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For individuals and entities engaging in financial transactions that result in income, understanding the IRS W-9 form is essential. This critical form serves as a request for taxpayer identification number and certification, playing a pivotal role in tax documentation for the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Whether one is an independent contractor, a freelancer, or part of a larger entity, the W-9 form is integral for accurately reporting income to the government. It not only helps in verifying the taxpayer's identity but also aids in preventing tax evasion. Filling out the form correctly ensures compliance with the tax laws, avoiding potential penalties. Moreover, the information provided through the W-9 is used by employers and financial institutions to prepare form 1099, which reports various types of income other than wages, salaries, and tips. With its broad applicability, from employment setups to investment scenarios, the W-9 form represents a cornerstone in the tax preparation process, highlighting the need for meticulous attention to detail and an understanding of its requirements.

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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 Attributes

Fact Number Fact Detail
1 The IRS W-9 form is officially titled "Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification".
2 It is used primarily for the purposes of verifying an individual's or entity's tax identification number (TIN).
3 Freelancers and independent contractors often fill out the W-9 form when they start a new job with a company.
4 Companies require a completed W-9 form to properly report income paid to contractors to the IRS through form 1099-NEC.
5 The form requests information such as the taxpayer's name, address, and Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN).
6 Sending a completed W-9 form to the IRS is not necessary; it is kept on file by the person or entity who requested it.
7 Failing to provide a W-9 when requested can lead to backup withholding, where the payer must withhold tax from your earnings at a rate set by the IRS.
8 The W-9 form does not have a submission deadline, but it is typically requested by businesses at the start of a professional relationship.
9 There are no state-specific versions of the W-9 form; it is a federal form used across all states, governed by federal law and IRS regulations.

How to Fill Out IRS W-9

Filling out the IRS W-9 form is a crucial step for individuals and entities when they engage in business activities that necessitate accurate tax reporting. If a company hires you as a freelancer, contractor, or if you're conducting transactions that require tax documentation, preparing a W-9 form correctly ensures that your tax information is reported accurately. The form is used to provide your taxpayer identification number (such as your Social Security Number) to the entity that will pay you, to make sure that the correct amount of taxes is reported to the IRS. Following the steps below will guide you through the process of filling out the form correctly.

  1. Download the form: The IRS W-9 form can be downloaded from the Internal Revenue Service’s official website.
  2. Enter your full name: Write your name as it appears on your tax return.
  3. List your business name: If different from your personal name, include your business or “disregarded entity” name.
  4. Check the appropriate box for federal tax classification: Choose the box that matches your federal tax status (e.g., individual/sole proprietor, C corporation, S corporation, partnership).
  5. Exemptions: If applicable, fill in your exemptions. Generally, individuals are not exempt from backup withholding so this section might be left blank.
  6. Address, city, state, and ZIP code: Provide the address where you want the form requester to send your information returns.
  7. List account number(s) if necessary: This is optional, but you may provide your account number(s) if instructed by the requester.
  8. Part I – Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): Enter your Social Security Number (SSN) if you are an individual or your employer identification number (EIN) if you are representing a business.
  9. Part II – Certification: Read the certification carefully. By signing the form, you are certifying that the tax ID number you provided is correct and that you are not subject to backup withholding.
  10. Sign and date the form: Your signature and the date confirm that the information on the form is accurate and that you are responsible for any false statements.

Once the form is completed and signed, it should be given to the requester and not sent to the IRS. The information you provide will help the requester to prepare your 1099-NEC or other relevant forms, should they need to report what they pay you to the IRS. Accurate completion and prompt submission of the W-9 form play a key role in ensuring that both you and the entity you are working with comply with IRS rules and regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IRS W-9 Form?

The IRS W-9 form, officially known as the Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, is a document used in the United States. It is primarily utilized to provide a taxpayer identification number (TIN) to entities or individuals that require it to report income paid to the IRS. This form is often requested by banks, companies, or individuals who plan to pay you so they can report the payments to the IRS correctly.

Who needs to fill out a W-9 Form?

Typically, a W-9 form needs to be completed by freelance workers, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals who will earn more than $600 during the tax year from a company. It is also necessary for other entities in certain transactions that require a taxpayer identification number for reporting purposes.

What information do I need to complete a W-9 Form?

