You’ve probably heard of (and perhaps seen) the W-9 tax form. But do you know what it’s purpose is? Here is what you need to know about the W-9 and how you can make sure you’re complying with tax law.
The Purpose of the W-9 Tax Form
This is an important form that is used by employers to give to freelance works or independent contractors for submission to the IRS. Freelance workers, company affiliates, and independent contractors all make money from the employer before that money is taxed. Therefore, it is the responsibility the freelancers to report their income to the IRS and send appropriate taxes owed.
The W-9 tax form is submitted by the employer to the IRS so that the IRS can determine if independent contractors are reporting their full income.
Information Required on the W-9 Tax Form
When filling out a W-9, you’ll need:
- Your name as shown on your income tax return.
- Your business name if different from your name.
- Your federal tax classification (whether you are a sole proprietor, corporation, etc.)
- Your address.
- Your requestor’s (employer’s) name and address – but this can be filled out by the requestor.
- Your TIN or Taxpayer Identification Number (your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number)
This is one of the shortest tax forms produced – just one page long with information to fill out! There are about three pages of information on how to fill out the form.
Download The W-9 Tax Form
You can download the W-9 Tax Form here.
You can download other IRS forms and publications here.
The IRS is always changing so leave a comment if these links aren’t working for you. Thanks!
Do you have a question about the W-9 tax form and how it works? Leave your question below and we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction.
Very odd to see a post about this as I have recently been trying to figure out what I need to do to properly have my affiliate and adsense income organized. Thanks for putting a link for W9′s on here… perfect timing!
Glad it was helpful Jeremiah!