Printable IRS W-9 Template in PDF Create This Form Online

Printable IRS W-9 Template in PDF

The IRS W-9 form is a request for taxpayer identification number and certification. Used primarily for reporting income paid to freelancers, independent contractors, and other non-employees, this crucial document ensures accurate tax reporting. For a smoother tax filing experience, ensure your W-9 is filled out promptly by clicking the button below.

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Navigating the complexities of tax documents can often feel like an overwhelming task, yet understanding the purpose and proper use of the IRS W-9 form is crucial for both individuals and businesses alike. This essential form plays a pivotal role in the tax reporting process, serving as a request for taxpayer identification number and certification. It is primarily utilized by companies to gather information from freelancers, independent contractors, and other non-employees to accurately report earnings to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Essentially, the W-9 form ensures that the correct information is on file for issuing 1099-MISC forms, which detail the non-employee compensation. Compliance with this procedure not only streamlines tax reporting but also aids in avoiding backup withholding taxes. Given its significance, a thorough grasp of how to properly complete and submit the W-9 form, along with an awareness of its implications for tax obligations, is indispensable for ensuring smooth financial operations and compliance with federal tax laws.

IRS W-9 Sample

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)

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.

Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)

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

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)

or

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Partnership

Partnership

 

 

 

Trust/estate

Trust/estate

 

 

 

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

Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)

Page 4

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

Exempt payees 1 through 4

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.

Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)

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.

Individual

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

3.

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))

 

 

 

 

 

For this type of account:

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

 

 

 

For this type of account:

Give name and EIN of:

 

 

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.

Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)

Page 6

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.

File Features

Fact Number Fact Detail
1 The IRS W-9 form is officially titled "Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification".
2 It is used by individuals and entities to provide their taxpayer identification number to entities that will pay them income during the tax year.
3 The primary purpose of the W-9 form is to help entities requesting the form (payors) to correctly report income paid to the IRS.
4 Entities may use the information provided on the W-9 for reporting purposes on forms such as the 1099, which is used for reporting non-employee compensation, dividends, and other types of income.
5 The W-9 requires the filer's taxpayer identification number (TIN), which can be a Social Security Number (SSN), Employer Identification Number (EIN), or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
6 There are no state-specific versions of the IRS W-9 form; it is a federal form used throughout the United States.
7 Filing the form with incorrect information can lead to penalties, such as being subject to backup withholding.
8 The W-9 form does not get submitted to the IRS directly by the individual or entity filling it out. Instead, it is given to the requester who may report the information to the IRS.
9 While the W-9 form itself does not explicitly state penalties for failure to accurately complete the form, such inaccuracies can lead to penalties under the broader tax reporting and compliance framework.
10 Persons and entities are advised to update their W-9 information with the requester whenever their information changes, such as a change in name, address, or taxpayer identification number.

IRS W-9: Usage Instruction

Filing a W-9 form is a relatively straightforward process that entails providing accurate information about one’s identity and tax status to entities that require it, often for purposes such as payment processing or account setup. After this form is submitted, it allows the requesting party to properly report payments to the IRS, ensuring compliance with tax regulations. Here, the focus is on helping individuals navigate through each step needed to fill out the form correctly.

To accurately complete the W-9 form, individuals should follow these steps:

  1. Provide your full legal name as it appears on your income tax return in the “Name” field.
  2. Enter your business name if different from your personal name in the “Business Name/Disregarded Entity Name” field, applicable for those who are self-employed or have a business.
  3. Check the appropriate box for your federal tax classification (e.g., individual, corporation, partnership) to indicate the nature of your tax status.
  4. Exemptions: Exemptions from backup withholding or FATCA reporting may apply to some entities or individuals under certain conditions. If you are unsure, consult with a tax professional to determine if exemptions apply to you.
  5. Provide your address, including city, state, and ZIP code, ensuring it matches the address on your tax return.
  6. List your account number(s) if requested by the person who is requiring you to complete the form. This could be necessary for individuals who are conducting business transactions requiring payment.
  7. Enter your social security number (SSN) or employer identification number (EIN) as requested. This is crucial for tax reporting purposes.
  8. Sign and date the form to certify that the information provided is accurate. Without a signature, the W-9 form is not considered valid.

