W-9 Tax Forms

The W-9 tax form is used to provide a taxpayer's identification number for reporting purposes. It is typically filled out by freelancers, contractors, or vendors when working with businesses that need to report payments to the IRS.

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What is a W-9 Form and How to Sign It online?

When conducting business in the United States, there's a good chance you'll encounter a W-9 form. But what exactly is it, who needs to sign it, and how can you easily complete it using DocuSeal? Lets learn about the essentials of the W-9 form, who is responsible for signing it, and provide useful instructions on how to sign this important document with DocuSeal.

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What is a W-9 Form?

A W-9 form, officially known as the "Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification," is a form used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States. Businesses use this form to request your taxpayer identification number (TIN), which is essential for tax reporting purposes. The TIN can be either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

The W-9 form is commonly used in scenarios where a company needs to file an information return with the IRS to report income paid to an independent contractor, interest, dividends, or other types of income.

Who Signs a W-9 Form?

The person or entity whose taxpayer identification number is being requested is responsible for signing the W-9 form. Typically, this is an independent contractor, freelancer, or vendor providing services to a business. By signing the W-9, the individual certifies that the TIN they provided is correct and that they are not subject to backup withholding, among other things.

Useful Instructions on How to Sign a W-9 Form with DocuSeal

Completing and signing a W-9 form can seem daunting, but with DocuSeal, it's a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1

Upload the W-9 Form to DocuSeal

Log in to your DocuSeal account using your credentials. Once you have successfully logged in, click on this link. After that, you will see the W-9 form, which you can fill out and sign.

W-9 Form
2

Add Signature Fields

Once your W-9 form is uploaded to create a template, you can see that DocuSeal's auto-detection of the fillable fields have already added the required fields. An information pop-up appears on the top of the template informing that the fillable fields are added. You can choose to keep it or discard the auto-detected fields.

If you have removed the auto-detected fields, you can easily add the fields using DocuSeal's intuitive drag-and-drop interface. You can place the signature field where you need to sign your name, and if applicable, add other fields for dates or initials.

Template Builder Detected Fields
3

Fill Out the Form

Before signing, ensure that all required fields on the W-9 form are completed. This includes your name, business name (if applicable), address, and your taxpayer identification number (TIN). DocuSeal allows you to fill out the form directly within the platform, so there's no need to print and rescan.

Template Builder Fillable Fields
4

Sign the Form

When you're ready, click on the signature field to apply your electronic signature. DocuSeal offers several options for signing, including drawing your signature with a mouse, uploading an image of your signature, or typing your name and selecting a signature style.

DocuSeal Signing W-9 Form
5

Submit the Form

After signing, you can finalize the document. DocuSeal will securely store the signed W-9 form in your account, and you can easily download it, share it with the requesting party, or send it directly from the platform.

DocuSeal Completed Signing W-9 Form
6

Keep a Copy for Your Records

It's always a good idea to keep a copy of the signed W-9 form for your records. With DocuSeal, you can easily access and download your signed documents anytime.

Why Use DocuSeal for Signing a W-9 Form?

DocuSeal makes signing documents like the W-9 form simple, secure, and legally binding. By using DocuSeal, you can eliminate the need for printing, scanning, or mailing physical documents. Plus, with the added benefit of DocuSeal's self-hosted option, you can ensure that your sensitive data remains secure, especially if you're handling multiple W-9 forms for various contractors.