What Is IRS Form W-9?
- Used only by US Persons (Citizens, Residents) and US Entities.
- It does NOT send money to the IRS; it simply identifies you to the payer.
- Errors on this form lead to 24% Backup Withholding.
Form W-9 is an official IRS document used by businesses to request your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). If you are a freelancer, independent contractor, or business entity in the US, clients and platforms need this form to file information returns (like Form 1099-NEC) at the end of the year.
Why Did I Receive a Request for W-9?
You likely received a request because a person or entity (the "requester") expects to pay you $600 or more during the tax year. Platforms like Stripe, Amazon, and Upwork are legally required to collect this to stay compliant with IRS regulations.
The "Backup Withholding" Threat
If you fail to provide a correct W-9, or if the Name and Tax ID you provide do not match IRS records, the payer may be required to withhold 24% of your earnings and send it directly to the IRS. This is called "Backup Withholding."
Our service helps ensure your W-9 is accurate so you get paid the full amount you earned.