To fill out a W-9 form, you will need the following information:

  • Your full legal name as shown on your income tax return
  • Your business name or “disregarded entity” name, if different from your legal name
  • Your federal tax classification (e.g., individual/sole proprietor, corporation)
  • Your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)—this can be your Social Security Number (SSN) or your Employer Identification Number (EIN), depending on your circumstances
  • Your address, including city, state, and ZIP code
  • Your signature and the date, certifying the information is correct

How do I submit a completed W-9 Form?

A completed W-9 form is usually submitted directly to the requester, not to the IRS. You can deliver it in person, through mail, or electronically, depending on the requester's preferences. Remember that email is not a secure method of transmission for sensitive information unless encrypted. Always ask the requester for their preferred delivery method.

What are the consequences of not completing a W-9 Form?

Failure to provide a completed W-9 form when requested can lead to a variety of complications, including:

  1. Backup withholding: The requester may be required to withhold a portion of your payment at the backup withholding rate and send this to the IRS.
  2. Delayed payments: Without the necessary information to report to the IRS, payments to you might be held up.
  3. Possible IRS penalties: If the IRS requires the information and it is not provided, you might be subject to penalties.

Can I refuse to fill out a W-9 Form?

You can refuse to fill out a W-9 form, but this may result in the requester withholding taxes from your payment at the current backup withholding rate. It may also hinder your ability to work with that requester in the future. Providing accurate and timely information on a W-9 can help ensure you are paid in full and on time.

Is my personal information safe when I submit a W-9 Form?

While there is always a risk involved when sharing personal information, taking proactive steps can help safeguard your data. When submitting a W-9 form, ensure the requester is legitimate and has a genuine need for your information. Avoid sending sensitive information via unencrypted email and inquire about secure methods for submission. Additionally, keeping a record of where your information has been sent can help monitor for misuse.

What do I do if my information changes after submitting a W-9 Form?

If any of the information you provided on your W-9 form changes—such as your name, address, TIN, or tax status—you should complete a new form and deliver it to all entities you've previously provided a W-9 to. This ensures the information used to report payments to the IRS is accurate and up to date.

Common mistakes

One of the most common mistakes made when filling out the IRS W-9 form is providing incorrect taxpayer identification numbers (TINs). This crucial piece of information is used to match income with taxpayers, and errors can lead to unnecessary audits or delays in processing. Individuals often mistakenly enter their Social Security Number (SSN) where an Employer Identification Number (EIN) should be placed, or vice versa, depending on their employment status.

Another significant error involves misunderstanding the purpose of the W-9 form. Some people believe it's used for direct employment purposes. However, its main use is for individuals or entities that are working as freelancers, independent contractors, or are involved in other forms of non-employee compensation. This misunderstanding can lead to the misuse of the form, causing confusion and potential legal complications.

A frequently overlooked aspect is the necessity to date the form. Without a date, it's challenging to verify when the consent was given, potentially causing legal disputes or issues in tax documentation. While it seems minor, this step is crucial for maintaining accurate and legally binding records.

People often fail to update their W-9 form when their personal or business information changes. If you've recently moved or your business has undergone changes that affect your tax classification, it's essential to submit a new W-9 to all relevant parties. Failure to do so might result in misdirected payments or tax documents, complicating financial records and tax filing.

The name mismatch is also a frequent error. The name on the W-9 form must match the name associated with the TIN provided. Discrepancies can trigger IRS notices or backup withholding, which withholds a portion of income for tax purposes. This is commonly seen when individuals get married or divorced and change their last names without updating their TIN.

Limited Liability Company (LLC) classification confusion is another area where mistakes happen. LLCs can be classified in different ways for federal tax purposes (e.g., disregarded entity, partnership, corporation), and selecting the wrong classification on the W-9 form can lead to improper reporting of income and taxes.

Failure to sign the form is a simple yet significant oversight. An unsigned W-9 form is considered invalid, which can delay transactions and payments. It serves as an affirmation that the information provided is accurate, and its absence can undermine the form's legal standing.

A mistake easily made is not understanding when to use a W-9 form for certain transactions. It's specifically designed for domestic transactions. Using it for international contractors may result in non-compliance with IRS regulations, leading to penalties and fines.

Not using the latest version of the W-9 form is another pitfall. The IRS periodically updates its forms to reflect current tax codes and legal requirements. Using an outdated form can lead to incorrect information collection or processing issues.

Finally, a common mistake is not securely storing or transmitting the filled-out W-9 form. Given the sensitive information it contains, like SSNs and EINs, it should be handled with utmost care. Insecure transmission or storage can lead to identity theft or financial fraud. Always use secure methods when sending it, and store it safely to protect personal and business information.

