The IRS W-9 form is a standard tax document used in the United States for gathering information from individuals who provide services as freelancers or independent contractors. It serves as a way for businesses to collect necessary details such as name, address, and Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) to accurately report income to the IRS. For assistance in filling out the IRS W-9 form correctly, click the button below.
The IRS W-9 form serves as a critical document for accurately reporting income and managing tax obligations in the United States. It is primarily used by individuals and entities to provide their taxpayer identification number (TIN) to the entities that will pay them income throughout the tax year. By doing so, it ensures that the correct amount of taxes are reported and withheld, if necessary. This form is vital for freelancers, independent contractors, and others who earn income outside of traditional employment, as it facilitates the proper compliance with the IRS’s tax reporting requirements. Besides serving as a means to report accurate tax information, the W-9 form also plays a crucial role in preventing tax evasion. It allows payers to collect the necessary details to issue 1099 forms, which report the amount of income paid to an individual or entity. This simplicity and direct approach in tax documentation underscores its importance in the financial toolkit of both payers and payees, making understanding its use and implications essential for handling taxes efficiently.
Form W-9
Request for Taxpayer
Give Form to the
(Rev. October 2018)
Identification Number and Certification
requester. Do not
Department of the Treasury
▶ Go to www.irs.gov/FormW9 for instructions and the latest information.
send to the IRS.
Internal Revenue Service
1Name (as shown on your income tax return). Name is required on this line; do not leave this line blank.
2Business name/disregarded entity name, if different from above
3.
3 Check appropriate box for federal tax classification of the person whose name is entered on line 1. Check only one of the
4 Exemptions (codes apply only to
page
following seven boxes.
certain entities, not individuals; see
instructions on page 3):
on
Individual/sole proprietor or
C Corporation
S Corporation
Partnership
Trust/estate
Printor type. InstructionsSpecific
single-member LLC
Exempt payee code (if any)
5 Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.) See instructions.
Requester’s name
and address (optional)
Limited liability company. Enter the tax classification (C=C corporation, S=S corporation, P=Partnership) ▶
Note: Check the appropriate box in the line above for the tax classification of the single-member owner. Do not check
Exemption from FATCA reporting
LLC if the LLC is classified as a single-member LLC that is disregarded from the owner unless the owner of the LLC is
code (if any)
another LLC that is not disregarded from the owner for U.S. federal tax purposes. Otherwise, a single-member LLC that
is disregarded from the owner should check the appropriate box for the tax classification of its owner.
Other (see instructions) ▶
(Applies to accounts maintained outside the U.S.)
See
6 City, state, and ZIP code
7List account number(s) here (optional)
Part I Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. The TIN provided must match the name given on line 1 to avoid backup withholding. For individuals, this is generally your social security number (SSN). However, for a resident alien, sole proprietor, or disregarded entity, see the instructions for Part I, later. For other entities, it is your employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have a number, see How to get a TIN, later.
Note: If the account is in more than one name, see the instructions for line 1. Also see What Name and Number To Give the Requester for guidelines on whose number to enter.
Part II Certification
Social security number
–
or
Employer identification number
Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:
1.The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me); and
2.I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding; and
3.I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (defined below); and
4.The FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that I am exempt from FATCA reporting is correct.
Certification instructions. You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and generally, payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. See the instructions for Part II, later.
Sign
Signature of
Here
U.S. person ▶
Date ▶
General Instructions
• Form 1099-DIV (dividends, including those from stocks or mutual
Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise
funds)
• Form 1099-MISC (various types of income, prizes, awards, or gross
noted.
proceeds)
Future developments. For the latest information about developments
• Form 1099-B (stock or mutual fund sales and certain other
related to Form W-9 and its instructions, such as legislation enacted
transactions by brokers)
after they were published, go to www.irs.gov/FormW9.
• Form 1099-S (proceeds from real estate transactions)
Purpose of Form
• Form 1099-K (merchant card and third party network transactions)
An individual or entity (Form W-9 requester) who is required to file an
• Form 1098 (home mortgage interest), 1098-E (student loan interest),
information return with the IRS must obtain your correct taxpayer
1098-T (tuition)
identification number (TIN) which may be your social security number
• Form 1099-C (canceled debt)
(SSN), individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), adoption
• Form 1099-A (acquisition or abandonment of secured property)
taxpayer identification number (ATIN), or employer identification number
Use Form W-9 only if you are a U.S. person (including a resident
(EIN), to report on an information return the amount paid to you, or other
amount reportable on an information return. Examples of information
alien), to provide your correct TIN.
returns include, but are not limited to, the following.
