How do I fill out a W-9 tax form?

W-9 Form: Quick Overview

An employer who is required to file an information return with the IRS must obtain the correct Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from the employee to report any income paid to the employee. If the buyer requests the 1099 service on a project, then Elance is required to collect the TIN from the provider so the applicable tax forms may be issued by Elance on behalf of the buyer. To collect this information, Elance will request the provider to fill out and submit (online submittal and signed copy) the W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification.

Who needs to submit the W9 Form?

You need to submit the W9 form if all of the following apply to you:

1. For U.S. Federal Tax purposes, you are considered a U.S. Person (see below):

2. You are a provider and have been awarded a project where the buyer requested the use of Elance 1099 service.

3. You have not submitted a W9 form to Elance previously.

Am I a U.S. Person?

For U.S. federal tax purposes, you are considered a U.S. Person if you are:

    * An individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States,
    * A partnership, corporation, company, or association created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States, or
    * Any estate (other than a foreign estate) or trust.

What if I'm not a U.S. Person?

If you are not a U.S. Person as defined above, then you do not need to submit the W-9 information. If you are awarded a 1099 project and are asked for your U.S. Person status, indicate that you are NOT a U.S. Person and you will be able to proceed with the project.

What happens if I don't submit the W-9 Form?

If the buyer has requested Elance 1099 service for the project, then Elance will request the W-9 information from the provider. If you are a U.S. Person as defined above, then you must submit the completed W-9 form upon being requested. If you have been awarded a 1099 project and do not submit the W-9 information online, you will not be able to proceed with the project. If you have been awarded a 1099 project and do not submit a signed copy of the W-9 form to Elance, you will not be able to request payments on that project.

The W-9 submittal is required only if the buyer requested the 1099 service on the project.

How do I update my W-9 Form?

Since the information in the W-9 form includes your business name and address, you may need to update your W9 information. To view and update your W-9 information, go to MyElance. From there, click on the Preferences link and then click on the Update W-9 Information link and follow the prompts.