December 15, 2025
Written by Catherine Hiles
Certified Financial Education Instructor®
Certified Financial Education Instructor®
Catherine Hiles, CFEI®, originally hails from the U.K. and currently resides in Ohio, where she writes about finance, parenting, pets, home improvement, and more. In her spare time, Catherine enjoys running, reading, and hanging out with her husband, two young children, and energetic dog.
You'll need to fill out a W-9 Form if you provide services to a company as a freelancer or independent contractor.
To fill out the form, you'll need your name or business name, address, federal tax classification, Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and any applicable exemptions.
At the end of the tax year, your clients will send you Form 1099 so you can report your income to the IRS.
A W-9 is essential for independent contractors, freelancers, and anyone involved in business outside traditional "9-to-5" employment. Filling one out accurately is crucial to ensure you're taxed and paid correctly.
Follow this guide to learn the essentials of the W-9 form.
The W-9 form is an IRS form called the "Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification." This document gathers information from independent contractors, freelancers, and other businesses acting as vendors.
When filling out a W-9, you provide your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) – either your Social Security number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN). The W-9 helps businesses accurately report to the IRS the money they pay to contractors, ensuring everyone pays their taxes accurately.
In some cases, other businesses that pay you income in the form of interest or dividends, like a bank or real estate brokerage, may ask for a W-9 so they can prepare accurate 1099 forms during tax season.
Free Online Tax Filing: File 100% for free, max out your tax refund guaranteed1, and get your federal tax refund up to 5 days early2 when you direct deposit it with Chime.
If you provide services to a business and earn more than $600 in a calendar year, you're likely required to provide a W-9.3
If you want to keep your Social Security number private or work as a registered business, like an LLC or S Corporation, you can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free.4 This number is like a Social Security number, but for your business.
Many companies ask for a W-9 up front when hiring a new contractor or freelancer to ensure compliance with IRS regulations, even if they may not pay you more than $600.
Completing a W-9 form is pretty straightforward – you can start by downloading a blank PDF version of Form W-9 from the IRS website.
Box 1: Provide your name or business name as shown on your income tax return.
Box 2: Add your business name if it's different from Box 1.
Box 3: Select your federal tax classification, such as sole proprietor or LLC.
Box 4: Specify any exemptions if applicable.
Box 5 to Box 7: Input your street address.
Optional: Provide the requester's information if known.
If you're a freelancer and work with many clients, consider keeping a copy of Form W-9 easily available on your computer, as you can send the same form to multiple clients. You don't need to update your W-9 unless your information changes or the IRS issues a new version of the form.
In part two, you fill in your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). This is either your Social Security number or Employer ID number.
If you don't have an EIN and want one, you can get one on the IRS website in just a few minutes. The EIN system only operates on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern. You can get an EIN here. Keep that number handy, as you'll need it for your W-9 and other tax forms.
The last step is to certify your form: you sign and date it and guarantee its accuracy. Lying on your W-9 form is illegal, so double-check that your information is accurate before signing and giving it to your client.
Chime tip: For a comprehensive guide on tax terminology, visit our glossary of tax terms.
To make the W-9 form submission process as smooth as possible, follow these tips:
Thoroughly review all instructions provided.
Verify the accuracy of your information before submission.
Keep your data private where possible to prevent identity theft.
Seek guidance from a financial expert if uncertain.
Confirm your self-employment status to ensure proper reporting.
Maintain a copy of your form for your records.
Update your information as necessary.
As gig-based jobs, freelancing, and side hustles flourish, knowing how to fill out a W-9 is essential. Luckily, it's a simple form and is easy to complete.
By providing your tax information through this form, you can avoid potential penalties and ensure compliance with IRS requirements. Check out our complete guide on filing taxes as a freelancer for other steps in the process.
Not providing a W-9 when requested can result in backup withholding, where the payer must withhold tax from your income at the current rate set by the IRS.5
Yes, income reported through a W-9 is taxable. Reporting this income on your tax return is vital to avoid underreporting penalties.
The safest way to submit your W-9 is directly to the person or company that requested it, preferably through secure electronic means or in person, to lower the risk of identity theft.
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Chime® is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.