If i participate in an affiliate advertising program on my personal
website, do i need to pay taxes on that as my own income or do i need
to have a business tax id number for the website as an entity?

Dear Hellscream,

How you report the income is up to you.

If you have a business, with a federal Taxpayer ID
number (TIN), you can give the merchant that ID 
number for their database.

If not, it's OK. Just give them your Social Security
Number (SSN). They will only send you a Form 1099-MISC if you
earn $600 or more during the calendar year.

Many of the merchants are starting to withhold payments
until there is an ID number in their files. 


But, no, you don't need a TIN. Your Social Security
number is adequate.

Best wishes,

Your TaxMama-ga

That is exactly the answer I asked for...Thank you.

from the various affiliate programs that i have used, it is implied
that if my website is operated as a business, use the tax id number of
the business. otherwise, list as your own income. it falls under the
category of contract work. if the amount is less than $600 a year, it
is not legally required to list it.

Thanks, that helps, too.