Once the W-9 form is completed, it should be sent to the requester, not the IRS. The information on this form plays a key role in ensuring that individuals and entities comply with tax reporting requirements, facilitating accurate and timely tax document preparation, such as 1099 forms for income reporting. Remember, protecting the personal information on this form is paramount; it should only be shared with trusted parties in secure transactions to prevent identity theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the IRS W-9 form?

The IRS W-9 form is used by individuals and entities to provide their taxpayer identification number (TIN) to entities who will pay them income during the tax year. This form assists payers in reporting taxable income to the IRS and ensures that contractors, freelancers, and other non-employees are correctly identified for tax reporting purposes.

Who needs to fill out a W-9 form?

Any individual or entity that receives payments for services, rentals, or any other type of income that is not wages from an employer might be requested to fill out a W-9 form. This includes independent contractors, self-employed persons, and freelance workers. The form provides the payer with the necessary information to issue a 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, or another appropriate form for tax purposes at the end of the year.

Is my information safe when I provide a completed W-9 form?

While the W-9 form contains sensitive information, including your TIN or Social Security Number, it is essential to submit it through secure means to protect your personal information. Payers requesting this form are responsible for safeguarding your information and should have privacy policies in place. Always ensure you are providing your W-9 form to a legitimate and trusted payer to mitigate the risk of identity theft.

Do I need to submit a W-9 form to the IRS?

No, the completed W-9 form should not be sent to the IRS. Instead, it should be given directly to the person or business that has requested it, typically the payer of the income. The purpose of the form is to allow the payer to accurately report the income they pay to you to the IRS, using your correct taxpayer identification information. However, it's important to keep a copy for your records and to be prepared to provide it to legitimate requesters as needed.

Common mistakes

One common mistake people make when filling out the IRS W-9 form is providing incorrect taxpayer identification numbers (TINs), which can include Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for individuals or Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) for businesses. This error can lead to issues with tax reporting and potentially result in backup withholding or penalties from the IRS. Ensuring the TIN is accurate and matches the name on the form is crucial for smooth tax processing.

Another error is not using the legal name or the name registered with the IRS. Especially for those who have recently changed their name due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons, it's important to use the name that the IRS recognizes. For businesses, this means the name that was used when applying for an EIN. Using an outdated or incorrect name can cause confusion and delays in tax documentation and returns.

Failing to update the address is a frequently overlooked step. When people move and forget to update their address on the W-9 form, it can result in lost checks or important tax documents. Keeping the address current ensures timely receipt of payment and tax-related mail.

Some individuals mistakenly classify their entity type incorrectly. This part of the form asks whether you are an individual/sole proprietorship, a corporation, a partnership, or other. Selecting the wrong classification can affect how taxes are reported and may lead to complications with the IRS. It is important to understand your entity type to avoid this mistake.

Not signing the form is a simple but significant oversight. An unsigned W-9 form is invalid. The IRS requires a signature to verify that the information provided is accurate and to affirm that the person is subject to the penalties of perjury if the information is found to be false.

Overlooking the exemptions section often occurs. This part of the form is where individuals or entities can note if they are exempt from backup withholding or FATCA reporting. Many skip this section because they are unsure if they qualify. However, knowing your exemption status and indicating it properly can prevent unnecessary withholding from your payments.

Another common error is not checking for the latest form version. The IRS occasionally updates their forms, including the W-9. Using an outdated form can lead to processing delays. It’s always a good idea to download the latest version from the IRS website before filling it out.

Incomplete forms also pose a significant problem. Sometimes individuals start filling out the form but don’t complete every required field. Every blank on the W-9 form is there for a reason, and failing to provide all the requested information can result in the form being returned or rejected.

Lastly, sending the form to the wrong place is a mistake to avoid. The W-9 form should be given directly to the person or company that requested it, not to the IRS. This mistake can lead to privacy breaches and delays in payment or tax document processing.

By being attentive to these common errors and taking care to avoid them, individuals and businesses can ensure their tax information is accurately and efficiently processed.

Documents used along the form

When dealing with financial and tax matters, the IRS W-9 form is familiar territory for many. It's commonly used to provide taxpayer identification numbers (TINs) to entities that pay them income, ensuring the proper reporting to the IRS. Beyond the W-9, several other forms and documents are also crucial in various contexts, ranging from employment to investment. Let's explore some of these key documents that are often used alongside the W-9 to manage financial affairs more effectively.

