Government forms

Form W-9: Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

IRS form a freelancer, contractor or vendor gives to a business so it can report payments on Form 1099. It certifies your name, tax classification and SSN or EIN. You hand it to the payer, not to the IRS.

Rev. March 2024

Source: Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Use this template

Easy PDF filling and editing

Fill out forms in your browser without installing software
Files are processed on our own server and not shared with third parties
Instant export of the completed document in PDF format

Instructions for filling out Form W-9: Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

This template is used for official filing and documentation. Below are detailed instructions for completing, requirement details, and submission rules.

Who needs to fill out this document?

This form is designed for use by legal entities, individuals, or authorized representatives in the following cases:

Freelancers and independent contractors starting work with a new client.
Vendors and LLCs that a business must report payments to on Form 1099.
Businesses collecting taxpayer details from payees before the first payment.

What you will need before starting

Before filling out the interactive form, prepare the following details and documents:

1. Legal nameExactly as shown on your tax return; business name goes on line 2 if different.

2. Federal tax classificationIndividual/sole proprietor, C or S corporation, partnership, trust or LLC type.

3. SSN or EINYour Social Security number or Employer Identification Number.

4. Mailing addressWhere the payer should send your year-end Form 1099.

Step-by-step filling process

Enter name and business name: Line 1 is your legal name; line 2 is your DBA or disregarded-entity name, if any.
Check tax classification: Pick one box on line 3a. Flow-through entities with foreign partners also complete line 3b.
Add TIN in Part I: Enter either your SSN or your EIN, matching the name on line 1.
Sign and send to the payer: Sign Part II and give the form to the business that requested it. Do not mail it to the IRS.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I send Form W-9 to the IRS?

No. Give it only to the person or company that asked for it. They keep it on file and use it to prepare Form 1099.

Should I use my SSN or an EIN?

Sole proprietors can use either. If you have an EIN for your business, using it avoids sharing your SSN with clients.

What happens if I don't provide a W-9?

The payer may be required to apply backup withholding (currently 24%) to your payments.

Ready to fill out Form W-9: Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification?

Open the editor, enter the required details, and download your document in a couple of minutes.

Proceed to fill out →

Related templates