The W-9 form is a fundamental tax document required by U.S. residents and businesses. It’s primarily used to provide your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to entities that pay you income, ensuring accurate tax reporting and compliance with IRS regulations. Whether you’re an independent contractor, freelancer, or a business owner, understanding how to correctly complete and use the W-9 form is essential.

What Is a W-9 Form?

A W-9 form, officially called the “Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification,” is used to provide a valid TIN (e.g., Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number) to the entity paying you. It ensures that your income is reported to the IRS accurately, and it avoids potential delays or issues with tax filings.

Unlike other tax forms, the W-9 is not submitted to the IRS. Instead, it is retained by the entity requesting the form, such as a client or financial institution, to prepare information returns like the 1099-NEC (Nonemployee Compensation) or 1099-MISC (Miscellaneous Income).

Who Needs a W-9 Form?

The following groups typically need to complete a W-9:

Independent Contractors or Freelancers: If you’re providing services as a self-employed individual, you’ll be asked to complete a W-9 to report your earnings.

U.S.-Based Businesses: Companies earning income reported on a 1099 form must submit a W-9 to their clients.

Sole Proprietors or LLCs: Small business owners often provide a W-9 when working with larger companies.

Rental Property Owners: If you earn rental income, your tenants may need your W-9 to report payments.

Steps to Complete a W-9 Form

1. Provide Your Personal or Business Information:

• Enter your Full Legal Name. If you operate under a business name, include it in the second line.

• Indicate your Federal Tax Classification (e.g., individual/sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation).

• Provide your Address where tax documents can be sent.

2. Enter Your TIN:

• If you’re an individual, enter your Social Security Number (SSN).

• If you’re a business or entity, use your Employer Identification Number (EIN).

3. Certify the Information:

• Sign and date the form to confirm that:

• The TIN provided is correct.

• You’re not subject to backup withholding.

• You’re a U.S. taxpayer or resident alien.

4. Submit the W-9 to the Requesting Entity:

• Hand the completed form to your client, employer, or payer.

• Keep a copy for your records in case of discrepancies.

5. Update as Needed:

• If your information changes (e.g., business name or tax classification), complete a new W-9 and provide it to the requester.

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Inter&Co (NASDAQ: INTR) is the pioneer financial super app serving over 36 million consumers across the Americas. The Inter&Co ecosystem offers a broad array of services, including banking, investments, mortgages, credit, gift cards, and cross-border tools. The super app also boasts a dynamic marketplace, linking consumers with shopping discounts, cashback rewards, and exclusive access to marquee events across the globe. The company is expanding rapidly in the United States, as evidenced by its naming rights sponsorship of the Inter&Co Stadium that hosts soccer teams “Orlando City” and “Orlando Pride”. Focused on innovation and captivating member experiences, Inter&Co delivers comprehensive financial and lifestyle solutions to meet the evolving needs of modern consumers.

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INTER & CO PAYMENTS, INC., doing business as inter&co (“Inter&Co”), is a financial technology company, a registered money services business (MSB) and a licensed money transmitter, not a bank (NMLS ID #907330). Massachusetts Foreign Transmittal Agency (License #FT114374-100). Rhode Island Currency Transmitter (License # 20203960CT). Click here to access our NMLS licenses.

Banking services are provided by Community Federal Savings Bank (“CFSB”), Member FDIC and deposits are held by CFSB and Wells Fargo Bank, Members FDIC. Inter&Co is not a depository institution, and your deposits are not eligible for FDIC insurance.
For more information regarding your Inter&Co Account, view the Inter&Co Account Agreement at https://us.inter.co/compliance?interandco-account-agreement

To provide you with the Inter&Co Account, we share your information with CFSB. View the CFSB Privacy Notice at https://www.cfsb.com/privacy/ for details.

Mortgage services are provided by Inter US Finance, LLC (NMLS ID #1161874), an affiliate of Inter & Co Payments, Inc.

Securities brokerage services are provided by Inter&Co Securities LLC, Member FINRA/ SIPC , an affiliate of Inter & Co Payments, Inc. and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Inter&Co US Holding. View important information and disclosures here .

The Inter Mastercard® International Debit Card (“Global Card”) is issued by the international branch of Banco Inter S.A. in the Cayman Islands, authorized to operate as a category “B” banking institution by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority – CIMA (“Cayman Branch”), linked to a US dollar checking account in the Cayman Islands maintained by the Cayman Branch (“Cayman Account”). For more information about the Cayman Account and the Global Card offered by the Cayman Branch, see the Cayman Account and Global Card Agreement, available at Cayman Account and Global Card Agreement. .

The Cayman Account and Global Card are offered by the international branch of Banco Inter S.A. in the Cayman Islands, an affiliate of Inter&Co, and are not features of the Global Account nor are they offered by Inter&Co Payments. The Cayman Account and Global Card are not available for U.S. customers.

To offer you the Cayman Account and the Global Card, we share information with the Cayman Branch. Personal data will be subject to the Data Protection Act of the Cayman Islands, as well as the General Data Protection Law. To learn more about how we protect your personal data, see our Privacy Policy, available at https://inter.co/politica-de-privacidade/ .

If you have any questions or concerns regarding any transaction, please write to us at 501 Brickell Key Drive, Suite 202, Miami, FL 33131, or by email at help@inter.co or by calling us at 1-888-305-7264.

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