Use IRS Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification) to provide your correct
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)—usually your SSN or EIN—to a person or business that requests it for U.S. tax reporting.
You can fill out the W-9, sign, and download a completed PDF copy for your records.
Important: Give the completed W-9 to the requester. Do not send this form to the IRS.
When you may be asked to complete a W-9
- You are a contractor, freelancer, consultant, or service provider
- You are a landlord or payee receiving reportable payments
- You are a vendor or business providing goods/services to a company
- You are opening or updating payee information with a payer
What Form W-9 does
- Confirms your legal name (or business name) and federal tax classification
- Provides your correct SSN/EIN so the requester can prepare information returns (such as certain 1099 forms)
- Includes a certification that your information is correct (and backup withholding status, when applicable)
What you need to complete the form
- Your name as shown on your U.S. tax return
- Business name/DBA (if different)
- Your federal tax classification (individual/sole proprietor, C corp, S corp, partnership, trust/estate, or LLC classification)
- Your mailing address
- Your SSN or EIN (enter the correct one for your situation)
How to fill out IRS Form W-9
- Line 1: Enter your legal name (this should match the name tied to your SSN/EIN).
- Line 2: Enter your business name/disregarded entity name if applicable.
- Line 3: Select the correct federal tax classification (check only one). If you are an LLC, follow the instructions for LLC classification.
- Lines 5–6: Enter your mailing address, city, state, and ZIP code.
- Part I: Enter your SSN or EIN in the correct box.
- Part II: Review the certification statements, then sign and date.
- Download: Save and download the completed W-9 PDF, then provide it to the requester.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using a name that does not match the SSN/EIN you entered
- Entering the wrong TIN type (SSN vs EIN) or typing an incorrect number
- Selecting an incorrect tax classification
- Forgetting to sign and date before submitting to the requester
After you fill out and download the form, keep a copy for your records and send the completed W-9 to the requester using their preferred method.