What is a W-9 Tax Form Used For

Instructions

• 1

  Official Title
  
  This form is officially known as ‘Form W-9: Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification.’ It is extremely important for all those who have employees or freelances workers.
  
  The nature of work does not make any difference, as the employers have to submit the necessary reports to tax department.
• 2

  Form's Use
  
  The key use of this form is to gather necessary information from the employees, affiliates or freelance workers. Although the workers receive salaries from the employer, they are responsible for all their tax related matters. The W-9 form reaches the IRS, and it helps the department to keep track of the taxes that the independent workers actually owe.
• 3

  Information Required
  
  Filling the W-9 tax form is not a lengthy procedure. It is a one-page form, and requires very basic information. Alongside the one-page form, you will get another three pages that explains the uses and purpose of the form.
  
  Among the important information that needs to be entered is name, address, business name (if applicable) and a Social Security Number (SSN) or equivalent Employer Identification Number (EIN).
• 4

  Importance with Freelancers
  
  If an individual is doing a job, the employer may pay his/her tax by deducting some money from the salary. But the freelance workers are entirely responsible for their tax dues. That is where W-9 form comes in.
  
  This form is the only way through which the IRS keeps a record of the freelancers, who may face problems if he/she has not submitted this form to the tax department.
• 5

  Reported Income
  
  The employer is responsible for submitting the form to the department, if he/she is paying any money to the independent workers. The form includes the particular amount paid to the workers on yearly basis. The SSN or EIN on the form are used by the IRS to take an idea about the yearly income of the freelancer.