I’m running some errands, and I’ve wound up in a tax office.
Customer: I’ve come to you guys because I don’t trust the new internet filing system.
Tax Preparer: Uhh, okay. You know we use the intern-
Customer: So, here are all my documents. I haven’t filled out all of the forms you gave me because I don’t want my personal information out there.
Tax Preparer: Well, actually we nee-
Customer: I trust you understand my need for privacy.
Tax Preparer: Uhh… well… we kinda need that to do your taxes.
Customer, smiling slyly: Do you though?
Tax Preparer: Yes! The IRS won’t just… you didn’t even put your social security number here.
Customer: Of course not! That’s sensitive information.
Tax Preparer: So, you don’t want us to have your social security number because it’s too private to use for the taxes that you are paying… part of which goes to social security.
Customer: Clearly.
Tax Preparer: But this is literally what social security numbers are for.
Customer: I’m not sure you understand.
Tax Preparer, to Coworker: Can we get Supervisor in here?