If you do not return Form W-9 to the requester with a TIN, you might
• Form 1099-INT (interest earned or paid)
be subject to backup withholding. See What is backup withholding,
later.
Cat. No. 10231X
Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)
Page 2
By signing the filled-out form, you:
1.Certify that the TIN you are giving is correct (or you are waiting for a number to be issued),
2.Certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, or
3.Claim exemption from backup withholding if you are a U.S. exempt payee. If applicable, you are also certifying that as a U.S. person, your allocable share of any partnership income from a U.S. trade or business is not subject to the withholding tax on foreign partners' share of effectively connected income, and
4.Certify that FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that you are exempt from the FATCA reporting, is correct. See What is FATCA reporting, later, for further information.
Note: If you are a U.S. person and a requester gives you a form other than Form W-9 to request your TIN, you must use the requester’s form if it is substantially similar to this Form W-9.
Definition of a U.S. person. For federal tax purposes, you are considered a U.S. person if you are:
•An individual who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien;
•A partnership, corporation, company, or association created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States;
•An estate (other than a foreign estate); or
•A domestic trust (as defined in Regulations section 301.7701-7).
Special rules for partnerships. Partnerships that conduct a trade or business in the United States are generally required to pay a withholding tax under section 1446 on any foreign partners’ share of effectively connected taxable income from such business. Further, in certain cases where a Form W-9 has not been received, the rules under section 1446 require a partnership to presume that a partner is a foreign person, and pay the section 1446 withholding tax. Therefore, if you are a U.S. person that is a partner in a partnership conducting a trade or business in the United States, provide Form W-9 to the partnership to establish your U.S. status and avoid section 1446 withholding on your share of partnership income.
In the cases below, the following person must give Form W-9 to the partnership for purposes of establishing its U.S. status and avoiding withholding on its allocable share of net income from the partnership conducting a trade or business in the United States.
•In the case of a disregarded entity with a U.S. owner, the U.S. owner of the disregarded entity and not the entity;
•In the case of a grantor trust with a U.S. grantor or other U.S. owner, generally, the U.S. grantor or other U.S. owner of the grantor trust and not the trust; and
•In the case of a U.S. trust (other than a grantor trust), the U.S. trust (other than a grantor trust) and not the beneficiaries of the trust.
Foreign person. If you are a foreign person or the U.S. branch of a foreign bank that has elected to be treated as a U.S. person, do not use Form W-9. Instead, use the appropriate Form W-8 or Form 8233 (see Pub. 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities).
Nonresident alien who becomes a resident alien. Generally, only a nonresident alien individual may use the terms of a tax treaty to reduce or eliminate U.S. tax on certain types of income. However, most tax treaties contain a provision known as a “saving clause.” Exceptions specified in the saving clause may permit an exemption from tax to continue for certain types of income even after the payee has otherwise become a U.S. resident alien for tax purposes.
If you are a U.S. resident alien who is relying on an exception contained in the saving clause of a tax treaty to claim an exemption from U.S. tax on certain types of income, you must attach a statement to Form W-9 that specifies the following five items.
1.The treaty country. Generally, this must be the same treaty under which you claimed exemption from tax as a nonresident alien.
2.The treaty article addressing the income.
3.The article number (or location) in the tax treaty that contains the saving clause and its exceptions.
4.The type and amount of income that qualifies for the exemption from tax.
5.Sufficient facts to justify the exemption from tax under the terms of the treaty article.
Example. Article 20 of the U.S.-China income tax treaty allows an exemption from tax for scholarship income received by a Chinese student temporarily present in the United States. Under U.S. law, this student will become a resident alien for tax purposes if his or her stay in the United States exceeds 5 calendar years. However, paragraph 2 of the first Protocol to the U.S.-China treaty (dated April 30, 1984) allows the provisions of Article 20 to continue to apply even after the Chinese student becomes a resident alien of the United States. A Chinese student who qualifies for this exception (under paragraph 2 of the first protocol) and is relying on this exception to claim an exemption from tax on his or her scholarship or fellowship income would attach to Form W-9 a statement that includes the information described above to support that exemption.
If you are a nonresident alien or a foreign entity, give the requester the appropriate completed Form W-8 or Form 8233.
Backup Withholding
What is backup withholding? Persons making certain payments to you must under certain conditions withhold and pay to the IRS 24% of such payments. This is called “backup withholding.” Payments that may be subject to backup withholding include interest, tax-exempt interest, dividends, broker and barter exchange transactions, rents, royalties, nonemployee pay, payments made in settlement of payment card and third party network transactions, and certain payments from fishing boat operators. Real estate transactions are not subject to backup withholding.
