How to Fill Out Your W-9 Correctly (and Get Paid Faster)
Millionaires, incorrect W-9s slow your payments and cause unnecessary tax headaches. Letโs fix that today. Hereโs your step-by-step breakdown: 1๏ธโฃ Line 1: Name Enter the name that matches your tax return. If youโre a Sole Proprietor: use your personal legal name. If you have an LLC taxed as a corporation: use your LLCโs name exactly as it appears on IRS records. 2๏ธโฃ Line 2: Business Name / Disregarded Entity If you operate under a DBA (Doing Business As), list that name here. Example: Legal Name: Tiffany James Enterprises, LLC DBA: Boss Babe Funding Co. 3๏ธโฃ Line 3: Federal Tax Classification This is where most people mess up. Check the correct box: Individual / Sole Proprietor โ if you file under your SSN. C Corporation or S Corporation โ if your LLC is taxed as one. Partnership โ if you have business partners. LLC โ select and then write the tax type (C, S, or P). โ ๏ธ Tip: If youโre not sure what your tax classification is, check your IRS EIN confirmation letter or ask your tax preparer. 4๏ธโฃ Line 4: Exemptions Leave this blank unless your business qualifies for special exemptions (rare for most small businesses). 5๏ธโฃ & 6๏ธโฃ: Address Enter your business mailing address (not your home unless itโs registered as your business address). Part I : Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Use your EIN if your business has one. If youโre a sole proprietor with no EIN, use your SSN. โ
Pro tip: Always use your EIN for business, it protects your personal information. Part II: Certification Sign and date the form. Your signature confirms: The TIN you provided is correct. Youโre not subject to backup withholding. ๐ Remember: You do not send this form to the IRS, you send it directly to whoever requested it (like a client or funding source). Download a blank W-9 from the IRS website. Complete it using this guide. Save a signed PDF copy in your business records. Update it any time your name, address, or tax classification changes. Drop a โ
below once done. If youโre unsure about your classification, tag your accountability partner or ask in the comments, I'll help you get it right!