It's a new little twist that Intuit added this year ----------- probably because someone at Intuit made another one of their great interpretations of IRS rules that only Intuit seems to interpret in that matter.  For what it's worth, the Social Security number doesn't show up on the return anywhere, so your client doesn't have to lose any sleep over providing the number.

This particular client/officer has had identity stolen before and has issues with having his SSN listed (even if I promise him it won't show up).    Thanks for the reply though.    I wish Intuit would provide us with a "way out"