This guide should help outline more information that independent contractors will need regarding the W-9 form. 

What is a W-9?

In the United States, if you are an independent contractor, a freelancer, or are self-employed—you probably are familiar with the W-9 form. When you receive compensation greater than $600 in a financial year for your work for a client, they’d need to report to the IRS what they have paid to you as part of their tax return.

In order for your client to file their taxes correctly, they will request from you as an independent contractor, a Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, or W-9 for short. This specific form will provide them with your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) for income tax purposes. The process to fill out the W-9 is relatively simple, as it only contains five simple steps. 

How often should I fill out a W-9 Form?

The W-9 form should be reviewed and amended every tax year, or whenever any of the information provided on the form changes (your name, business name, address, or EIN). Your client will use the information presented by you (as the independent contractor) to provide you a 1099-MISC form. As you will later need to use the information provided on the 1099 (detailing the amount paid to you) to file your tax return - it is your responsibility to keep this information up-to-date to ensure quick and efficient tax filing.

How does Dovetale help?

As a member of a Community that is built on Dovetale, a brand may request a W-9 form from you. If this is the case, you can easily fill out the information required on a W-9 form by entering your details on your Dovetale profile. When a brand requests your W-9, you can then simply share this information and your form with them! 

Have any questions? Contact support@dovetale.com