You will not be subject to backup withholding on payments you receive if you give the requester your correct TIN, make the proper certifications, and report all your taxable interest and dividends on your tax return.
Payments you receive will be subject to backup withholding if:
1.You do not furnish your TIN to the requester,
2.You do not certify your TIN when required (see the instructions for Part II for details),
3.The IRS tells the requester that you furnished an incorrect TIN,
4.The IRS tells you that you are subject to backup withholding
because you did not report all your interest and dividends on your tax return (for reportable interest and dividends only), or
5.You do not certify to the requester that you are not subject to backup withholding under 4 above (for reportable interest and dividend accounts opened after 1983 only).
Certain payees and payments are exempt from backup withholding. See Exempt payee code, later, and the separate Instructions for the Requester of Form W-9 for more information.
Also see Special rules for partnerships, earlier.
What is FATCA Reporting?
The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requires a participating foreign financial institution to report all United States account holders that are specified United States persons. Certain payees are exempt from FATCA reporting. See Exemption from FATCA reporting code, later, and the Instructions for the Requester of Form W-9 for more information.
Updating Your Information
You must provide updated information to any person to whom you claimed to be an exempt payee if you are no longer an exempt payee and anticipate receiving reportable payments in the future from this person. For example, you may need to provide updated information if you are a C corporation that elects to be an S corporation, or if you no longer are tax exempt. In addition, you must furnish a new Form W-9 if the name or TIN changes for the account; for example, if the grantor of a grantor trust dies.
Penalties
Failure to furnish TIN. If you fail to furnish your correct TIN to a requester, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.
Civil penalty for false information with respect to withholding. If you make a false statement with no reasonable basis that results in no backup withholding, you are subject to a $500 penalty.
Page 3
Criminal penalty for falsifying information. Willfully falsifying certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.
Misuse of TINs. If the requester discloses or uses TINs in violation of federal law, the requester may be subject to civil and criminal penalties.
Specific Instructions
Line 1
You must enter one of the following on this line; do not leave this line blank. The name should match the name on your tax return.
If this Form W-9 is for a joint account (other than an account maintained by a foreign financial institution (FFI)), list first, and then circle, the name of the person or entity whose number you entered in Part I of Form W-9. If you are providing Form W-9 to an FFI to document a joint account, each holder of the account that is a U.S. person must provide a Form W-9.
a.Individual. Generally, enter the name shown on your tax return. If you have changed your last name without informing the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the name change, enter your first name, the last name as shown on your social security card, and your new last name.
Note: ITIN applicant: Enter your individual name as it was entered on your Form W-7 application, line 1a. This should also be the same as the name you entered on the Form 1040/1040A/1040EZ you filed with your application.
b.Sole proprietor or single-member LLC. Enter your individual name as shown on your 1040/1040A/1040EZ on line 1. You may enter your business, trade, or “doing business as” (DBA) name on line 2.
c.Partnership, LLC that is not a single-member LLC, C corporation, or S corporation. Enter the entity's name as shown on the entity's tax return on line 1 and any business, trade, or DBA name on line 2.
d.Other entities. Enter your name as shown on required U.S. federal tax documents on line 1. This name should match the name shown on the charter or other legal document creating the entity. You may enter any business, trade, or DBA name on line 2.
e.Disregarded entity. For U.S. federal tax purposes, an entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner is treated as a “disregarded entity.” See Regulations section 301.7701-2(c)(2)(iii). Enter the owner's name on line 1. The name of the entity entered on line 1 should never be a disregarded entity. The name on line 1 should be the name shown on the income tax return on which the income should be reported. For example, if a foreign LLC that is treated as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal tax purposes has a single owner that is a U.S. person, the U.S. owner's name is required to be provided on line 1. If the direct owner of the entity is also a disregarded entity, enter the first owner that is not disregarded for federal tax purposes. Enter the disregarded entity's name on line 2, “Business name/disregarded entity name.” If the owner of the disregarded entity is a foreign person, the owner must complete an appropriate Form W-8 instead of a Form W-9. This is the case even if the foreign person has a U.S. TIN.
Line 2
If you have a business name, trade name, DBA name, or disregarded entity name, you may enter it on line 2.
Line 3
Check the appropriate box on line 3 for the U.S. federal tax classification of the person whose name is entered on line 1. Check only one box on line 3.
IF the entity/person on line 1 is
THEN check the box for . . .
a(n) . . .
