United StatesGuideNo. W-9
W-9 — Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
The form a US client asks you for so they can report what they pay you: name, tax classification, address and SSN or EIN.
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Internal Revenue Service (IRS)BusinessGuide
SS-4 — Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
To get an EIN, the tax ID for a business, non-profit or estate.
The form is downloaded and submitted on the authority's website.
What this form is for
Get an employer identification number (EIN), needed to hire staff, open a business bank account or file a business's taxes.
Where to send it
In the US, most people apply online on the IRS website, free of charge. From abroad, the SS-4 is sent by fax or mail.
Our tips
- Always download the latest version from the official site: federal forms are updated regularly.
- Read the official instructions that come with the form before you start.
- Keep a copy of everything you send, with the date you sent it.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I have to pay for an EIN?
- No. The IRS issues EINs for free: beware of websites that charge for it.
The information on this page is general. If in doubt, the official source prevails.