W-9 for Contractors & Freelancers

Why Clients Request Your W-9

When you work as an independent contractor or freelancer, your clients need your W-9 to report payments they make to you on Form 1099-NEC.

This is different from being an employee, where your employer withholds taxes and reports your wages on a W-2.

How to Fill Out Your W-9

1. Name – Enter your legal name as shown on your tax return
2. Business name – Only if different from your legal name (DBA)
3. Tax classification – Usually "Individual/sole proprietor" for freelancers
4. Address – Your current mailing address
5. TIN – Your Social Security Number or EIN
6. Sign and date – Certify the information is correct

SSN vs EIN for Contractors

As a sole proprietor, you can use either your Social Security Number (SSN) or an Employer Identification Number (EIN) on your W-9.

Many contractors get an EIN to keep their SSN private when working with multiple clients. You can get an EIN free from the IRS website.

Protecting Your Information

• Only submit W-9s to legitimate businesses you work with
• Use secure submission methods, not unencrypted email
• Verify the request is genuine before providing your SSN/EIN
• Keep copies of submitted W-9s for your records