•
Corporation
Individual
Individual/sole proprietor or single-
Sole proprietorship, or
member LLC
Single-member limited liability
company (LLC) owned by an
individual and disregarded for U.S.
federal tax purposes.
LLC treated as a partnership for
Limited liability company and enter
U.S. federal tax purposes,
the appropriate tax classification.
LLC that has filed Form 8832 or
(P= Partnership; C= C corporation;
2553 to be taxed as a corporation,
or S= S corporation)
LLC that is disregarded as an
entity separate from its owner but
the owner is another LLC that is
not disregarded for U.S. federal tax
purposes.
Line 4, Exemptions
If you are exempt from backup withholding and/or FATCA reporting, enter in the appropriate space on line 4 any code(s) that may apply to you.
Exempt payee code.
•Generally, individuals (including sole proprietors) are not exempt from backup withholding.
•Except as provided below, corporations are exempt from backup withholding for certain payments, including interest and dividends.
•Corporations are not exempt from backup withholding for payments made in settlement of payment card or third party network transactions.
•Corporations are not exempt from backup withholding with respect to attorneys’ fees or gross proceeds paid to attorneys, and corporations that provide medical or health care services are not exempt with respect to payments reportable on Form 1099-MISC.
The following codes identify payees that are exempt from backup withholding. Enter the appropriate code in the space in line 4.
1—An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), any IRA, or a custodial account under section 403(b)(7) if the account satisfies the requirements of section 401(f)(2)
2—The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities
3—A state, the District of Columbia, a U.S. commonwealth or possession, or any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities
4—A foreign government or any of its political subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities
5—A corporation
6—A dealer in securities or commodities required to register in the United States, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. commonwealth or possession
7—A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
8—A real estate investment trust
9—An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company Act of 1940
10—A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a) 11—A financial institution
12—A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or custodian
13—A trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in section 4947
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The following chart shows types of payments that may be exempt from backup withholding. The chart applies to the exempt payees listed above, 1 through 13.
IF the payment is for . . .
THEN the payment is exempt
for . . .
Interest and dividend payments
All exempt payees except
for 7
Broker transactions
Exempt payees 1 through 4 and 6
through 11 and all C corporations.
S corporations must not enter an
exempt payee code because they
are exempt only for sales of
noncovered securities acquired
prior to 2012.
Barter exchange transactions and
Exempt payees 1 through 4
patronage dividends
Payments over $600 required to be
Generally, exempt payees
reported and direct sales over
1 through 52
$5,0001
Payments made in settlement of
payment card or third party network
transactions
1See Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, and its instructions.
2However, the following payments made to a corporation and reportable on Form 1099-MISC are not exempt from backup withholding: medical and health care payments, attorneys’ fees, gross proceeds paid to an attorney reportable under section 6045(f), and payments for services paid by a federal executive agency.
Exemption from FATCA reporting code. The following codes identify payees that are exempt from reporting under FATCA. These codes apply to persons submitting this form for accounts maintained outside of the United States by certain foreign financial institutions. Therefore, if you are only submitting this form for an account you hold in the United States, you may leave this field blank. Consult with the person requesting this form if you are uncertain if the financial institution is subject to these requirements. A requester may indicate that a code is not required by providing you with a Form W-9 with “Not Applicable” (or any similar indication) written or printed on the line for a FATCA exemption code.
A—An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a) or any individual retirement plan as defined in section 7701(a)(37)
B—The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities
C—A state, the District of Columbia, a U.S. commonwealth or possession, or any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities
D—A corporation the stock of which is regularly traded on one or more established securities markets, as described in Regulations section 1.1472-1(c)(1)(i)
E—A corporation that is a member of the same expanded affiliated group as a corporation described in Regulations section 1.1472-1(c)(1)(i)
F—A dealer in securities, commodities, or derivative financial instruments (including notional principal contracts, futures, forwards, and options) that is registered as such under the laws of the United States or any state
G—A real estate investment trust
H—A regulated investment company as defined in section 851 or an entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company Act of 1940
I—A common trust fund as defined in section 584(a) J—A bank as defined in section 581
K—A broker
L—A trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in section 4947(a)(1)
M—A tax exempt trust under a section 403(b) plan or section 457(g) plan
Note: You may wish to consult with the financial institution requesting this form to determine whether the FATCA code and/or exempt payee code should be completed.
Line 5
Enter your address (number, street, and apartment or suite number). This is where the requester of this Form W-9 will mail your information returns. If this address differs from the one the requester already has on file, write NEW at the top. If a new address is provided, there is still a chance the old address will be used until the payor changes your address in their records.
