CreateW9.com Need help with QuickBooks?

Free W-9 generator

Fill it in, sign, and download the PDF. No account, and nothing you type is stored.

Updated . Uses the current IRS Form W-9 (Rev. March 2024).

1 Who's getting paid

Freelancer or single-member LLC? Pick Individual / sole proprietor.

2 Mailing address
Requester and account numbers optional

Most people skip these. Only fill them in if whoever asked for your W-9 told you to.

3 Tax ID
4 Sign

Your PDF is built on your device. Nothing you type is uploaded or stored.

Who made this

Hi, I'm Jackson. I'm a bookkeeper. Every W-9 site I tried wanted my email before it would give me the PDF, so I built one that doesn't. No sign-up, nothing stored.

If your books or QuickBooks ever get behind, that's my day job. You can find me at SMB Help.

How to fill out a W-9

  1. Name

    Use your full legal name, the one on your tax return. If you're a sole proprietor, put your personal name here, not your business name.

  2. Business name

    Only fill this in if you have a separate business name or DBA. Otherwise leave it blank.

  3. Tax classification

    Most freelancers and contractors pick Individual / sole proprietor. A single-member LLC also counts as that unless you've elected to be taxed as a corporation. Not sure? Your accountant or your IRS EIN letter will say.

  4. Address

    Where you want your 1099 mailed. Usually your home or business mailing address.

  5. SSN or EIN

    Individuals and sole proprietors can use their Social Security number. If your business has an Employer Identification Number, use that. Give one, not both.

  6. Sign and date

    Your signature certifies the tax ID is correct. You can type it or draw it with your mouse or finger.

W-9 basics

When you need one

Any time a business is going to pay you as a contractor instead of an employee. New freelance clients, consulting gigs, some bank and brokerage accounts. The business uses it to file a 1099 about what they paid you. They have to file one once they pay you $2,000 or more in a year, but most clients ask for a W-9 before the first invoice no matter the amount.

W-9 vs 1099

You give a company a W-9 before they pay you. They send you a 1099 after the year ends, showing how much they paid. The W-9 is what lets them fill out the 1099 correctly.

SSN vs EIN

Sole proprietors can use their SSN. If you've formed an LLC or corporation, use its EIN. A lot of freelancers get a free EIN from the IRS just so they don't have to hand their SSN to every client. It takes about ten minutes online.

Common mistakes

Using a nickname instead of your legal name. Picking LLC when you're really a single-member LLC taxed as a sole proprietor. Filling in both an SSN and an EIN. Forgetting to sign.