Documents used along the form

The IRS W-9 form is commonly used by individuals and entities to provide their taxpayer identification number to entities that will pay them income during the tax year. Alongside the W-9, there are several other documents and forms that might be needed, depending on the specific financial and employment circumstances of the individual or entity. These documents are essential for various reasons, including verifying identity, reporting income, and confirming eligibility for work in the United States.

  1. Form 1099-MISC: This document is used to report payments made to freelancers, independent contractors, and other non-employee services. It is essential for entities that pay non-employee compensation totaling $600 or more in a year.
  2. Form 1099-NEC: Recently reintroduced, this form is specifically for reporting non-employee compensation, separating it from the 1099-MISC to improve clarity and compliance with tax reporting requirements.
  3. Form W-4: The Employee's Withholding Certificate allows employees to indicate their tax situation to their employer, determining how much federal income tax to withhold from their wages. It’s relevant for individuals who are employed in a traditional setting, as opposed to being independent contractors.
  4. Form I-9: Employment Eligibility Verification is required by U.S. employers to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. This form is necessary for all workers, regardless of citizenship.
  5. Form W-2: The Wage and Tax Statement is issued by employers to report an employee’s annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck. It is crucial for employees to have for their annual tax return filing.

Together with the IRS W-9 form, these documents form a critical part of the financial and employment documentation landscape in the United States. Whether you are an employer, an independent contractor, or an employee, understanding these forms can help ensure compliance with tax laws and streamline financial processes. Remember, it is important to fill out these forms accurately to avoid potential issues with the IRS or other governmental agencies.

Similar forms

The IRS W-9 form, essential for accurately reporting tax information, closely resembles the W-4 form in several ways. Both are used to ensure the correct amount of taxes is withheld from individuals' income, but they serve different purposes. The W-4 form is primarily used by employers to determine the amount of federal income tax to withhold from employees' paychecks, based on their filing status, dependents, and other factors. In contrast, the W-9 is used to collect taxpayer identification numbers (TINs) from freelancers, independent contractors, and other non-employees. This similarity lies in their role in facilitating tax compliance and withholding, albeit for different types of income and employment statuses.

Similar to the IRS W-9 form, the W-8BEN form is another document crucial for tax reporting and withholding, primarily for non-U.S. residents. The W-8BEN form is used by foreign individuals to claim exemption from certain U.S. tax withholdings on income associated with U.S. operations, showcasing the global aspect of tax compliance. Though the W-9 is for U.S. persons (including citizens and entities) to provide their taxpayer identification numbers, both forms ensure proper reporting to the IRS and reduce tax evasion risks by identifying the payees' tax status.

The IRS 1099 form is closely related to the W-9 in its function and purpose. While the W-9 form collects information to identify taxpayers correctly, the 1099 form is used to report various types of income from non-employment related sources, like freelance earnings, interest, dividends, and distribution from retirement plans. The connection here is significant; businesses often require a W-9 from freelancers or contractors before they can issue a 1099, ensuring that they report payments accurately and the IRS receives pertinent tax information on all income sources.

The 1040 form, the U.S. individual income tax return, is indirectly connected to the information collected via the W-9 form. Individuals use the 1040 form to file their annual income tax returns, which includes reporting income paid to them based on information provided through forms like the W-9. Therefore, while the W-9 is used to collect taxpayer identification and certification upfront, ensuring that the payers have the correct information for tax reporting purposes, the 1040 is where the results of these transactions are ultimately reported by the taxpayer, summarizing their tax year's income and deductions.

Last but not least, the IRS SS-4 form, used to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), shares objectives with the W-9 in regards to establishing tax identity. Businesses use the SS-4 to obtain an EIN that enables them to operate and be identified by the IRS, similar to how freelancers and contractors provide their TIN through the W-9. Both forms are instrumental in aligning tax records within the IRS's systems, thereby facilitating accurate tax reporting and compliance across the board.

Dos and Don'ts

Filling out the IRS W-9 form is a crucial step for anyone who earns income outside traditional employment, such as independent contractors and freelancers. It's important to do it correctly to avoid any problems with the IRS. Here are five do's and don'ts to help guide you through the process.