Line 6
Enter your city, state, and ZIP code.
Part I. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. If you are a resident alien and you do not have and are not eligible to get an SSN, your TIN is your IRS individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). Enter it in the social security number box. If you do not have an ITIN, see How to get a TIN below.
If you are a sole proprietor and you have an EIN, you may enter either your SSN or EIN.
If you are a single-member LLC that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner, enter the owner’s SSN (or EIN, if the owner has one). Do not enter the disregarded entity’s EIN. If the LLC is classified as a corporation or partnership, enter the entity’s EIN.
Note: See What Name and Number To Give the Requester, later, for further clarification of name and TIN combinations.
How to get a TIN. If you do not have a TIN, apply for one immediately. To apply for an SSN, get Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, from your local SSA office or get this form online at www.SSA.gov. You may also get this form by calling 1-800-772-1213. Use Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, to apply for an ITIN, or Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, to apply for an EIN. You can apply for an EIN online by accessing the IRS website at www.irs.gov/Businesses and clicking on Employer Identification Number (EIN) under Starting a Business. Go to www.irs.gov/Forms to view, download, or print Form W-7 and/or Form SS-4. Or, you can go to www.irs.gov/OrderForms to place an order and have Form W-7 and/or SS-4 mailed to you within 10 business days.
If you are asked to complete Form W-9 but do not have a TIN, apply for a TIN and write “Applied For” in the space for the TIN, sign and date the form, and give it to the requester. For interest and dividend payments, and certain payments made with respect to readily tradable instruments, generally you will have 60 days to get a TIN and give it to the requester before you are subject to backup withholding on payments. The 60-day rule does not apply to other types of payments. You will be subject to backup withholding on all such payments until you provide your TIN to the requester.
Note: Entering “Applied For” means that you have already applied for a TIN or that you intend to apply for one soon.
Caution: A disregarded U.S. entity that has a foreign owner must use the appropriate Form W-8.
Part II. Certification
To establish to the withholding agent that you are a U.S. person, or resident alien, sign Form W-9. You may be requested to sign by the withholding agent even if item 1, 4, or 5 below indicates otherwise.
For a joint account, only the person whose TIN is shown in Part I should sign (when required). In the case of a disregarded entity, the person identified on line 1 must sign. Exempt payees, see Exempt payee code, earlier.
Signature requirements. Complete the certification as indicated in items 1 through 5 below.
Page 5
1.Interest, dividend, and barter exchange accounts opened before 1984 and broker accounts considered active during 1983. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification.
2.Interest, dividend, broker, and barter exchange accounts opened after 1983 and broker accounts considered inactive during 1983. You must sign the certification or backup withholding will apply. If you are subject to backup withholding and you are merely providing your correct TIN to the requester, you must cross out item 2 in the certification before signing the form.
3.Real estate transactions. You must sign the certification. You may cross out item 2 of the certification.
4.Other payments. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification unless you have been notified that you have previously given an incorrect TIN. “Other payments” include payments made in the course of the requester’s trade or business for rents, royalties, goods (other than bills for merchandise), medical and health care services (including payments to corporations), payments to a nonemployee for services, payments made in settlement of payment card and third party network transactions, payments to certain fishing boat crew members and fishermen, and gross proceeds paid to attorneys (including payments to corporations).
5.Mortgage interest paid by you, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, qualified tuition program payments (under section 529), ABLE accounts (under section 529A), IRA, Coverdell ESA, Archer MSA or HSA contributions or distributions, and pension distributions. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification.
What Name and Number To Give the Requester
For this type of account:
Give name and SSN of:
1.
The individual
2.
Two or more individuals (joint
The actual owner of the account or, if
account) other than an account
combined funds, the first individual on
maintained by an FFI
the account1
Two or more U.S. persons
Each holder of the account
(joint account maintained by an FFI)
4.
Custodial account of a minor
The minor2
(Uniform Gift to Minors Act)
5. a. The usual revocable savings trust
The grantor-trustee1
(grantor is also trustee)
The actual owner1
b. So-called trust account that is not
a legal or valid trust under state law
6.
Sole proprietorship or disregarded
The owner3
entity owned by an individual
7.
Grantor trust filing under Optional
The grantor*
Form 1099 Filing Method 1 (see
Regulations section 1.671-4(b)(2)(i)
(A))
Give name and EIN of:
8.
Disregarded entity not owned by an
The owner
individual
9.
A valid trust, estate, or pension trust
Legal entity4
10.
Corporation or LLC electing
The corporation
corporate status on Form 8832 or
Form 2553
11.
