Do I have to provide my social security number on a job application?

Question

I know that once hired, I have to provide it to the employer for tax purposes, but do I legally have to provide it on my application?

Answer 1

No, you are not required to provide it on an application. If there's a space for it, write "provided upon hire".

Answer 2

i don't think there's a need to do so.. social security number is a personal information that is basically not needed by employers when entertaining applications. it also gives them the impression that you are after the company that will give you financial stability and security.

so we are all after that..but do we have to be transparent on that at all times?