[scottinalaska]

Startet,
You are starting to get the picture. If the employer sends nothing in, the IRS has no reason to chase you down because they'll have no paper trail beyond perhaps a bank account or large purchases you might make that have to be reported because you might be a terrorist or whatever.
But alas, most, if not ALL employers think they are employed by the IRS as withholding agents and love to do it gratis.
Part of you getting hired was obviously not contingent on giving them your SS number. But on a W4 form, you need to give it.
Likely you aren't signing up for a benefit because you feel you can handle your retirement on your own. The W4 form is basically a paper authorizing deductions so that you are compelled to receive the benefit of Social Security. (why do they want your number?)
You "could" tell them that you are taking care of your own retirement and are not enrolled in SS. Hey, you can't compel a benefit on someone if they don't want it, no matter how glorious it is!
If the employer can rub a couple brain cells together, he'll realize he'll save more than 8 percent of your paycheck on you since he won't have to do "payroll" for you or send in "his half" of your retirement!
That is a benefit I'd entertain as an employer.
BTW, the penalty, if one came, and it is right on SS.gov website, is a 50 dollar penalty for not getting the SS number for a W2 that is NOT going to exist.
Some employers swear jail time is next if they don't fill it out.
scottinalaska
Oh, you can always put in 9 dependents and keep more of your paycheck until you can talk some sense in there!