Auburn Fish Reward Tag Registration FAQ
Why do I have to register as a vendor with Auburn University?
The vendor registration process is required by Auburn University to ensure that government funds are not abused. Auburn requires that all payments are sent to registered entities. Anyone outside Auburn University that is paid by the University for any reason has to register as a vendor.
Can I receive a paper check instead of direct deposit?
Yes, you can receive a paper check! In the vendor registration portal, click on the “Payment Information” tab on the left of the page. Then click the “Add Payment Information” drop-down menu and select “Check”. In the “Payment Title” box enter “fish tag”. It is important that you enter “fish tag” in this box to ensure that your paper check request sails through with no trouble. Please see the pdf with picture instructions to answer any further questions.
Is it true that Auburn has set up the registration process to be as difficult as possible to avoid paying out rewards?
No! This is false. We have a budget for tag rewards and we are unable to use those funds for any other expenses. If funds for tag rewards are not used up, eventually those funds will expire and have to be given back to our research sponsors. We’d much rather pay the rewards to anglers, which is how the study was designed to work.
What info do I need to Provide?
Some sensitive information is required to verify who is receiving payment from Auburn. The information you enter is completely secure and confidential. For more information see our Privacy Statement.
What is my “tax ID” number?
Your personal tax ID number is your SSN if you have one. Those without an SSN use an ITIN. Further information is available on the IRS website.
Can I save the registration & complete it at a later time?
Yes, the supplier portal does allow you to save your information during the registration process.
Is there a guide available?
Yes! Please see Auburn’s Individual Supplier Guide.
We have also created our own Step-by-Step Vendor Registration Guide to help walk you through the steps of the registration process.
I Need more help, Who do I Contact?
Please email ajtag@auburn.edu or call 1-833-515-5137 for extra assistance.
For questions regarding the registration process please contact: supplierhelp@auburn.edu
To check directly on the status of your vendor registration, please email Ms. Cynthia Caldwell-Jackson at:
*Please keep in mind that it may take up to three weeks for your account to be processed.
Do I need to register again if I have caught a tagged fish before?
No! If you have already been issued a supplier number for a previously caught fish, you do not need to register again. Please resend this supplier number either on paper with your tag in the mail or in an email to us at ajtag@auburn.edu.
I finished registering, now what do I do?
It may take 3-4 weeks for your vendor registration to be approved. Once approved you will receive an email containing your supplier number. Please email that number to ajtag@auburn.edu. An invoice will be created and submitted for you. Once the invoice is submitted you will receive an update email. Payment should be received within two weeks after your supplier number is emailed to us.
Is there a limited time for me to complete the tagged fish registration process before it expires?
No! After you call in your tagged fish, you can complete the vendor registration process on your own time. There is no expiration for the reward as long as you complete all the steps.
Will Auburn University report my tag reward payment to the IRS & send me a 1099 tax form?
Your reward payment will not be reported to the IRS and you will not receive a 1099 unless your total reward payments for the year are $600 or more. For example, if you catch two fish that are each worth $300, your total of $600 in reward payments WILL be reported to the IRS. As another example, if you catch three $100 fish and one $200 fish, your reward payments will NOT be reported.
Can I just send my signed W-9 to Auburn using regular mail rather than scanning the signed copy to upload & attach?
Yes! When mailing in your signed W-9, please include a note letting them know your name, phone number, address, and that you are mailing in your W-9 form to be uploaded to your vendor registration account to receive your reward from a fish tag.
Please mail your W-9 and information to:
Procurement & Business Services
212 Ingram Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849-5101
If you choose to do this, you will complete your registration up to the W-9 section and leave it incomplete until Business Services receives your signed W-9 form in the mail. Once they have received it, they will scan and upload the form for you and complete your registration. After your account is completed, you will receive an email with your supplier’s number, which you need to email to ajtag@auburn.edu.
Mailing in your W9 will take more time to get your account processed, so we still recommend scanning and uploading it through the registration website if possible.
Does a fish with two tags mean a double reward?
Unfortunately, this is not the case. Because we are trying to be efficient with public funds, we are only paying the rewards based on the fish, not the tags. A single fish with two $100 tags is only worth $100. The fish are double-tagged to help us account for tag loss and contribute more accurate data to our project.