When filling out a standard sales tax exemption form at Rural King, West SR 18, I was asked to submit either my Social Security number or employer identification number on the side of the form. The form is a standard-issue form put out by the state of Ohio, but the lines asking for the numbers were added in handwriting by Rural King.
Be advised, they can ask for these numbers, but you are not legally bound to provide them. The IRS, banking institutions and sometimes medical providers can ask for your Social Security number and you have to submit them. Rural King is merely using a government form to obtain information that, in effect, it doesn't need, because the state of Ohio can't ask you for your Social Security number without explaining why.
When I refused to submit my numbers, they entered my form into the system, and it went in without any problem. They can refuse service if you do not provide the numbers when asked, but then, you can go right across the road to Tractor Supply Co. and buy whatever you need without allowing your personal information to be entered into another database.
For more information on your rights concerning your giving out your Social Security number, go to www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs10a-SSNFAQ.htm.
Respectfully,
David M. Watson, Old Fort
