New investor question about FIRPTA

[Brian Feenstra]

I've bought my first property (duplex located near a college campus) but come to find out the seller was recently deported. The sale is now subject to FIRPTA withholding, meaning I have to fill out IRS form 8288. I have to include my SSN on this form, and with identity theft running rampant now days, I'm very concerned about including my SSN. I've tried doing some research on this form regarding keeping my SSN safe and out of the seller's hands, but I am not finding any definitive answers. Has anybody who has dealt with a similar situation know if your personal information is shared with the seller? Thanks in advance!