Association, club, religious,
The organization
charitable, educational, or other tax-
exempt organization
12.
Partnership or multi-member LLC
The partnership
13.
A broker or registered nominee
The broker or nominee
14. Account with the Department of
The public entity
Agriculture in the name of a public
entity (such as a state or local
government, school district, or
prison) that receives agricultural
program payments
15. Grantor trust filing under the Form
The trust
1041 Filing Method or the Optional
Form 1099 Filing Method 2 (see
Regulations section 1.671-4(b)(2)(i)(B))
1List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish. If only one person on a joint account has an SSN, that person’s number must be furnished.
2Circle the minor’s name and furnish the minor’s SSN.
3You must show your individual name and you may also enter your business or DBA name on the “Business name/disregarded entity” name line. You may use either your SSN or EIN (if you have one), but the IRS encourages you to use your SSN.
4List first and circle the name of the trust, estate, or pension trust. (Do not furnish the TIN of the personal representative or trustee unless the legal entity itself is not designated in the account title.) Also see Special rules for partnerships, earlier.
*Note: The grantor also must provide a Form W-9 to trustee of trust.
Note: If no name is circled when more than one name is listed, the number will be considered to be that of the first name listed.
Secure Your Tax Records From Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, SSN, or other identifying information, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. An identity thief may use your SSN to get a job or may file a tax return using your SSN to receive a refund.
To reduce your risk:
•Protect your SSN,
•Ensure your employer is protecting your SSN, and
•Be careful when choosing a tax preparer.
If your tax records are affected by identity theft and you receive a notice from the IRS, respond right away to the name and phone number printed on the IRS notice or letter.
If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft but you think you are at risk due to a lost or stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity or credit report, contact the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490 or submit Form 14039.
For more information, see Pub. 5027, Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers.
Victims of identity theft who are experiencing economic harm or a systemic problem, or are seeking help in resolving tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels, may be eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the TAS toll-free case intake line at 1-877-777-4778 or TTY/TDD 1-800-829-4059.
Protect yourself from suspicious emails or phishing schemes. Phishing is the creation and use of email and websites designed to mimic legitimate business emails and websites. The most common act is sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft.
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The IRS does not initiate contacts with taxpayers via emails. Also, the IRS does not request personal detailed information through email or ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts.
If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, forward this message to phishing@irs.gov. You may also report misuse of the IRS name, logo, or other IRS property to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484. You can forward suspicious emails to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov or report them at www.ftc.gov/complaint. You can contact the FTC at www.ftc.gov/idtheft or 877-IDTHEFT (877-438-4338). If you have been the victim of identity theft, see www.IdentityTheft.gov and Pub. 5027.
Visit www.irs.gov/IdentityTheft to learn more about identity theft and how to reduce your risk.
Privacy Act Notice
Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code requires you to provide your correct TIN to persons (including federal agencies) who are required to file information returns with the IRS to report interest, dividends, or certain other income paid to you; mortgage interest you paid; the acquisition or abandonment of secured property; the cancellation of debt; or contributions you made to an IRA, Archer MSA, or HSA. The person collecting this form uses the information on the form to file information returns with the IRS, reporting the above information. Routine uses of this information include giving it to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation and to cities, states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. commonwealths and possessions for use in administering their laws. The information also may be disclosed to other countries under a treaty, to federal and state agencies to enforce civil and criminal laws, or to federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism. You must provide your TIN whether or not you are required to file a tax return. Under section 3406, payers must generally withhold a percentage of taxable interest, dividend, and certain other payments to a payee who does not give a TIN to the payer. Certain penalties may also apply for providing false or fraudulent information.
After completing the IRS W-9 form, it will be used by the person or institution that requested it to report certain types of payments to the IRS. This form is critical for ensuring accurate financial records and compliance with U.S. tax laws. It's straightforward to fill out, but accuracy is paramount to avoid any issues with tax reporting.
Once you've properly filled out and signed the form, it should be given directly to the requestor, not the IRS. Keeping a copy for your records is advisable. This ensures you have documented proof of your compliance with this part of the tax filing process. Remember, protecting your personal information during this process is critical, so make sure to share your completed W-9 form securely.
The IRS W-9 Form, officially titled "Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification," is used by companies to collect tax information from individuals or entities that provide services to them. This information is necessary for the company to report income paid to the individual or entity to the IRS.
Freelancers, independent contractors, and other non-employees who receive payment from a company need to fill out a W-9. This form is also required for individuals or entities receiving real estate transactions, mortgage interest payments, cancellation of debt, or contributions to an IRA.
