Form W-9 is a crucial part of the U.S. tax system, yet many people are unsure about its purpose, when it's needed, and how to correctly fill it out.
In this blog, we’ll discuss everything about Form W-9 to provide you with a clear understanding of its function and how it should be filled.
What is Form W-9?
Form W-9, officially known as the "Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification," is a document used to gather or confirm taxpayer information from individuals and entities in the United States.
It is primarily utilized by businesses to obtain the taxpayer identification number (TIN) of individuals, sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs, corporations, and other entities that are not subject to backup withholding.
By obtaining the correct TIN from the payee, businesses can fulfill their reporting obligations and ensure that the recipient's earnings or losses are appropriately documented on their federal tax return, ultimately affecting their taxable income. This information exchange helps maintain transparency and compliance within the tax system.
Purpose of Form W-9
The main purpose of Form W-9 is to provide accurate information to entities that will report certain types of income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This form is essential for:
Gathering Taxpayer Information
Form W-9 is used to collect essential taxpayer information from individuals and entities, such as their legal name, taxpayer identification number (TIN), and address. The TIN can be either a Social Security Number (SSN) for individuals or an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for businesses.
Reporting Payments to the IRS
Businesses and other entities use the information provided on Form W-9 to report certain types of payments made to individuals and entities during the tax year to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These payments include payments made to independent contractors, freelancers, vendors, and other non-employee service providers.
Preparing and Issuing 1099 Forms
The information obtained from Form W-9 is crucial for preparing and issuing Form 1099-MISC (or other 1099 variants, such as 1099-NEC) to recipients who received $600 or more in payments during the tax year. The recipient of the 1099 form will use it to report their income on their federal tax return.
Backup Withholding
Form W-9 also plays a role in backup withholding. If the payee fails to provide a valid TIN on Form W-9 or if the IRS notifies the payer that the TIN provided is incorrect, the payer may be required to withhold a percentage of future payments as backup withholding. The withheld amount is then remitted to the IRS.
Filling up Form W-9
Filling out Form W-9 is a simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you complete the form accurately:
Obtain the W-9 Form: You can get the form from the IRS website by clicking here.
Enter Your Name: Write your full legal name on the first line of the form. Make sure it matches the name on your tax returns.
Business Name (if applicable): If you operate under a business name or a disregarded entity name (for certain entities), enter it on the second line. If not applicable, leave this line blank.
Federal Tax Classification: Check only one box that best describes your tax classification. The options include:
Individual/Sole proprietor
C Corporation
S Corporation
Partnership
Trust/Estate
Limited Liability Company (LLC) treated as a disregarded entity
Other (specify if none of the above apply)
Exemption Codes (if applicable): If you are exempt from backup withholding or subject to reduced withholding, enter the appropriate exemption codes on the form.
Address: Provide your business address, including the street address, apartment or suite number, city, state, and ZIP code.
Account Numbers (if applicable): If you have account numbers with the requester that will be used for reportable payments, include them in the designated box.
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): Enter your TIN in Part I. For most individuals, this is their Social Security Number (SSN). For business entities, it is typically an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Certification: Review the completed form for accuracy, then sign and date it in Part II to certify that the information provided is correct.
Submit the Form: Return the filled-out Form W-9 to the requester who needs your taxpayer information. They will retain it for their records and use it for tax reporting purposes.
Consequence of Non-Compliance with Form W-9
Individuals and businesses must understand the potential consequences of non-compliance with Form W-9 requirements. Failure to provide a completed Form W-9 to the requester can lead to significant implications.
Let's discuss some of the consequences:
Withholding Taxes: If you fail to provide a completed Form W-9 to the requester, the payor may be legally obligated to begin backup withholding on future payments made to you. Backup withholding is the process of withholding a percentage of payments and remitting it to the IRS. As of 2022, the backup withholding rate is 24% of the payment.
Penalties for Incorrect TIN Information: If you provide incorrect or incomplete TIN information to the requester and cannot provide reasonable errors for the oversight, you may be subject to a penalty of $50 for each failure. This penalty can add up for multiple incorrect or missing TINs.
Penalties for False Statements: Intentionally making false statements on Form W-9 without a reasonable basis, leading to no backup withholding, can lead to a penalty of $500 per false statement.
Criminal and Civil Penalties: Willfully falsifying certifications or affirmations on Form W-9 can have severe consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
Misuse of W-9 Information: Safeguarding the confidentiality of W-9 information is crucial. Unauthorized disclosure or misuse of another party's W-9 information, in violation of federal law, can result in civil and/or criminal penalties.
