How to complete Form W-9: Request for Taxpayer Identification Number & Certification

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Overview of Form W-9

A W-9 is a tax form used by the IRS to collect information from U.S. contractors and loan-out companies. It serves several important purposes:

  • Collects your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) - either your Social Security Number (SSN) for individuals or Employer Identification Number (EIN) for loan-out companies

  • Verifies your tax classification - particularly important for loan-out companies, which must be either S Corporations or C Corporations when working with Wrapbook

  • Provides certification that:

The information you provide on your W-9 must exactly match your tax records to ensure accurate tax reporting.

Who needs to complete Form W-9

Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification) is required for all U.S. contractors and loan-out companies working through Wrapbook.

Why Form W-9 is important

Workers classified as loan outs must complete Form W-9 In order to use Wrapbook. If you don't fill out a W-9 when required:

  • You won’t be able to submit your timecards or receive payments

  • You may be subject to backup withholding, where the payer must withhold a percentage of your payments to ensure tax compliance

  • Your payments will be subject to mandatory 1099 reporting regardless of the amount

How to Fill Out Your Form W-9

Use the steps below to complete your Form W-9:

  1. Line 1: Name

    • For individuals/sole proprietors: Enter your name as shown on your tax return

    • For loan-out companies: Enter your business name as registered

  2. Line 2: Business Name (if different)

    • For individuals: Leave blank if not applicable

    • For loan-outs: This line is typically left blank as the business name is entered on Line 1

  3. Line 3: Federal Tax Classification

    • For loan-outs: Check either "S Corporation" or "C Corporation"

    • Note: Wrapbook only accepts S-Corps and C-Corps for loan-out companies

  4. Line 4: Exemptions Leave blank unless you qualify for exemption from backup withholding

  5. Lines 5 and 6: Address Enter your complete mailing address

  6. Line 7: Account Numbers Optional - you may leave this blank

  7. Part I: Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

    • For individuals: Enter your Social Security Number (SSN)

    • For loan-outs: Enter your Employer Identification Number (EIN)

  8. Part II: Certification Sign and date the form to certify that:

    • The TIN you provided is correct

    • You are not subject to backup withholding

    • You are a U.S. person

Important Notes

  • All information must match your tax records exactly

  • The form must be signed and dated to be valid

Backup Withholding

Backup withholding is a tax requirement where a payer must withhold a percentage of payments to ensure tax compliance.

  • When backup withholding applies, 1099s must be issued regardless of the payment amount

  • For loan-out companies, this means:

    • Wrapbook becomes the payer of record

    • 1099s are issued with Wrapbook's tax ID (FEIN) instead of the client's

Backup withholding may be required in certain situations, such as:

  • If you provided an incorrect TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number)

  • If you have previously underreported interest or dividend income

  • If you have failed to report interest, dividend, or patronage dividend income to the IRS

  • If you failed to certify that you're not subject to backup withholding

When you sign the W-9, you are certifying that you are not subject to backup withholding. If circumstances change and you become subject to backup withholding, you must notify the payer.