The W-9 Form requests the following details:
Companies usually request a W-9 form when they need it. You can submit the form to them electronically or by mail, depending on the company's preference. Ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date before submission.
No, you do not need to submit a W-9 form every year. However, you should provide an updated form if any of your information, such as your address, legal name, or TIN, has changed.
Your SSN or EIN is necessary for the company to report your income to the IRS accurately. If you're concerned about security, ensure you're submitting your W-9 through secure means. If you're still uncomfortable, discuss the issue with the requesting company to explore possible alternatives.
No, a W-9 is not the same as a 1099. A W-9 form is used to collect your tax information. A 1099 form, on the other hand, is what a company sends to both you and the IRS at the end of the year to report how much they have paid you.
If you do not complete a W-9 when requested, the company paying you may withhold income at the backup withholding rate. Additionally, willful failure to provide accurate and complete information can lead to penalties.
Yes, many companies accept electronic submissions of W-9 forms. Some provide secure portals for submission, or you may use IRS-compliant software to fill and submit the form electronically. Always ensure the submission method is secure.
Filling out the IRS W-9 form is a critical process for taxpayers who are engaged in certain business transactions. It's commonly requested by companies that pay you to ensure they have the correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) and information to issue you a 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, or other form types for income you receive. However, mistakes can happen, leading to delays or errors in tax reporting. Here are ten common mistakes people make when filling out their W-9 forms.
One common error is not using the legal name that appears on the taxpayer’s Social Security card or, for businesses, the name registered with the Internal Revenue Service. This can cause confusion and delays with the IRS. Individuals sometimes mistakenly provide a nickname or a business name when they should provide their personal name as it appears on their Social Security card.
Another mistake made by filers is entering an incorrect TIN, such as a Social Security Number (SSN), Employer Identification Number (EIN), or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Mixing up these numbers or entering them inaccurately can lead to rejected submissions and potential fines.
A significant portion of errors also comes from incorrectly classifying the entity. For example, misidentifying oneself as an S-Corporation instead of a Sole Proprietorship alters the way the income is reported to the IRS. Understanding the legal structure of the entity you are representing is crucial.
Overlooking the "Exempt Payee Code" and "Exemption from FATCA Reporting" boxes often leads to incomplete forms. If applicable, these boxes should not be ignored, as they inform the requester of your exemption status, potentially affecting tax withholding.
Failing to sign and date the form is another simple yet frequent oversight. The IRS requires a signature to verify the accuracy of the information provided; therefore, an unsigned form is incomplete and not legally binding.
Non-U.S. citizens sometimes incorrectly fill out the W-9 form when they should be completing a W-8 form instead. This mistake can cause reporting and compliance issues, as the W-8 form is designed specifically for foreign entities.
Providing a post office box instead of a physical address is a mistake that can lead to issues with the IRS. The agency prefers a physical address to ensure they can make contact with the taxpayer if needed.
Leaving the form partially completed is a common error. Every applicable line on the W-9 should be filled out to avoid rejection. Forgetting to provide certain information can delay transactions or tax reporting.
Using outdated forms can also pose a problem. The IRS periodically updates its forms, including the W-9, to reflect current tax laws and requirements. Using an outdated form may result in the need to resubmit using the current version.
Lastly, a mistake often overlooked is failing to update the W-9 form when personal or business circumstances change, such as a new address or a change in business entity. Keeping information up to date is essential for accurate and timely tax reporting.
Avoiding these common mistakes can streamline the process of completing the W-9 form, ensuring accurate and efficient tax reporting and compliance. It's always a good practice to review the form thoroughly and consult with a tax professional if there are any uncertainties.
When individuals or entities complete financial transactions that involve the reporting of income, interest, real estate transactions, and various other financial interactions, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) W-9 form plays a pivotal role in ensuring the proper collection and reporting of tax information. Alongside the W-9, several other forms and documents are frequently utilized to comply with federal tax laws and regulations. Below is a list of documents often used in conjunction with the W-9 form, each serving a unique purpose in the broader context of tax reporting and compliance.
Collectively, these forms ensure that both individuals and entities accurately report their income, expenses, and financial transactions to the IRS. Utilizing these documents in conjunction with the W-9 allows for a seamless process of financial reporting, compliance with tax laws, and the efficient processing of tax obligations. For individuals and businesses alike, understanding the purpose and proper use of each of these forms is paramount in fulfilling their responsibilities to federal tax regulations.
