"My question is: Was this the appropriate stance to take? Isn't social security a voluntary contribution tax that should be lumped together with all other taxes for which we are not liable?"


<FONT face="courier new, courier, mono">Getting the SSN is voluntary, but once you get it, and USE it, it's like a&stamp on your head--almost impossible to get rid of.&The employer is the withholding agent for social security taxes and if it is not withheld, they become liable for it-- but only if the employer "believes"&they are liable for it,&ie., if they don't educate themselves&they most likely will believe what the IRS says. </FONT>


&<FONT face="Courier New">Withholding agreements can be terminated, but without a withholding agreement,&you&become a contractor, not an employee. As a contractor you cannot work full time for the same employer, week after week.& And contractors still need an SSN, unless&you've made other arrangements with the&employer.</FONT>


I wish your son good luck... with that anyway.. &


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