02/01/2026
For the 3rd year in a row, I have had to debate with an in-home daycare provider about what they are REQUIRED to provide to their clients. 😒 This year was a new one though. This one was under the impression that she would be able to sue me if I kept records of the information she is required to provide, specifically her SSN. She then proceeded to give me a PO Box for her address and when I asked for her physical address she said, "I just gave it to you!" Well, no, that's a location at the Post Office, not YOUR address.
Below is a screenshot of form w10, the form an in-home daycare provider is REQUIRED to provide, that explains WHY they are required to provide this information.
If you do not want to be required to give your SSN and address to all of your clients, I would recommend requesting an EIN by going to www.irs.gov. It is a very simple process.
I also strongly encourage people to look into the laws and requirements of the profession you are going into BEFORE you start the business. It will help eliminate your frustration when you are now required to provide confidential information to strangers.