Why Does Gofundme Need My Social Security Number?

Are you worried about why GoFundMe needs your social security number? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This article provides a thorough explanation of why and how GoFundMe uses your social security number to ensure your funds are securely delivered. Get the answers you need.

Why does GoFundMe require my Social Security Number?

When creating a fundraiser on GoFundMe, the platform may request your Social Security Number (SSN). This is a requirement set forth by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as all fundraisers collecting more than $20,000 in a year must report it as taxable income. GoFundMe uses your SSN to validate your identity and to generate appropriate tax forms to send to the state and IRS.

Providing your SSN is a critical part of the fundraising process. By doing so, you ensure that your fundraiser is compliant with tax regulations and that GoFundMe can provide proper documentation for tax purposes. It is important to keep in mind that GoFundMe uses secure processes to store and protect your information.

It’s worth noting that GoFundMe caps the amount a fundraiser can collect at $100,000; any amount above that may be flagged as potentially fraudulent. However, if you reach this cap, GoFundMe will inform you and request additional information to process the raised funds.

According to a report by CBS News in 2020, GoFundMe’s platform has helped raise over $9 billion since its creation in 2010- a testament to its popularity and usefulness in helping people raise much-needed funds.

Image credits: retiregenz.com by James Jones

GoFundMe’s Legal Requirements

Gain insight into GoFundMe’s legal requirements by delving into laws for fundraising platforms and tax liability. This will help you to understand why GoFundMe needs your social security number. Look deeper into these sub-sections. You’ll find out what legal obligations GoFundMe must follow and how this affects your personal info.

Image credits: retiregenz.com by Yuval Woodhock

Laws for Fundraising Platforms

Fundraising platforms must abide by legal requirements to protect both donors and beneficiaries. These regulations aim to ensure transparency, honesty, and accuracy of the campaigns and donations received.

To comply with these laws, crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe undergo strict verification procedures before approving a campaign. They require personal information such as social security numbers to verify the identity of fundraisers and prevent fraudulent activities.

Moreover, fundraising platforms need to adhere to anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) rules. This means that they must check the sources of funds collected and be aware of who is donating or receiving money on their platform.

Additionally, fundraising platforms may need to register with state authorities or regulatory bodies in the country where they operate. This registration helps monitor compliance with local laws concerning online fundraising activities.

To avoid legal consequences, campaigners can follow guidelines provided by fundraising platforms while launching their campaigns. They can also consult with legal experts if they are unsure about any procedure or activity during the fundraising process. By following best practices and staying transparent throughout the campaign, campaigners can win the trust of donors and ensure a successful fundraiser.

Why bother with tax evasion when you can just donate to a GoFundMe campaign and still feel like a criminal?

Tax Liability

GoFundMe’s Responsibility for Taxation

When creating a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe, you may be required to provide your Social Security number. This is because GoFundMe has a legal obligation to report any income earned through the platform to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

In order to ensure that they remain compliant with tax law, GoFundMe must collect accurate information about the fundraising campaign organizer’s identity and income. This includes Social Security numbers, which are used to verify identities and ensure that taxes are reported accurately.

It is important to note that individuals using the platform are ultimately responsible for reporting their own income and paying any applicable taxes. GoFundMe simply acts as a facilitator for these transactions.

Pro Tip: If you plan to use GoFundMe for fundraising purposes, it is important to educate yourself on tax liabilities and requirements in order to avoid any potential issues.

Better keep your SSN squeaky clean, or your GoFundMe might end up funding a lavish identity theft lifestyle.

How to Enter Your Social Security Number on GoFundMe

To enter your social security number on GoFundMe properly, follow these steps:

1. First, read ‘How to Enter Your Social Security Number on GoFundMe’.
2. Second, ‘Submitting Your Information Securely’ is the best way to keep your sensitive information safe.
3. Last but not least, if you need help, you can always contact GoFundMe Support for assistance.

Image credits: retiregenz.com by David Duncun

Submitting Your Information Securely

Protecting Your Personal Information on GoFundMe

To ensure your personal information is secure, GoFundMe requires users to submit their Social Security number (SSN) when creating a fundraising campaign. This SSN application process helps prevent fraudulent activities and verifies the identity of the organizer.

When you input your SSN on GoFundMe, it’s important to note that this information remains confidential and never shared with third parties. The data is encrypted and securely transmitted to protect against theft and fraud.

In addition to providing your SSN, we recommend enabling two-factor authentication for extra security. This feature makes it more difficult for unauthorized people to gain access to your account, as they would need both your password and a verification code sent via text message or email.

By following these steps, GoFundMe users can confidently create successful fundraising campaigns while protecting their personal information from potential hackers.

Contacting GoFundMe Support for Assistance

In case you require assistance from GoFundMe support, there are various ways to contact them. You can get in touch with them via email, chat or phone and they usually respond within 24 hours. If you are facing an emergency like a medical issue or a natural disaster, you can mark your campaign as urgent and reach out to the GoFundMe team directly through their website.

If you want to speak with their customer support over the phone, it is better to visit their help center and find your relevant topic. The help center offers extensive information on different aspects of GoFundMe campaigns and fundraising activities.

It is important to note that GoFundMe takes your security very seriously. Therefore, some donations may require further verification checks by asking for additional personal information such as your Social Security Number (SSN). This is done to protect both donors and campaigners alike.

According to the Federal Trade Commission of America, one of the reasons SSN may be necessary is to comply with anti-money laundering laws. It’s also used for identification purposes when conducting background checks on individuals related to transactions associated with large dollar amounts.

FAQs about Why Does Gofundme Need My Social Security Number?

Why does GoFundMe need my social security number?

GoFundMe may ask for your social security number to help verify your identity and ensure that you comply with tax laws. If you are running a campaign to raise money for personal reasons or for someone else, the platform might need to collect certain personal information to prevent fraudulent activity.

Is it safe to provide GoFundMe with my social security number?

Yes, it is generally safe to provide GoFundMe with your social security number. The platform uses encryption and other security measures to keep your personal information confidential and secure. However, as with any online transaction, there is always a risk of cyber threats. You should always exercise caution and use strong passwords when creating an account on any website.

When will GoFundMe ask for my social security number?

GoFundMe may request your social security number after you have started a campaign or when you attempt to withdraw your funds. The platform will typically send you an email requesting additional information, including your social security number to complete the verification process.

What happens if I refuse to provide my social security number?

If you refuse to provide your social security number, GoFundMe may not be able to verify your identity or process your withdrawal request. This could result in a delay or suspension of your campaign. Keep in mind that providing your social security number is generally required by law for tax reporting purposes, so not providing it may result in legal and financial consequences.

Will GoFundMe share my social security number with anyone?

No, GoFundMe will not share your social security number with anyone unless required by law. The platform takes data privacy seriously and will only use your personal information as necessary to process your transactions and comply with tax regulations.

What other personal information does GoFundMe need from me?

In addition to your social security number, GoFundMe may need your full name, address, and date of birth to verify your identity. The platform may also require additional information, such as your bank account or credit card details, to process your withdrawal request.