How Can Kryptos Help You Report Crypto Taxes?
Reporting your cryptocurrency for taxes can be complex. You need to keep track of all your transactions for different crypto assets. These include their purchase prices and fair market values at the time of disposal, any fees or transactions, tax rates, and much more.
Any error in the calculations can lead to overtaxes or missing out on opportunities to claim deductions. To help you out, Kryptos can automatically do all of this for you in just a few minutes.
All you have to do is upload your wallet address and the platform auto-syncs all your transaction data and figures out your taxable transactions and possible deductions. Once done, you can also generate pre-filled tax forms as defined by the IRS right from the app.
To start calculating your crypto taxes, Sign Up Now for free.
FAQs
1. What is Form W-9 used for?
Form W-9 is used to provide taxpayer identification information to businesses and other entities that need to report certain types of payments to the IRS.
2. Who needs to fill out Form W-9?
Individuals, freelancers, independent contractors, and business entities who receive payments of $600 or more from a business or entity need to fill out Form W-9.
3. What is the difference between Form W-9 and Form W-4?
Form W-9 is used to provide taxpayer information to the payer, while Form W-4 is used by employees to inform their employers about the amount of tax to withhold from their paychecks.
4. What happens if I don't fill out Form W-9?
If you fail to provide a completed Form W-9 to the payer when required, they may be required to withhold a portion of your payments as backup withholding.
5. Do I need to submit Form W-9 to my employer?
No, Form W-9 is typically not required for employees. Employers use Form W-4 to determine the withholding amount from an employee's paycheck.
6. Can I provide a TIN other than an SSN or EIN on Form W-9?
Yes, you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN) if applicable.
All content on Kryptos serves general informational purposes only. It's not intended to replace any professional advice from licensed accountants, attorneys, or certified financial and tax professionals. The information is completed to the best of our knowledge and we at Kryptos do not claim either correctness or accuracy of the same. Before taking any tax position / stance, you should always consider seeking independent legal, financial, taxation or other advice from the professionals. Kryptos is not liable for any loss caused from the use of, or by placing reliance on, the information on this website. Kryptos disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of any positions taken by you in your tax returns. Thank you for being part of our community, and we're excited to continue guiding you on your crypto journey!
Country
Issue
Kryptos Use Case
India
Cryptocurrency transactions are taxed as capital gains, with evolving legislation creating uncertainty.
Kryptos.io streamlines the process by automatically tracking transactions and computing capital gains, adjusting to new regulations for precise reporting.
Brazil
Cryptocurrencies are subject to capital gains tax and must be reported, posing challenges with complex requirements.
Kryptos.io simplifies compliance by offering real-time transaction tracking and detailed tax calculations, making it easier to meet Brazil’s tax obligations.
Nigeria
Regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies is evolving, with uncertainty around taxation and restrictions from the Central Bank.
Kryptos.io provides an adaptable solution by maintaining detailed records and generating flexible reports, helping users stay compliant despite regulatory changes.
USA
Cryptocurrency transactions are subject to capital gains tax, with detailed IRS reporting requirements.
Kryptos.io enhances compliance by automating the tracking of transactions and generating comprehensive tax reports, facilitating adherence to IRS requirements.
UK
Cryptocurrencies are taxed under both capital gains tax and income tax, requiring careful tracking and reporting.
Kryptos.io aids UK users by monitoring both capital gains and income from crypto transactions, ensuring accurate and straightforward tax reporting.
Australia
Cryptocurrencies are subject to capital gains tax, and users must report their gains and losses to the ATO.
Kryptos.io assists Australian users by providing seamless transaction tracking and precise capital gains calculations, ensuring efficient compliance with ATO reporting requirements.
Germany
Cryptocurrencies are taxed as private assets with gains subject to tax if held for less than a year.
Kryptos.io supports German users by tracking holding periods and computing taxes on cryptocurrency transactions, ensuring adherence to German tax regulations.
Japan
Cryptocurrency gains are treated as miscellaneous income and are subject to high tax rates.
Kryptos.io helps Japanese users by offering a detailed tracking system and calculating taxes on miscellaneous income, efficiently managing high tax obligations.
Scenario
Description
Kryptos Features that can be of aid
Multiple Exchanges and Wallets
Consolidating records from various exchanges and wallets to maintain a comprehensive overview of crypto activities.
