How to Fill Out Your W-9 Without Getting It Back

Line 1 is whoever files the tax return, which can be you or can be your company. You do not put both your Social Security number and your EIN. A walkthrough of the form, the four mistakes almost everyone makes, and what happens if you get it wrong.

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How to Fill Out Your W-9 Without Getting It Back

You have filled out a W-9 for every agency you work with and probably never thought about it again. It is a short form and most of it is obvious, which is exactly why the same four mistakes show up over and over. Getting it wrong can mean a corrected form next year, or 24 percent withheld from your pay until it is fixed.

Highlights

Line 1 depends on how you file, and most people assume wrong
Your SSN or your EIN. Never both
The LLC box most people check incorrectly
Who the check should actually be made out to

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