Hi, I would prefer for various reasons not to give my social to my broker when I set up a new account. I am a US citizen, though. Does anyone have any clever thoughts how this could be avoided,eg through an offshore company etc? I have no problems declaring the brokers account to the IRS at tax time but I don't want to use my social security number to set up the account. Any thoughts most appreciated.

As far I know the broker need to report your trading to the IRS directly and for that they need your social.
you could probably avoid that by using a corporation or LLC ..
please consult with your CPA or tax expert

dougscott03 

Hi, I would prefer for various reasons not to give my social to my broker when I set up a new account. I am a US citizen, though. Does anyone have any clever thoughts how this could be avoided,eg through an offshore company etc? I have no problems declaring the brokers account to the IRS at tax time but I don't want to use my social security number to set up the account. Any thoughts most appreciated.