Seamless integration with numerous exchanges and wallets, automatic import, and consolidation of records.
International Transactions
Managing records for cross-border transactions, including currency conversions and compliance with international tax laws.
Support for multiple currencies, efficient management of cross-border activities, accurate currency conversion for reporting.
Complex Transactions
Handling trades, swaps, staking, lending, and other sophisticated crypto activities.
Advanced tracking, reporting, and documentation for various transaction types. Kryptos' DeFi and NFT modules offer specialized tools for managing decentralized finance and NFT activities, ensuring precise records and comprehensive oversight.
How we reviewed this article
Written by
Ravi Abhishek
Reviewed by
Brihasi Dey
Social Media Manager, Content Writer, Strategist, and Marketer - An IT graduate well versed in SaaS, AI, & Web3, assisting Tech and Blockchain brands in scaling with Content.
As Web3 evolves, managing a diverse portfolio has become complex. Kryptos simplifies this with advanced tools for real-time tracking, NFT management, and DeFi analytics. Discover how Kryptos turns challenges into strategic advantages for modern investors.
Struggling with crypto tax in Australia? Kryptos.io simplifies the process, ensuring accurate and compliant filings with the ATO. Track transactions and value assets effortlessly—make tax season stress-free.
Mastering Crypto Taxation: Navigate the Complex World of Digital Assets with Kryptos, the Ultimate Solution for Accurate, Efficient, and Future-Proof Tax Reporting.
See More
Form W-9 Explained: What It Is and How It Works
By
Ravi Abhishek
On
Form W-9 is a crucial part of the U.S. tax system, yet many people are unsure about its purpose, when it's needed, and how to correctly fill it out.
In this blog, we’ll discuss everything about Form W-9 to provide you with a clear understanding of its function and how it should be filled.
What is Form W-9?
Form W-9, officially known as the "Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification," is a document used to gather or confirm taxpayer information from individuals and entities in the United States.
It is primarily utilized by businesses to obtain the taxpayer identification number (TIN) of individuals, sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs, corporations, and other entities that are not subject to backup withholding.
By obtaining the correct TIN from the payee, businesses can fulfill their reporting obligations and ensure that the recipient's earnings or losses are appropriately documented on their federal tax return, ultimately affecting their taxable income. This information exchange helps maintain transparency and compliance within the tax system.
Purpose of Form W-9
The main purpose of Form W-9 is to provide accurate information to entities that will report certain types of income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This form is essential for:
Gathering Taxpayer Information
Form W-9 is used to collect essential taxpayer information from individuals and entities, such as their legal name, taxpayer identification number (TIN), and address. The TIN can be either a Social Security Number (SSN) for individuals or an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for businesses.
Reporting Payments to the IRS
Businesses and other entities use the information provided on Form W-9 to report certain types of payments made to individuals and entities during the tax year to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These payments include payments made to independent contractors, freelancers, vendors, and other non-employee service providers.
Preparing and Issuing 1099 Forms
The information obtained from Form W-9 is crucial for preparing and issuing Form 1099-MISC (or other 1099 variants, such as 1099-NEC) to recipients who received $600 or more in payments during the tax year. The recipient of the 1099 form will use it to report their income on their federal tax return.
Backup Withholding
Form W-9 also plays a role in backup withholding. If the payee fails to provide a valid TIN on Form W-9 or if the IRS notifies the payer that the TIN provided is incorrect, the payer may be required to withhold a percentage of future payments as backup withholding. The withheld amount is then remitted to the IRS.
Filling up Form W-9
Filling out Form W-9 is a simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you complete the form accurately:
Obtain the W-9 Form: You can get the form from the IRS website by clicking here.
Enter Your Name: Write your full legal name on the first line of the form. Make sure it matches the name on your tax returns.
Business Name (if applicable): If you operate under a business name or a disregarded entity name (for certain entities), enter it on the second line. If not applicable, leave this line blank.
Federal Tax Classification: Check only one box that best describes your tax classification. The options include:
Individual/Sole proprietor
C Corporation
S Corporation
Partnership
Trust/Estate
Limited Liability Company (LLC) treated as a disregarded entity
Other (specify if none of the above apply)
Exemption Codes (if applicable): If you are exempt from backup withholding or subject to reduced withholding, enter the appropriate exemption codes on the form.
Address: Provide your business address, including the street address, apartment or suite number, city, state, and ZIP code.
Account Numbers (if applicable): If you have account numbers with the requester that will be used for reportable payments, include them in the designated box.
