Fill W-9 – Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
Latest revision: Rev. March 2024
Used to provide your correct TIN to a person or business that must report certain payments to the IRS.
Agency: IRS · Category: tax
For your safety and privacy, everything you enter stays on your device. Nothing is sent to any server.
Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
For your safety and privacy, everything you enter stays on your device. Nothing is sent to any server.
Who this page is for
This page helps independent contractors, freelancers, individuals, and small businesses fill the official IRS Form W-9 online and download a completed PDF to give to a requester. It is designed for people who have been asked to provide their taxpayer identification number for information reporting, but who want a simple browser-based way to fill the W-9 without creating an account.
What is Form W-9?
Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, is an IRS form used to provide your correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) to a person or business that must report certain types of payments to the Internal Revenue Service. This includes nonemployee compensation, interest, dividends, brokerage transactions, and certain real estate transactions. The form also contains certifications related to backup withholding and FATCA reporting.
Used to provide your correct TIN to a person or business that must report certain payments to the IRS.
In many cases, individuals provide a Social Security Number (SSN), while businesses, trusts, and other entities that have their own Employer Identification Number (EIN) use that instead. Form W-9 is not used by regular employees who receive a Form W-2 from an employer—those situations typically involve completing Form W-4 rather than a W-9.
On this page you fill the official IRS Form W-9 (Rev. March 2024) in a browser-friendly way and then download the completed PDF to sign and return to the requester who asked for it.
Example situations where someone may request a W-9
People and businesses request Form W-9 in many everyday situations related to IRS information reporting. Examples include:
- Independent contractor or freelancer: a client who pays you for services may need your taxpayer identification number so they can issue Form 1099-NEC at the end of the year.
- Bank or brokerage account: a financial institution may request a W-9 when interest, dividends, or other taxable income may be reported to the IRS using forms like 1099-INT or 1099-DIV.
- Real estate transactions: settlement agents sometimes ask for a W-9 to identify the seller or payee on certain transaction-related IRS forms.
- Online platforms: some gig-economy or creator platforms request a W-9 during onboarding so they can prepare accurate 1099 statements for earnings you receive.
These examples are illustrative and based on general IRS reporting rules. They do not replace the official instructions for Form W-9 or the guidance you receive from the person or business requesting your information.
How to fill Form W-9
The on-page helper text next to each field walks you through the details. The summary below shows how the main lines of Form W-9 map to the questions above, so you can quickly review each section before you download your filled W-9 PDF. This structure can also help you follow along with the official IRS instructions while you complete the form.
Identification
1. Name of entity/individual (as shown on your income tax return)
Enter the name that appears on your income tax return. For a sole proprietor or disregarded entity, this is the owner’s name.
2. Business name/disregarded entity name (if different from line 1)
If you have a separate business or disregarded entity name, enter it here. Otherwise, you can leave this blank.
3. Federal tax classification
3a. Check the appropriate box for federal tax classification (choose the option that best describes you)
Pick the option that matches how you file taxes. If you choose LLC or Other, we’ll ask you to type a short description below.
3a. If you checked LLC, enter its tax classification (C = C corporation, S = S corporation, P = Partnership)
Example: enter “C” if your LLC is taxed as a C corporation.
3a. If you chose “Other”, briefly describe your entity type
Only fill this in if you selected “Other type of entity” above.
3b. If on line 3a you checked “Partnership” or “Trust/estate,” or checked “LLC” and entered “P” as its tax classification and you are providing this form to a partnership, trust, or estate in which you have an ownership interest, check this box if you have any foreign partners, owners, or beneficiaries.
This box only applies in more complex situations. If you are not sure, you can usually leave it unchecked and ask the requester or a tax professional.
4. Exemptions (for certain entities only)
4. Exempt payee code (if any)
Most individuals and small businesses leave this box blank. Only certain entities (for example, tax-exempt organizations, some corporations, government agencies, and certain financial institutions) use an exempt payee code from the official W-9 instructions. If you are not sure you qualify as an exempt payee, leave this box empty or ask the requester or a tax professional. You can see the full list of exempt payee codes in the official IRS instructions for Form W-9.
4. Exemption from FATCA reporting code (if any)
This box is mainly for accounts maintained outside the United States. Only certain entities use a FATCA exemption code (A–M) listed in the official W-9 instructions. If you are providing this W-9 for a U.S. account and the requester did not specifically ask you for a FATCA code, you can usually leave this blank. When in doubt, ask the requester or a tax professional and refer to the official IRS instructions for Form W-9.
Address
5. Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.)
Enter the address where you want to receive tax-related mail for this form.
6. City, state, and ZIP code
Use standard USPS abbreviations for state (for example, CA, NY, TX).
Additional optional information (area below lines 5–6)
Requester’s name and address (optional)
If the requester asks you to write their name and address on the form, enter exactly what they tell you here. Otherwise you can leave this blank.
7. List account number(s) here (optional)
If the requester wants this W-9 tied to specific accounts (for example, bank or brokerage accounts), list those account numbers here. Otherwise you can leave it blank.
