W-9 Form

📄 Download the official IRS Form W-9 (PDF) — open it in your browser or save it before you begin.

🧾 What this form actually is
Form W-9 is a simple information form. You're just confirming your name and tax ID number so the person paying you can report that income correctly to the IRS later (usually on a 1099).

Think of it like saying: "Here's who I am, and here's my tax ID — please spell it right when you tell the IRS how much you paid me."

📬 This form does NOT go to the IRS.
You give it to the person or company that requested it — your client, bank, or whoever is paying you. They keep it on file. The IRS never sees your W-9 directly.

💡 It's not a tax return.
You're not paying or filing taxes here — you're just providing your information so the payer can do their reporting correctly.

✏️ How to fill it out
Use black ink or type it on your computer. Write clearly — if it looks messy, the requester may ask you to redo it.

📄 Print on regular white paper if submitting a paper copy.
Many companies now accept electronic submissions through secure portals.

🚫 Made a mistake? Just start fresh.
Don't cross things out or use correction fluid. It's faster to print a new copy than risk confusion or rejection.

🔒 About your information
You'll be asked for your Taxpayer Identification Number — that's usually your SSN (Social Security Number) for individuals or EIN (Employer Identification Number) for businesses. The requester is legally required to keep this information confidential and can face penalties for misusing it.

📅 When someone typically asks for a W-9:
→ You're a freelancer or contractor getting paid for work
→ You're renting property to someone
→ A bank or platform needs your info for interest, dividends, or other income
→ You opened a new account that requires tax reporting
→ You're a vendor or supplier providing services to a company

✅ Don't stress.
If you've never done this before — don't worry. Most people filling out a W-9 for the first time feel unsure. It's a simple form, and you can't mess it up badly if you follow along.