  • Form W-4: Employees use this form to determine the amount of federal income tax to withhold from their paychecks. It's crucial for employers to ensure the correct amount of tax is withheld to match the employee's tax liability.
  • Form 1099-MISC: This document is used to report miscellaneous income. If you're self-employed or work as an independent contractor, companies you've worked for might send you this form if you've earned more than $600 in a year from them.
  • Form 1099-INT: Banks and other financial institutions issue this form to individuals who have earned more than $10 in interest from their accounts in a financial year.
  • Form 1099-DIV: This form reports dividends and other distributions to investors, used by banks and other financial institutions when you've received dividends from your investments.
  • Form 1040: The U.S. Individual Income Tax Return form is where individuals report their income, deductions, and credits to calculate their federal tax refund or the amount owed to the IRS.
  • Form 8863: Used for claiming education credits, this form helps taxpayers receive benefits for qualified tuition and related expenses.
  • Form W-2: Employers issue this wage and tax statement to employees. It details the employee's income and taxes withheld over the year. It is essential for completing individual income tax returns.
  • Form 1098: Mortgage interest, student loan interest, and related expenses are reported on this form by the financial institution to individuals who have paid interest that might qualify for a deduction.
  • Form 1099-S: This is used to report proceeds from real estate transactions. Sellers of real estate properties receive this form indicating the amount received from the sale, which may be subject to capital gains tax.
  • Schedule C: Part of Form 1040, this is used by sole proprietors to report profits or losses from their business. It details the income, costs, and expenses related to their business activities.

While the IRS W-9 form is a starting point in many financial and tax-related interactions, the additional forms mentioned provide a broader picture of an individual's financial landscape. Each plays a unique role in ensuring accurate reporting and compliance with tax laws, illustrating the complexity and interconnectedness of financial activities. Understanding and utilizing these documents appropriately can help individuals and businesses navigate the tax system more smoothly.

Similar forms

  • IRS Form W-4: Similar to the W-9, the W-4 is utilized for tax purposes, but it specifically focuses on determining the amount of taxes to withhold from an employee's paycheck. Both forms collect taxpayer identification information and require the taxpayer's signature, attesting to the accuracy of the provided information.

  • IRS Form 1099-MISC: This form is closely connected to the W-9, as it is often the next step in the tax reporting process. Businesses use Form 1099-MISC to report payments made to freelancers and independent contractors who have filled out a W-9 form. Essentially, the W-9 helps gather the payee's information, which the payer then uses to accurately complete and file a 1099-MISC.

  • IRS Form W-8BEN: This document is akin to the W-9 but is specifically for foreign individuals and entities that receive income from U.S. sources. While the W-9 is used to certify one's Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) and the fact that they are not subject to backup withholding, the W-8BEN is used to establish foreign status and, if applicable, claim tax treaty benefits.

  • IRS Form 1040: Though more comprehensive, the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return shares a fundamental similarity with the W-9 in that it involves reporting income to the IRS. Individuals provide personal and financial information to accurately calculate their tax liabilities. The W-9, in contrast, primarily serves to certify the taxpayer's identification number and exemption status to another party.

  • IRS Form SS-4: This form is used to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which can also be provided on a W-9 form. The correlation lies in the requirement of a taxpayer identification number, which is crucial for various business activities, including tax filing and opening a bank account. The SS-4 is typically filled out once by entities needing an EIN, while W-9s may be requested by multiple payers over time.

  • IRS Form 8233: Similar to the W-9 and W-8BEN, Form 8233 is used by nonresident aliens to claim exemption from withholding on compensation for independent personal services. This form requires detailed information about the individual's tax treaty benefits claim, mirroring the W-9's role in identifying payee's for tax purposes, albeit in a more specialized context.

Dos and Don'ts

Filling out the IRS W-9 form is a straightforward process, but it's easy to make mistakes if you're not careful. To ensure accuracy and compliance, here are 10 dos and don'ts to keep in mind.

Do:

  • Verify your legal name and business name (if applicable) before writing them down. It's crucial these match the name on your income tax return.
  • Provide your accurate taxpayer identification number (TIN), which could be your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  • Double-check the exemption codes (if they apply to you) to ensure you're claiming exemptions correctly.
  • Sign and date the form in the designated area to validate it.
  • Review the form for completeness and accuracy before submitting it to the requester to avoid any potential issues with payment or reporting.

