records.Mar 1, 2020

Can I refuse to give my Social Security number?

Yes, you can refuse unless you're legally required to provide your Social Security number (SSN). However, there's also no law preventing businesses from asking for it or refusing you service if you don't provide it.Jul 15, 2019

What can someone do with a Social Security number?

5 things someone can do with a stolen Social Security numberOpen new accounts. If someone has your SSN, they can open new accounts in your name. ... File fraudulent tax returns. Your Social Security number is also used to file your taxes in most cases. ... Obtain medical care. ... Steal your benefits. ... Commit crimes.Dec 10, 2021

Who can legally ask for Social Security number?

Who has the right to request your SSN? Federal law mandates that state Departments of Motor Vehicles, tax authorities, welfare offices, and other governmental agencies request your SS number as proof that you are who you claim to be.

Is asking for a Social Security number a Hipaa violation?

Using Social Security numbers (SSNs) as patient ID numbers is not technically a violation of HIPAA -- you can use SSNs on insurance cards as long as you don't display the entire number -- but I think it definitely violates the spirit of the legislation. Additionally, it adds unnecessary risk to the organization.

Why do cell phone companies need your Social Security number?

Why do phone companies want your Social Security number? Because it's the easiest way to check your credit rating. Companies like AT&T and T-Mobile want to know if you have a record of paying your bills on time before agreeing to provide you an account or to sell you a phone in monthly installments.Aug 20, 2021

What can I use instead of my Social Security number?

The following cards are acceptable IDs: Employee card identification. School card identification. Health insurance card (not a Medicare card)Dec 23, 2019

When did Social Security numbers become mandatory?

November 6, 1936In the end, the Board got it both ways—the Post Office Department agreed to accept returned SS -5s without postage on October 8, 1936, and the Treasury Department issued the regulations making the SSN mandatory on November 6, 1936 (McKinley and Frase 1970, 351–352 and 360).

What can someone do with last 4 digits of SSN?

As long as a hacker or scammer has access to other personal information such as your name and address, they can use the last four digits of your SSN (in most cases) to open accounts in your name, steal your money and government benefits, or even get healthcare and tax refunds in your name.

Has SSN been compromised?

To check to see if someone is using your SSN, consider checking your credit report. You can do this online through AnnualCreditReport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports. You can also use the Annual Credit Report phone number (1-877-322-8228) to request your credit report.Aug 27, 2021

Can you steal someone's identity with just their Social Security number?

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name.

Michael Raymond Daymude

Your attorney does not need your social security number to draft a declaration of trust, but it is helpful to have it as it identifies you. It is required for tax purposes, and it will be required if you own real property in CA to exempt the property from reassessment upon your death if the property is transferred to your children...

Barbara A. Sonin

Your attorney does not need your Social Security number. We used to request that on our intake form, because the client may have legal issues in the future, such as planning for nursing home care, that require it. Now we only ask for it if it is truly required by a court form or government form we’re filing...

Paul V.L. Campo

Your SSN may be needed to prepare a Certificate of Trust under California Probate Code Section 18100.5. One of the questions to answer is the Tax ID number of the Trust, which is the SSN.

James Edward Lewis

In order to transfer real estate into a Revocable Trust, you need the social security number of the owner to prepare the real estate transfer return.#N#Many lawyers also prepare a statement that during the grantor's lifetime the revocable trust will report all of its taxable activity using the social security number...

Linda Reid Oldham

First, please let me express my condolences in the loss of your aunt. Attorney Robinson has provided you a great wealth of important and useful information. I would add only that you might want to contact the Probate Office in the County in Illinois where your aunt died and request copies of any Will and all Accountings filed in the Estate.

Steven M Zelinger

It is not uncommon for a beneficiary form, such as for an IRA, to require (or at least request) a SS for a beneficiary. Also, while you don't need the SS of a person you name in your will, when the person dies it is typical to need the beneficiary's social in order to file necessary tax returns such as trust/estate income tax returns.

Brandon Alexander Robinson

No social security number is needed to devise property to a beneficiary under a will or trust. It is possible that the social security numbers were requested because the aunt wanted to name you and your sons as beneficiaries to a payable on death account with a bank, or an IRA account.

Robert E. Millsap III

You need more transparency and disclosure before you give her your SS#.#N#The only reasons that I can see why she would need them would be to give it to a financial institution that is going to send you an information return or if the estate was so large that a 706 inheritance tax return was going to be filed.

Joseph Franklin Pippen Jr

I would not give the # without some explanation.#N#Have your attorney write her a letter requesting#N#an explanation and demanding an accounting of assets#N#which you are entitled.

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