Can an author pay their taxes in the US without giving an SSN. ?

Question

I just wanted to know how paying taxes can work if you publish in the US but aren't really a citizen/resident. I was reading on how profits and royalties on a novel work, and it was saying that authors are self employed... blah blah blah... and so have to pay more toward social security. well what if you don't have that, can you still publish and pay taxes in the US for your novel? what if you have a pen name? What if you don't want to give your SSN?

Answer 1

1. If you earn money in the US, you must have the right to work in the US (you must have a "green card" or be a citizen).

2. If you have the right to work in the US, you will be granted a SS#.

3. When you work in the US, you are required to divulge your SS#.

4. Employers ask about your employment status in the US within 3 days of extending an offer by asking for appropriate ID to fill out a form I9. If you cannot provide the documentation necessary, the offer of employment will be rescinded.

Answer 2

Your publisher would have to know that information before giving you a royalty check.