🧾 Understanding SSN, TIN, and Tax Information in Crowdfunding Investments
As part of securities regulations and tax reporting obligations, DealMaker is required to collect valid taxpayer identification details during the investment process. This article explains:
Why we request SSNs or TINs
How this information is used and protected
What’s required for U.S. vs. foreign investors
How documents like the W-9 and K-1 are used
For more on identity verification, see:
🔍 Why is tax information required?
Under IRS regulations, platforms like DealMaker must collect and report tax information for every investor. This ensures compliance with:
IRS Form 1099 and Form K-1 reporting
SEC and FINRA rules on investor due diligence
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations
Depending on the structure of the investment and the issuing company, this information may be used for tax filings, ownership reports, or financial disclosures.
🛡️ Your information is encrypted and stored securely. DealMaker is committed to protecting investor privacy in accordance with U.S. data protection laws.
🇺🇸 Section 1: SSN – Social Security Number (U.S. Investors)
If you’re a U.S. individual investor, you’ll be asked to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) during the investment process.
When is SSN required?
When completing a W-9 form
When investing as an individual, joint owner, or revocable trust
When a K-1 tax form will be issued by the company
📝 What is a W-9?
The IRS Form W-9 certifies your tax ID and status. It is required before distributions or reports (e.g., K-1s or 1099s) can be issued.
IRS: About Form W-9
🌐 Section 2: TIN – Taxpayer Identification Number (U.S. and Foreign Entities)
TIN stands for Taxpayer Identification Number, and may refer to:
Employer Identification Number (EIN) for U.S. entities
Foreign TINs, such as CRA Numbers (Canada), UTRs (UK), or other country-issued tax IDs
For U.S. Entities:
Use your EIN when investing through a corporation, LLC, or trust
Ensure consistency with your W-9 and entity documents
For Foreign Investors:
If you are trying to enter a foreign SSN/TIN number and it does not fit, please enter a series of 1’s and continue your questionnaire. After that, please upload a copy of your ID to your DealMaker portal.
If applicable, submit a Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E in lieu of a W-9
IRS: W-8 Forms for Foreign Individuals and Entities
✅ Be sure your TIN is entered without dashes or special characters unless otherwise instructed.
📄 Section 3: Tax Documents – W-9 and K-1
📝 IRS Form W-9 (U.S. Investors)
Required to certify your SSN or EIN
Ensures proper tax reporting by the issuer
Must be submitted before receiving investment confirmations or distributions
See our guide:
👉 How to complete a W-9 in DealMaker
📊 IRS Schedule K-1
Issued by the issuer, not DealMaker
Summarizes your share of income, deductions, and credits from the investment
Sent annually if the entity is structured as a partnership or LLC with pass-through taxation
🔔 Not all investors will receive a K-1. The issuing company determines if and when these are required based on their entity type.
✈️ Additional Notes for Foreign Investors
If investing as a non-U.S. person or entity, you will not submit a W-9
Instead, complete a W-8BEN (individual) or W-8BEN-E (entity)
Your foreign TIN is required for IRS reporting exemption purposes under FATCA
ℹ️ If you have trouble entering your foreign TIN due to length, format, or country-specific characters, please contact DealMaker Support for help.
🔒 How We Protect Your Information
DealMaker uses industry-standard encryption and complies with U.S. data protection laws to ensure your tax information is securely stored and transmitted. Your SSN/TIN will only be used for regulatory compliance and tax reporting purposes.
📬 Need Help?
If you're unsure which tax ID to provide or how to complete your W-9 or W-8BEN, please reach out to our support team at any time.