What is W-9Form?
W-9 Form (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification) is an IRS form used by businesses to verify the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) of individuals and entities they pay for services who are not full-time employees.
The purpose of the W-9 is to allow the business to report how much they paid to an independent contractor, consultant, or another type of self-employed individual the IRS using forms like the 1099-NEC.
If the recipient of payments does not provide a valid TIN on the W-9, the business may be legally required to withhold 24% of future payments as backup withholding and send it to the IRS.
Who files Form W-9?
W-9forms are filled by self-employed workers, like independent contractors, vendors, freelancers, and consultants who provide services to companies and have been paid $600 or more in a tax year.
Filing Form W-9
Line 1: Legal name
The legal name must match the Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Line 2: Business Name or Disregarded Entity Name
If the business operates under a different name (like a DBA, trade name, or disregarded entity), enter that name here. Otherwise, leave it blank.
Line 3a & 3b: Federal Tax Classification
Check the box that corresponds to tax classification.
- Individual/Sole Proprietor or Single-Member LLC
- C Corporation
- S Corporation
- Partnership
- Trust/Estate
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)– If selected, specify whether your LLC is taxed as a partnership, C-corp, or S-corp.
Line 4: Exemptions (if applicable)
If you are exempt from backup withholding or FATCA reporting, enter the correct exemption code from the IRS instructions.
Line 5 & 6: Address
Provide full mailing address (number, street, and apartment or suite number), city, state, and ZIP code
Part I: Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
If you are an individual or sole proprietor, enter your Social Security Number (SSN). If you are a business entity, enter your Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Part II: Certification
Sign and date the form to certify:
- You’re a U.S. person (or resident alien)
- The TIN you provided is correct
- You’re not subject to backup withholding (unless indicated otherwise)