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Social security number (SSN)
If you are an individual, enter your SSN here. We will split it into the three boxes on the form (line “Social security number”).
Employer identification number (EIN)
If you are a business entity and use an EIN, enter it here. We will split it into the two boxes on the form (line “Employer identification number”).
After reviewing your entries, download the filled PDF, add any required signatures, and return it only to the person or business that requested it, using the delivery method they specify.
Common mistakes on Form W-9
- Leaving Line 1 (Name) blank or entering a business name when the IRS expects the individual's legal name from their tax return.
- Checking more than one box on Line 3 or selecting "Limited liability company" without entering the classification letter (C, S, or P) in the LLC box.
- Entering a business name on Line 1 when you are a sole proprietor who files taxes under your own individual name.
- Mixing up the SSN and EIN, or entering correct digits in the wrong boxes, which can lead to mismatches with IRS records.
- Forgetting to update Lines 5–6 (Address) after you move, which may cause year-end tax forms to be mailed to the wrong address.
- Ignoring backup withholding instructions or failing to check the relevant box if the IRS has notified you that you are subject to backup withholding.
- Using an outdated revision instead of the current version (for example, not updating when the IRS releases a new "Rev." date at the top of the form).
- Sending the W-9 directly to the IRS instead of to the requester who asked for it. The requester generally keeps the form on file for their own reporting.
- Emailing a completed W-9 without confirming that the recipient has a reasonably secure method for receiving and storing forms that contain sensitive information.
When Form W-9 is usually not used
Form W-9 is frequently requested, but several situations use different IRS forms instead:
- Employees: regular employees who receive a Form W-2 from their employer typically complete Form W-4, not a W-9.
- Non-U.S. persons: individuals who are non-resident aliens for tax purposes usually provide Form W-8BEN or another W-8 variant instead of a W-9.
- Purely personal payments: payments made by individuals for personal, non-business reasons generally do not require a W-9 or generate 1099 forms.
- Private individuals: private individuals making non-business payments usually do not request a W-9 or file 1099 forms for those personal transactions.
These are broad IRS distinctions. This information is not legal or tax advice, and the requester should tell you which form they expect you to complete.
Where to find the official IRS instructions for Form W-9
The Internal Revenue Service publishes the official instructions for Form W-9 on IRS.gov along with the latest revision of the form. Those instructions explain how each line and checkbox works, how backup withholding rules apply, and when different taxpayer classifications should be used. You can read them on the official IRS Form W-9 page. This page is only a helper for filling the PDF and does not replace the IRS instructions or any guidance from the requester or a tax professional.
You can also search for "Form W-9 instructions" on the IRS website to verify that you are looking at the most recent information directly from the source before or after you complete your form here.
Where to get a blank or replacement Form W-9
If you need a blank Form W-9, you can download the current blank IRS Form W-9 PDF directly from the Internal Revenue Service. This page helps you fill that official IRS PDF in your browser so it is ready for printing, signing, and returning to the requester. Requesters may also provide their own copies or links to the IRS form as part of their onboarding process.
If a W-9 you already sent has outdated information, you can create a new one and mark it clearly as a corrected or updated version according to the requester's instructions. Keeping a saved copy of your completed W-9 can sometimes make it easier to respond quickly when future requesters ask you for the same information, as long as the details have not changed.
Glossary of key terms on Form W-9
- Taxpayer identification number (TIN)
- A taxpayer identification number is the number the IRS uses to track your tax records. For individuals, this is usually a Social Security Number. For many businesses and entities, it is an Employer Identification Number issued by the IRS.
- Backup withholding
- Backup withholding is a type of withholding that may apply when the IRS has notified a payer that a payee's TIN is incorrect or when the payee has not provided a required TIN. If backup withholding applies, the payer must withhold a specified percentage of certain payments and send it to the IRS.
- Disregarded entity
- A disregarded entity is a business entity that is separate from its owner for legal purposes but is not treated as separate from its owner for federal income tax purposes. The IRS instructions for Form W-9 explain how disregarded entities should complete the name and TIN fields.
- FATCA
- FATCA, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, involves additional reporting and withholding rules for certain foreign financial accounts and entities. Form W-9 includes a FATCA exemption code box in some situations; the instructions explain when it is used.
Security best practices when sharing a completed W-9
Because Form W-9 contains sensitive information, requesters may accept it electronically but it is helpful to consider basic security practices. A W-9 shows your name, address, and taxpayer identification number, so it should be handled with the same care as other documents that contain personal or business identifiers.
- Check whether the requester offers a secure upload portal, encrypted transfer method, or dedicated onboarding tool for W-9 submission.
- Avoid plain-text email for sensitive documents when a more secure option, such as a portal or encrypted link, is available.
- Consider printing and hand-delivering or mailing the form if you prefer not to send it electronically at all.
- Confirm that the W-9 request is legitimate and comes from a person or organization you actually do business with before sending any personal information.
These are general security considerations. Always follow the specific instructions given by the person or business requesting your W-9.
