SSN instead of EIN for payer on 1099

[GeneInAlabama]

I have a client with several 1099s, three of which has the payer's social security number instead of an employer number. How can I enter this in the program? When I try to enter it, the dash appears after the second digit instead of after the third and fifth digit. I can't find any place in the program where I can tell it that it is a SSN. Is there a way to enter it correctly, or do I have to put it in wrong? And if I put it in wrong, will it cause a problem? I can't think like a fifth grader.

[Kea]

I'm not sure, but I believe it still works OK. Both the EIN & SSN are 9 digits, but I don't think the IRS computer really cares where the dashes are. As long as the number & name match up it should be fine.

But I'm not really sure if all EINs are different from all SSNs? Do they each use their own unique numbering system?

[GeneInAlabama]

Thanks Kea. I'll put the numbers in that way. The worst they can do is shoot me, and I don't think that is likely.

[Kea]

I'm pretty sure you are safe from gun fire. I think the worst that will happen is the e-file will reject with a number / name mismatch. At that point you'll know pretty quickly if there is a problem.

Good luck.