The IRS W-9 form, commonly utilized for gathering information from individuals who provide services or goods to an organization, shares similarities with various other tax documents in certain aspects. One such document is the IRS Form W-4, which is used by employers to determine the correct amount of federal income tax to withhold from employees' wages. Both forms serve as critical tools for tax reporting and compliance, with the W-9 being used primarily by freelancers or independent contractors and the W-4 by employees. Both require the taxpayer’s Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number, signifying a crucial step in ensuring the accuracy of tax documents.
Another document resembling the W-9 in its function is the IRS Form 1099-MISC. This form is used to report payments made to freelancers and independent contractors. The connection between the two forms lies in their use by businesses to report amounts paid to non-employees, ensuring these earnings are appropriately documented with the IRS. The W-9 form collects payee information upfront, which later facilitates the accurate preparation of the 1099-MISC form for reporting income earned by contractors or freelancers.
The IRS Form W-8BEN, designed for foreign individuals performing work outside the United States, also shares a kinship with the W-9. Both solicit taxpayer identification numbers and personal details, albeit for different taxpayer groups with the aim of preventing tax withholding errors. Where the W-9 is used domestically to prevent backup withholding on certain types of revenue, the W-8BEN serves a similar but distinct purpose, ensuring foreign individuals are taxed appropriately in accordance with U.S. tax treaty agreements.
Similar to the W-9, the IRS Form 8233 pertains to non-resident aliens who receive compensation for personal services performed in the United States. This form allows for exemption from withholding on income that is tied to treaty benefits, akin to how the W-9 is used to identify taxpayers and prevent unnecessary withholding. While both forms are used in the context of tax withholding and identification, the Form 8233 is specifically tailored to non-resident aliens claiming tax treaty benefits.
Lastly, the IRS Form SS-4, used to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), parallels the W-9 in its foundational role in the tax identification process. While the W-9 collects a taxpayer's identification information for reporting purposes, the SS-4 is the initial step for entities to obtain an identification number needed to report business taxes. Though one form is geared towards individuals and the other towards entities, both are integral in linking tax-related activities with the correct taxpayer identities, thereby streamlining tax administration and compliance.
When dealing with the IRS W-9 form, it's important to approach it with care and attention. Here are some key do's and don'ts to keep in mind:
Do's:
Don'ts:
The IRS W-9 form is a crucial document used primarily to provide taxpayer identification information to entities that pay you income. However, there are several misconceptions about the W-9 form that can lead to confusion. To clarify, below are seven common misunderstandings:
Only employees need to fill it out: Contrary to popular belief, the W-9 form is not for employees. Instead, independent contractors, freelancers, and self-employed individuals are the ones who typically need to complete it for their clients, to ensure the correct reporting of their income to the IRS.
You send it to the IRS: This statement is inaccurate. The completed W-9 form should be given to the requester (such as a client or a financial institution), not directly to the IRS. It’s used by the requester to prepare other documents, like the 1099 form, which are then submitted to the IRS.
It’s only for taxable income: While it’s primarily used for income purposes, the W-9 form also plays a role in circumstances unrelated to direct payment for services, such as real estate transactions. It’s used to verify your taxpayer identification number (TIN) in varying financial contexts.
There’s no need to update the information: Updating your W-9 form is essential if your circumstances change (for example, a name change or a change in business entity). Keeping the information up to date ensures that documents related to tax withholding and reporting are accurate.
Filling it out incorrectly has no consequences: Errors on a W-9 can lead to backup withholding, where the payer must withhold income tax at a set rate from payments due to the payee. Furthermore, providing false information can result in penalties.
Personal information is at high risk: While it’s wise to be cautious with your personal information, using a W-9 as intended – providing it directly to a known and trusted requester – minimizes risk. Always verify the legitimacy of requests for your W-9 to prevent identity theft.
Any version of the form will suffice: The IRS periodically updates the W-9 form. It's vital to use the most current version to ensure compliance with the latest tax reporting requirements. The current form can always be found on the IRS website.
Understanding these misconceptions about the W-9 form can help individuals and entities manage their tax-related affairs more effectively and avoid common pitfalls. Remember, when in doubt, consulting a tax professional or the IRS directly is advisable to ensure compliance and accuracy in your tax responsibilities.
The IRS W-9 form is essential for accurate tax reporting and compliance with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations in the United States. Understanding the key aspects of how to properly fill out and use this form is crucial for individuals and businesses engaging in transactions that require accurate taxpayer identification. Here are ten key takeaways about the IRS W-9 form:
It's important for individuals and businesses to understand the relevance and correct handling of the IRS W-9 form to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations and to prevent potential legal and financial penalties.
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