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How to Complete IRS Form W‑9
Less Taxing. More Relaxing.
Get paid on time and without headaches—our complete W‑9 guide walks you through every field, so you supply the right information the first time.
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
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Legal Name  – As shown on your tax return.
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Business Name/DBA  – Only if different from your legal name.
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Federal Tax Classification  – Individual/Sole Proprietor, C Corporation, S Corporation, Partnership, Trust/estate, LLC type, etc.
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Address  – Street address, city, state, and ZIP code where you want to receive IRS correspondence.
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Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)  – Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN).
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Backup Withholding Status  – Whether you’re subject to backup withholding.
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Signature & Date  – You must sign and date the form before sending.
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1. Download the Form
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Click HERE to download the PDF.
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Open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader or any PDF viewer that supports form filling.
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2. Enter Your Name & Business Name
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Line 1 – Name: Your legal name (individual or business).
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Line 2 – Business Name/DBA: Only if you operate under a different trade name.
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3. Select Your Federal Tax Classification
Check one box only:
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Individual/Sole Proprietor
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C Corporation
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S Corporation
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Partnership
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Trust/Estate
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LLC (and enter the appropriate code: C, S, or P)
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4. Provide Your Address
Line 3–5:
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Street address (number, street, and apt. no.)
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City, state, and ZIP code
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Optional: requester’s name and address (only if needed by the payer)
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5. Fill in Your TIN
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Part I – Taxpayer Identification Number:
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SSN: For individuals
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EIN: For businesses
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Use only one number. Do not enter both.
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6. Claim Backup Withholding Exemption (If Applicable)
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Part II – Exemptions:
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Enter your code if you’re exempt from backup withholding.
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Most individuals leave this blank.
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7. Sign & Date
Part III – Certification:
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Read the certification language carefully.
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Sign on the signature line.
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Date the form with today’s date.
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8. Submit to the Requester
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Don’t send the W‑9 to the IRS.
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Return it to the person or company who asked for it—via secure email, portal upload, or physical mail.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who needs a W‑9?
Anyone who will pay you income that is reportable to the IRS—independent contractors, freelancers, landlords, etc.
Q: How often should I update my W‑9?
Provide a new W‑9 if your name, business name, address, or TIN changes, or if you become subject to backup withholding.
Q: Can I email a W‑9?
Yes—just ensure you use a secure method (encrypted email or secure portal) to protect your TIN.
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Need More Help?
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If you hit a snag, shoot us an email at info@kb2bookkeeping.com or call 512-843-2320. Whether you need a little guidance or a full-service filing, we’ve got you covered.
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KB2 Bookkeeping & Tax
“We Take the ‘Ugh’ Out of Accounting”
