Opening Accounts for New Amish Customers
by John Burnett, BOL Guru
Question: We have a client bank located near an Amish community. In the past, they have opened accounts for the Amish without social security numbers. With the current CIP rules, they have stopped opening accounts for new Amish customers. Without a tax ID, is there a way to open an account for the new Amish customers?
Answer: Presuming that the individuals are U.S. citizens, you must obtain either a social security number or documentation that a social security number has been applied for. There are no exceptions.
It is wrong to assume that members of the Amish community do not have social security numbers. The Amish do not object to paying taxes, but are exempted from paying social security taxes, because of their religious beliefs. In order to pay the required taxes, they must obtain a social security number.
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