Fill out W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number) online
The W-9 form is used by businesses to request the taxpayer identification number (TIN) of freelancers, contractors, and other payees. If you do any freelance or contract work in the United States, you will be asked to fill out a W-9 before receiving payment.
How to fill out W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number)
Enter your name
Write your full legal name as shown on your tax return in line 1. If you have a business or trade name, enter it on line 2.
Select your tax classification
Check the appropriate box for your entity type: individual/sole proprietor, C corporation, S corporation, partnership, trust/estate, or LLC.
Enter your address
Fill in your street address, city, state, and ZIP code. This should match the address on your tax return.
Provide your TIN
Enter your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) in Part I.
Sign and date
Sign the certification in Part II to confirm the information is correct. Add the current date.
About W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number)
Who needs this form
Any freelancer, independent contractor, or self-employed individual working with US-based businesses. Companies use the information on this form to prepare 1099 forms for tax reporting.
Where to submit
Give the completed W-9 directly to the business or person who requested it. Do not send it to the IRS.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-16
- Check the latest official form instructions for the filing year that applies to you.
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the wrong TIN type (SSN vs EIN)
- Forgetting to sign and date the form
- Leaving the tax classification blank
- Writing a trade name when one is not needed
Frequently asked questions
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What is the difference between a W-9 and a W-4?
A W-9 is for independent contractors and freelancers to provide their TIN to a business. A W-4 is for employees to tell their employer how much tax to withhold from their paycheck.
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