Don't:

  • Leave any fields blank. If a section doesn't apply to you, write "N/A" to indicate this.
  • Use an incorrect TIN or intentionally falsify information. This can lead to penalties, including fines or criminal charges.
  • Forget to update your W-9 information if it changes at any point. This includes changes to your name, business name, address, or TIN.
  • Send the W-9 form to the IRS. The W-9 is provided to the person or company that pays you, not to the IRS.
  • Ignore requests from legitimate requesters for a completed W-9 form. Failing to submit a requested W-9 can result in backup withholding, meaning the requester will withhold part of your payments as income tax.

Misconceptions

The IRS Form W-9 is often misunderstood, leading to potential missteps in compliance and reporting. Clarifying these misconceptions is essential for individuals and businesses alike.

  • Only employees need to fill it out. Actually, the W-9 form is primarily for freelancers, independent contractors, and other non-employees. It's used by businesses to gather information from vendors they pay throughout the fiscal year.

  • It's only necessary for large transactions. Regardless of the amount, businesses must collect a W-9 from any individual or entity they pay for services to properly report the payments to the IRS.

  • Submitting a W-9 means you'll definitely get taxed. Submitting a W-9 does not automatically result in taxation; it provides the payer with the information needed to issue a 1099-NEC, if applicable. Taxes are determined by the payee's tax return.

  • The information provided doesn't have to be up to date. It's critical to provide current, accurate information on the W-9. If your circumstances change (e.g., address or business structure), you must submit an updated form.

  • Filling out a W-9 subjects you to backup withholding. Most individuals and entities are not subject to backup withholding; however, if you do not provide a TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number), or if the IRS notifies the payer that you're subject to backup withholding, then it may apply.

  • W-9 forms are submitted to the IRS. W-9 forms are not sent to the IRS. Instead, they are provided to the person or business that is paying you, allowing them to issue a 1099 form for tax reporting purposes.

  • There's no need to worry about privacy. Since the W-9 contains sensitive information, including your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, you should only provide it to trusted businesses and be cautious of scams.

Key takeaways

The IRS W-9 form is essential for accurately reporting income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and ensuring the proper allocation of taxes. Here are several key takeaways to guide individuals and entities in filling out and utilizing the W-9 form effectively:

  • It's crucial to understand that the W-9 form is used by freelancers, independent contractors, and other non-employees to provide their taxpayer identification number (TIN) to the entities from which they receive income. This ensures that their earnings are accurately reported to the IRS.
  • Entities that pay non-employee compensation are required to request a completed W-9 form from their contractors. This is to ensure that they have the necessary information to issue a 1099-NEC form, which reports the income paid to the IRS.
  • Completing the W-9 form is quite straightforward. Individuals must provide their name as shown on their tax return, business name (if applicable), classification of their business type (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.), address, and TIN (which can be either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Employer Identification Number (EIN)).
  • Accuracy is paramount when filling out the W-9 form. Any discrepancies between the information provided on the form and the IRS records can lead to discrepancies, potentially resulting in backup withholding or other tax complications.
  • Privacy should be a top concern. Individuals and businesses should submit their W-9 forms securely to protect sensitive information, such as their TIN, from being exposed to unauthorized parties.
  • It is important for payers to keep the completed W-9 forms on file for four years after the last transaction or payment made to the contractor. This is necessary should the entity need to verify the contractor's TIN or in case the IRS has any questions.
  • Contractors and freelancers should promptly update their W-9 form if any information changes, such as their address or TIN, and provide the updated form to all entities they work with. This ensures that year-end tax documents, like the 1099-NEC, are accurate and correspond to IRS records.
  • Be aware that not all payments require a W-9 form. For instance, payments made to a corporation generally do not require a W-9, except in the cases of legal and medical services or payments made to a corporation that are reportable under the 1099 rules.
  • Finally, it's beneficial for individuals and businesses to consult with a tax professional when they have questions or uncertainties about the W-9 form. This can help avoid potential issues and ensure compliance with IRS regulations.

Proper attention to the details on the W-9 form can significantly streamline the tax reporting process, reinforcing the importance of diligence and accuracy when dealing with tax-related documents.

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