How do I fill out a W9 if I am self-employed?
Henry Morales
Published Feb 24, 2026
W-9 Form Instructions
- Line 1 – Name.
- Line 2 – Business name.
- Line 3 – Federal tax classification.
- Line 4 – Exemptions.
- Lines 5 & 6 – Address, city, state, and ZIP code.
- Line 7 – Account number(s)
- Part I – Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
- Part II – Certification.
Can you fill out a W9 as an individual?
IRS Form W-9 is most commonly used by individuals when they are working as a freelancer or independent contractor. If you ever find yourself filling out a Form W-9, it generally means that a business or person who is paying you money needs your Social Security number so it can notify the IRS of the amount.
Does a sole proprietor need to fill out a W9?
As a sole proprietor, you may be asked to complete IRS Form W-9 by a company or person for whom you provide services. The W-9 provides information that’s necessary for the company that compensates you to issue your business a 1099 at the end of the year.
How do I get a W 9 for my LLC?
How to File a W-9 for an LLC
- Obtain the form. Typically, you complete Form W-9 at your client’s request.
- Provide the LLC’s information. Complete the first section of the form using your full name, your LLC’s name, and your address.
- Complete and return the form.
How does a sole proprietor fill out a W 9?
To complete Form W-9 as a sole proprietor enter your individual name as shown on your 1040/1040A/1040EZ on line 1. Next, on line 2 you can enter your business, trade, or “doing business as” (DBA) name. Line 2 is optional but it is helpful to the person requesting Form W-9 to identify your business.
Do you have to file IRS Form W-9 if you are self employed?
He worked for the IRS and holds an enrolled agent certification. Completing IRS Form W-9 isn’t something you generally have to deal with unless you’re an independent contractor, a consultant, or another self-employed worker.
Do you know the person asking you to fill out the W-9?
You don’t know the person or business that’s asking you to fill out the W-9. You should always exercise caution when giving out sensitive information like your TIN. Make sure you know who’s asking you to fill out the form, why they’re doing so, and how the tax information you supply will be used.
How does an independent contractor fill out a W-9?
Independent contractors fill out the W-9 to confirm their tax responsibilities and provide information to their employer(s). In turn, employers use a contractor’s W-9 to complete a 1099 detailing the worker’s income.
Can you fill out multiple W-9’s in one year?
If you did multiple jobs for multiple companies, you could fill out a number of W-9 forms in the same year. You will also have to submit new W-9 forms any time you change your name, business name, address or tax ID number.