Tips for Freelancers and Independent Contractors on Completing Form W-9

Tips for Freelancers and Independent Contractors on Completing Form W-9

Form W-9, or the Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, is a tax form businesses use to collect independent contractors’ taxpayer identification numbers (TIN). The IRS uses the TIN to track income and withholding information for independent contractors.

If you are a freelancer or independent contractor, you must complete a Form W-9 for any client that pays you $600 or more in a calendar year. The client will use the information on your Form W-9 to report your payments on Form 1099-MISC, an information return filed with the IRS. There are two versions of Form W-9: one for individuals and one for businesses. You can download a printable and fillable version of Form W-9 from the IRS website.

W-9 form printable and W-9 fillable forms are two versions of the same tax form businesses use to collect independent contractors’ taxpayer identification numbers (TIN). The IRS uses the TIN to track income and withholding information for independent contractors. W-9 form printable is a PDF form you can print out and fill in by hand. W-9 form fillable is an online form you can complete and submit electronically. Both versions of the W-9 form are acceptable, but the W-9 form fillable is often the more convenient option, as it can be completed and submitted quickly and easily.

2023 W9 Form
2023 W9 Form

W-9 form printable is a PDF form you can print out and fill in by hand. It is the traditional version of the form and is still widely used. The benefit of using the W-9 form printable is that you can complete it at your own pace without needing any special software. However, it can be time-consuming to fill out by hand, and there is a risk of making errors.

W-9 form fillable is an online form you can complete and submit electronically. It is the more modern form and is becoming increasingly popular. The benefit of using the W-9 form fillable is that it can be completed quickly and easily, and there is no risk of making errors. However, you will need access to a computer and an internet connection to use it.

Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two forms:

Feature W-9 form printable W-9 form fillable
Format PDF Online form
Requirements Computer with printer, pen and paper Computer with internet connection
Time to complete Can be time-consuming Quick and easy
Risk of errors Higher Lower
Convenience Lower Higher

 

Here are some tips for freelancers and independent contractors on completing Form W-9:

  1. Make sure you have the correct form. There are two versions of Form W-9: one for individuals and one for businesses. If you are an individual, you must use Form W-9 (Rev. 04-2022). If you are a business, you must use Form W-9 (SS-4) (Rev. 04-2022).
  2. Enter your correct TIN. Your TIN is your Social Security (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN). You can apply for one at the IRS website if you do not have an SSN or EIN.
  3. Read the instructions carefully. Form W-9 has several instructions you must follow to complete the form correctly. Ensure you read the instructions carefully before filling out the form.
  4. Sign and date the form. Form W-9 must be signed and dated by the person whose TIN is listed.
  5. Keep a copy of the form for your records. You should keep a copy of Form W-9 for your records in case you need it for future reference.

Here are some additional tips for freelancers and independent contractors on completing Form W-9:

  • Be sure to provide your correct name and address. The IRS will use the information you provide on Form W-9 to track your income and withholding information. Ensure you provide your correct name and address so the IRS can correctly match your Form 1099-MISC to your tax return.
  • Be aware of backup withholding. If you do not provide your correct TIN on Form W-9, the client may be required to withhold 24% of your payments. This is called “backup withholding.” You can avoid backup withholding by providing your correct TIN on Form W-9.
  • File your taxes on time. If you are a freelancer or independent contractor, you must file your taxes. Make sure you file your taxes on time and pay all of the taxes that you owe.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you complete Form W-9 correctly and avoid any problems with the IRS.