Definition

A form you provide to someone who must report payments made to you, detailing your taxpayer identification number and other information.

What to consider

  • Review your W-2 as soon as you receive it to catch any errors.
  • Keep it safe for tax filing and future reference.
  • Compare it with your pay stubs for consistency.

Real world scenarios

  • As a freelance designer, Talia fills out a W-9 so her client can issue a 1099 accurately at year-end. This step prevents confusion about her earnings.
  • A small business gathers W-9s from independent contractors before cutting checks. This ensures correct reporting and avoids backup withholding.
  • When Jade changes her legal name, she submits an updated W-9 to reflect the change, keeping tax documents consistent.

Related terms

Taxes