IRS Form W-9
Give a business your name and taxpayer ID so they can report what they pay you.
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About IRS Form W-9
Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, is how a US person gives their correct name and taxpayer ID to a business that pays them. The business keeps the W-9 on file and uses it to prepare information returns such as a 1099. You do not send a W-9 to the IRS yourself.
This page is a general guide and a fillable helper, not tax advice. Always download and file the current official form from the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-9 and confirm the fields match before you sign.
Who needs to complete it
- Independent contractors, freelancers, and vendors who a business asks for a W-9 before paying them.
- People or entities receiving interest, dividends, rent, royalties, or other reportable payments.
- Anyone asked to certify their taxpayer ID to avoid backup withholding.
- US persons, which includes citizens, resident aliens, and US business entities.
How to fill out IRS Form W-9
- 1Enter your name as shown on your income tax return on the first line.
- 2If you have a business or disregarded entity name that is different, enter it on the business name line.
- 3Check the one box that matches your federal tax classification, such as individual or sole proprietor, C corporation, S corporation, partnership, or LLC.
- 4Complete the exemptions area only if it applies to you; most individuals leave it blank.
- 5Enter your address, city, state, and ZIP so the requester can mail your information return.
- 6In Part I, enter your Social Security number, or your employer identification number if you are a business.
- 7In Part II, sign and date to certify the information is correct and that you are not subject to backup withholding unless the form tells you otherwise.
- 8Give the completed form to the person or business that asked for it, not to the IRS.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I send my W-9 to the IRS?
No. You give the completed W-9 to the person or business that requested it. They keep it on file and use it to prepare information returns. This is a general guide, not tax advice, and you should download and file the current official form from the IRS.
Which taxpayer ID do I use?
Most individuals use their Social Security number. A business or someone with an employer identification number can use the EIN. Enter only the one that matches how you file.
What is backup withholding?
It is a set rate the payer must hold back from your payments in certain cases, such as a missing or incorrect taxpayer ID. Giving a correct, signed W-9 usually prevents it. Check the current IRS instructions for details.
Is this the official IRS form?
This is a fillable helper to make completion easier. Always download and file the current official form from the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-9 and confirm the fields match.