Taxpayer ID Number

[ILoveAmber2013]

I keep having on and off problems with both paypal and E bay.  And it's because of the ITIN.  When I both called and e mailed Paypal they informed me that I could confirm my social security number (which I did) and that would solve the problem.  It does for a few hours, then the listing problems and payment problems on e bay start up again.  I keep having to 'confirm' my SSN over and over.

do I even need an ITIN and if so how do I get one?  Paypal has told me via e mail it isn't nessacary as long as I have my SSN on file.

[snowshoe]

If you have a SSN you should not be required to have an ITIN, here's why.

Most individual taxpayers have a Social Security number to use for tax purposes. But some individuals do not have the SSN; these individuals use an ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer ID Number. This number is for individuals, not businesses, and it is used for tax processing purposes for those who are not eligible for Social Security numbers. An ITIN is used by foreign nationals or immigrants or their spouses. It cannot be used to verify eligibility for work or for Social Security benefits.

Sounds just as confusing to me as to you.  Did you registed your PayPal Account as a Business, if so you may need an EIN plus your SSN?

[ILoveAmber2013]

It isn't registered as a business account, it's a personal account.  Technically, I sell more than 200 items per year.  Probably closer to 400 on a good year. 

So do I need to register as a business account?  For now the latest confirmation of my SSN is working.  I am sure I will get an automated e mail later in the day though saying I need to add an ITIN. 

Should I upgrade to a business account instead of personal?  Will that do the trick?

[snowshoe]

You really should have at least a Premier Account if you're not a Business.  I'm surprised the eBay system allowed you to sell with a Personal Account but, it did and that may be the cause of your issues.  With a either a Premier Account or Business Account, people can pay you using a credit card.   Business Accounts allow you to display your business or organization name or a business logo graphic on the PayPal Checkout Screens.  

[ILoveAmber2013]

I just checked and it appears I have a Premier account.  So I would assume that is sufficient. 

I also got another e mail stating that my SSN was successfully confirmed, I am really hoping this is the end of my troubles.

[snowshoe]

[ILoveAmber2013]

I am beginning to think it's a Paypal site issue, not an issue with my ITIN.  If what you are saying is true, I really shouldn't need one.  So I am just confused as to why this is happening on and off.

[snowshoe]

The only reason you would need an ITIN would be because you did not have a SSN.  Suggest contacting customer support as they have access to view your account.  That's not something that can be done thru the forum.

[ILoveAmber2013]

I am going to do that right now.