Do's

  1. Double-check your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN). Ensuring these numbers are correct is critical for tax purposes.
  2. Use your legal name or the name of your business as it appears on your tax return. This helps the IRS match information to your tax account.
  3. Sign and date the form to confirm the accuracy of the information provided. An unsigned form is considered invalid.
  4. Keep a copy for your records. It's always a good practice to have your own backup of important tax documents.
  5. Provide the completed form to the requester, not to the IRS. The W-9 form is used to furnish your taxpayer information to entities that will pay you.

Don'ts

  • Don't leave fields blank. If a section does not apply to you, mark it as "N/A" instead of leaving it empty.
  • Don't use a false Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number. This is a serious offense that can lead to penalties or legal action.
  • Don't neglect to update your W-9 form if your name, business name, or tax number changes. Keeping information current is essential.
  • Don't email the form without encryption. Since the W-9 contains sensitive information, sending it in an unsecured manner can risk identity theft.
  • Don't hesitate to consult with a tax professional if you're unsure about any information on the form. It's better to get expert advice than make costly mistakes.

Misconceptions

The IRS W-9 form is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions that can impact how individuals and businesses handle their tax information. Let's clarify some of these common misunderstandings:

  • Only employees need to fill out a W-9. This is incorrect. In reality, the W-9 form is used by freelancers, independent contractors, and other non-employees to provide their taxpayer identification number (TIN) to the entity they are doing business with. This form helps businesses accurately report payments made to these individuals to the IRS.

  • W-9 forms are filed with the IRS. This is a common misconception. The W-9 form is not filed with the IRS but is given to the payer (the individual or business making the payment) to keep on file. It's used to collect the correct taxpayer information for reporting purposes, such as for issuing 1099 forms that are indeed filed with the IRS.

  • The information on a W-9 is only used for income tax purposes. While it's true the primary use of the W-9 form is for income reporting, the information is also used for backup withholding. If a person is subject to backup withholding, the payer needs to withhold income tax at a set rate directly from their payments. This requires accurate TIN information from the W-9 form.

  • Filling out a W-9 means you're an employee. This misconception can lead to misunderstandings about employment status. Completing a W-9 does not make someone an employee of the company they are providing services for; it merely means they are doing work that requires them to report their income for tax purposes. This distinction is important for both tax and employment law purposes.

  • All businesses must have a W-9 on file for every transaction. Not every transaction requires a W-9. Generally, the W-9 is needed when a business pays a freelancer, independent contractor, or another non-employee $600 or more in a year. It's not necessary for regular, everyday transactions with customers or between businesses for product purchases.

  • You only need to submit a W-9 once. The requirement to submit a W-9 can recur. If your information changes (such as your name, address, or TIN), or if the payer’s records are requested by the IRS for verification, you may be asked to fill out a new W-9. Consistent updates ensure that all information for tax reporting is accurate and up to date.

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the IRS W-9 form correctly is crucial for compliance with tax laws and ensuring accurate reporting of income and tax withholdings. Whether you're an individual contractor, a freelancer, or managing a business, understanding the key aspects of the W-9 form is essential. Here are six important takeaways to keep in mind:

  • The IRS W-9 form is used to gather information from individuals or entities that provide services as independent contractors, not employees. This is crucial for businesses that need to report payments made to these contractors through Form 1099-NEC.
  • Accuracy is paramount when filling out the W-9. This includes correct taxpayer identification numbers (TINs), which can be either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and the individual's or entity’s legal name. Discrepancies can lead to backup withholding and other potential issues.
  • The W-9 form requires the certification of the payee’s tax status. By signing the form, the individual or entity confirms their tax status, including whether they are subject to backup withholding and if they are a U.S. person (a citizen or other U.S. person, including a resident alien or domestic entity).
  • Privacy protection should be a priority. The information on a W-9 is sensitive, especially concerning SSNs and EINs. Entities receiving W-9 forms must safeguard this information to prevent identity theft or fraud.
  • Understanding the implications of being an "exempt payee" is important. Certain entities or individuals, like some corporations or taxpayers who are exempt from backup withholding, can check the exempt payee box on the W-9, influencing how transactions are reported and taxed.
  • Regularly updating the W-9 form is a good practice for both individual contractors and businesses. Changes in legal name, business entity type, or tax status should prompt a new W-9 to ensure that all information provided to clients or payers remains accurate and current.

By keeping these key points in mind, individuals and businesses can navigate the complexities of tax reporting requirements more efficiently, maintaining compliance and ensuring that all parties have the accurate information necessary for tax purposes.

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