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): Enter your TIN in Part I. For most individuals, this is their Social Security Number (SSN). For business entities, it is typically an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Certification: Review the completed form for accuracy, then sign and date it in Part II to certify that the information provided is correct.
Submit the Form: Return the filled-out Form W-9 to the requester who needs your taxpayer information. They will retain it for their records and use it for tax reporting purposes.
Consequence of Non-Compliance with Form W-9
Individuals and businesses must understand the potential consequences of non-compliance with Form W-9 requirements. Failure to provide a completed Form W-9 to the requester can lead to significant implications.
Let's discuss some of the consequences:
Withholding Taxes: If you fail to provide a completed Form W-9 to the requester, the payor may be legally obligated to begin backup withholding on future payments made to you. Backup withholding is the process of withholding a percentage of payments and remitting it to the IRS. As of 2022, the backup withholding rate is 24% of the payment.
Penalties for Incorrect TIN Information: If you provide incorrect or incomplete TIN information to the requester and cannot provide reasonable errors for the oversight, you may be subject to a penalty of $50 for each failure. This penalty can add up for multiple incorrect or missing TINs.
Penalties for False Statements: Intentionally making false statements on Form W-9 without a reasonable basis, leading to no backup withholding, can lead to a penalty of $500 per false statement.
Criminal and Civil Penalties: Willfully falsifying certifications or affirmations on Form W-9 can have severe consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
Misuse of W-9 Information: Safeguarding the confidentiality of W-9 information is crucial. Unauthorized disclosure or misuse of another party's W-9 information, in violation of federal law, can result in civil and/or criminal penalties.
How Can Kryptos Help You Report Crypto Taxes?
Reporting your cryptocurrency for taxes can be complex. You need to keep track of all your transactions for different crypto assets. These include their purchase prices and fair market values at the time of disposal, any fees or transactions, tax rates, and much more.
Any error in the calculations can lead to overtaxes or missing out on opportunities to claim deductions. To help you out, Kryptos can automatically do all of this for you in just a few minutes.
All you have to do is upload your wallet address and the platform auto-syncs all your transaction data and figures out your taxable transactions and possible deductions. Once done, you can also generate pre-filled tax forms as defined by the IRS right from the app.
To start calculating your crypto taxes, Sign Up Now for free.
FAQs
1. What is Form W-9 used for?
Form W-9 is used to provide taxpayer identification information to businesses and other entities that need to report certain types of payments to the IRS.
2. Who needs to fill out Form W-9?
Individuals, freelancers, independent contractors, and business entities who receive payments of $600 or more from a business or entity need to fill out Form W-9.
3. What is the difference between Form W-9 and Form W-4?
Form W-9 is used to provide taxpayer information to the payer, while Form W-4 is used by employees to inform their employers about the amount of tax to withhold from their paychecks.
4. What happens if I don't fill out Form W-9?
If you fail to provide a completed Form W-9 to the payer when required, they may be required to withhold a portion of your payments as backup withholding.
5. Do I need to submit Form W-9 to my employer?
No, Form W-9 is typically not required for employees. Employers use Form W-4 to determine the withholding amount from an employee's paycheck.
6. Can I provide a TIN other than an SSN or EIN on Form W-9?
Yes, you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN) if applicable.
All content on Kryptos serves general informational purposes only. It's not intended to replace any professional advice from licensed accountants, attorneys, or certified financial and tax professionals. The information is completed to the best of our knowledge and we at Kryptos do not claim either correctness or accuracy of the same. Before taking any tax position / stance, you should always consider seeking independent legal, financial, taxation or other advice from the professionals. Kryptos is not liable for any loss caused from the use of, or by placing reliance on, the information on this website. Kryptos disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of any positions taken by you in your tax returns. Thank you for being part of our community, and we're excited to continue guiding you on your crypto journey!
As Web3 evolves, managing a diverse portfolio has become complex. Kryptos simplifies this with advanced tools for real-time tracking, NFT management, and DeFi analytics. Discover how Kryptos turns challenges into strategic advantages for modern investors.
Struggling with crypto tax in Australia? Kryptos.io simplifies the process, ensuring accurate and compliant filings with the ATO. Track transactions and value assets effortlessly—make tax season stress-free.
Mastering Crypto Taxation: Navigate the Complex World of Digital Assets with Kryptos, the Ultimate Solution for Accurate, Efficient, and Future-Proof Tax Reporting.