Common questions people also ask about Form W-9
- Why does a company ask me for a W-9? Many companies request IRS Form W-9 so they can report payments to you correctly using 1099 forms. The form helps them match your name and taxpayer identification number when filing with the IRS.
- Does a W-9 mean I am an independent contractor? Not necessarily. Requesting a W-9 is a common step when treating someone as a nonemployee for tax reporting, but worker classification depends on IRS rules and the facts of the relationship, not only on the form used.
- Can I reuse the same W-9 for multiple clients? You may provide the same information to multiple requesters as long as it is still accurate, but each requester typically keeps its own copy. If your details change, you would provide updated W-9 forms so each requester can update their IRS reporting.
FAQ about Form W-9
What is Form W-9 used for?
It is used to provide your correct taxpayer identification number, such as an SSN or EIN, to a requester who must report certain payments to the IRS. The requester uses this information to prepare information returns like Form 1099, which they file with the Internal Revenue Service. The W-9 itself does not calculate tax and is not filed with the IRS by you as a standalone return.
Who usually asks me to fill out a W-9?
Businesses, clients, financial institutions, brokers, settlement agents, and online platforms frequently request W-9 forms when they need your taxpayer identification number to prepare an information return. They rely on the IRS Form W-9 to keep their records accurate and to avoid backup withholding when possible. You might see W-9 requests when you start working with a new client, open certain accounts, or receive certain types of payments.
Do I send my completed W-9 to the IRS?
No. You usually return it only to the person or business that requested it and do not send it to the IRS yourself. They keep it on file and use your information when preparing IRS forms such as Form 1099. The IRS receives the 1099 forms and other information returns, not the W-9 itself.
Can I sign Form W-9 electronically?
Many organizations accept electronically signed W-9s, but their policies vary and they may use different tools or portals. This page fills the official IRS form for you and leaves the signature area blank so you can print and sign or use an e-signature solution that your requester accepts. If you are unsure, you can ask the requester which type of signature they allow for W-9 submissions.
Does this site store my SSN or EIN?
No. The W-9 helper runs entirely in your browser. Your entries are used to generate a filled PDF on your device and are not stored on our servers or kept in a database. This design helps reduce the exposure of sensitive information while still letting you fill IRS Form W-9 quickly.
How do I know if this is the latest version?
The revision date is shown near the top of the form, for example "Rev. March 2024". This page is designed to use the current IRS revision of Form W-9 and updates the underlying blank PDF when needed. You can compare the revision date on your downloaded form with the version listed on IRS.gov if you want to double-check.
How often do I need to provide a new W-9?
You generally provide an updated W-9 when your name, business name, address, taxpayer identification number, or taxpayer classification changes. A requester may also ask you for a new W-9 when you start working with them or when their records are incomplete. The IRS instructions explain that accurate, up-to-date information can help avoid backup withholding and reporting issues.
What happens if I make a mistake on my W-9?
If you discover an error after sending a W-9, contact the requester and provide a corrected version as soon as possible so their IRS filings match your information. The requester uses your W-9 to complete information returns like Form 1099, and corrections can help reduce mismatches with IRS records. The process is generally informal, but it is important that the requester knows which version is correct for future reporting.
What if I do not return a W-9 when requested?
If you do not return a W-9, the payer may be required to withhold a higher percentage of your payments as backup withholding under IRS rules. They may also be unable to issue accurate 1099 forms with your taxpayer identification number. The IRS instructions note that providing a valid W-9 can help avoid unnecessary withholding and reporting problems, but specific decisions are up to the payer and IRS guidance.
Is Form W-9 the same as a 1099 form?
No. A W-9 collects your information, such as your name, address, and taxpayer identification number. A 1099 reports how much you were paid and is filed with the IRS by the payer. You give IRS Form W-9 to the requester; they use it when issuing the appropriate 1099 forms at year-end.
Should I use my SSN or EIN on a W-9?
Individuals usually provide a Social Security Number when they are reporting income under their own name. Separate business entities, such as corporations or partnerships, generally provide an Employer Identification Number instead. If you are a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, the IRS instructions explain how to decide whether to use your SSN or an EIN you obtained for the business, and you can also ask the requester what they expect to see.
Does filling out a W-9 mean I owe tax?
No. Filling out a W-9 does not, by itself, create a tax bill or determine how much tax you owe. It simply provides information that payers use to report payments to the IRS on information returns. Any tax you owe based on those payments is calculated later when you file your federal and, if applicable, state tax returns for the year.
Can I email my completed W-9?
Some requesters accept emailed W-9s, but consider whether the method is reasonably secure given that the form contains sensitive identification information. Many businesses now provide secure upload portals or onboarding links instead of relying on regular email. In all cases, it is best to follow the delivery method that the requester specifies in their instructions.
Important disclaimer
This site is not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency. It provides a private tool that helps you fill the official IRS PDF in your browser. The information on this page is general and does not replace the official IRS instructions or professional advice. Always review your completed form and follow the requester's instructions and any applicable IRS guidance.