How to Fill Out Form W9: A Complete Guide for Taxpayers

TLDRLearn how to fill out Form W9, a request for taxpayer identification number and certification. This form is commonly used by sole proprietors, small business owners, independent contractors, and freelancers. It collects personal information and EIN number for tax purposes.

Key insights

💡Form W9 is used to collect personal information and EIN number from sole proprietors and independent contractors.

📝The form is one page long, with instructions on subsequent pages. It is a fillable PDF that can be saved on a computer.

📋Sole proprietors need to include their personal name or business name on the form. They should check the box for 'individual/sole proprietor.'

🏢If the business is a single-member LLC, the owner's personal name and social security number should be provided. Do not include the EIN.

📝Partnerships and corporations should enter the entity's EIN number on the form.

Q&A

Who needs to fill out Form W9?

—Sole proprietors, small business owners, independent contractors, and freelancers are commonly required to fill out Form W9.

Where can I find Form W9?

—Form W9 can be found on the IRS website or may be provided to you by the person or company requesting it.

Do I send Form W9 to the IRS?

—No, Form W9 should be given to the person or company requesting it. Do not send it to the IRS.

What is the purpose of Form W9?

—Form W9 is used to collect personal information and EIN number for tax reporting purposes.

What should I do if I have a business name?

—If you have a business name, include it on the form along with your personal name. This is necessary for sole proprietors and single-member LLCs.

Timestamped Summary

00:00In this video, Katie Sanouris explains how to fill out IRS Form W9.

00:20Form W9 is used by sole proprietors, small business owners, independent contractors, and freelancers.

01:28The form is one page long and can be found on the IRS website. It is a fillable PDF that can be saved on a computer.

01:59Sole proprietors need to include their personal name or business name on the form.

05:59If the business is a single-member LLC, the owner's personal name and social security number should be provided. Do not include the EIN.

06:39Partnerships and corporations should enter the entity's EIN number on the form.

07:23Form W9 should be given to the person or company requesting it. Do not send it to the IRS.

08:12For more information, refer to the detailed instructions provided with the form.

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