W-9 Form For Contract Work

[Pawel Kowalski]

I usually did most of my contract work under the table because it was never all that big. However, I scored a fairly large contract for a large company and they need a w-9 form from me before they can issue a payment. Since I don't have an official business registered yet I do not have a tax ID. Would I just fill out the following form using my social security number and provide it to them:

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf

Also, for business name can I put in a business name even if I will be using my own SSN? Thanks.

[Frank Broughton]

Yes that is the form to use and yes you can use your business name. You then need to get a DBA Certificate, (Doing Business As). This will allow you to get a bank account in your company name. You will then be able to to cash checks made out in your business name with your bank.

Here in NY we get the form from our County Clerk: http://www.erie.gov/depts/government...mits_dba.phtml

Save all receipts and log travel miles (plus much more). Schedule C will be the tax form you will need.

[Pawel Kowalski]

Thanks Frank, I appreciate it.

So just to clarify I would put my regular social security number along with my business name that isn't officially registered yet?

[jason]

Yes, if you don't have a Tax ID then use your SSN. Actually, I think the form says something about your SSN being preferred for sole proprietorships even if you have a Tax ID, though it has been a while since I've looked at it.

--Jason

[Pawel Kowalski]

Cool, I'll do that. Thanks.

[Frank Broughton]

Thanks Frank, I appreciate it.

So just to clarify I would put my regular social security number along with my business name that isn't officially registered yet?

Yeppers, as Jason said.

[jason]

Here's a link on how to get a EIN (Tax ID) and info on whether or not you need one. Most likely you won't--if you don't have any employees and you don't fall into some other highly specific categories then you can just use your SSN, even if you are using a DBA name.

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/...=98350,00.html

--Jason

[Pawel Kowalski]

My problem with using my real SSN is that I'm worried about identity theft. In this particular case I think it will be okay but I really dont want to be giving a w-9 with my real SSN to some random corner store business. Thanks for the link, that's really helpful. I'll probably contact the state this week to see what it would take to incorporate my business through an LLC.

[Pawel Kowalski]

Here's a link on how to get a EIN (Tax ID) and info on whether or not you need one. Most likely you won't--if you don't have any employees and you don't fall into some other highly specific categories then you can just use your SSN, even if you are using a DBA name.

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/...=98350,00.html

--Jason

Actually I just filled out all that information and got me a tax id. I can't believe something that went through the IRS was that easy. Thanks Jason.

[Frank Broughton]

Actually the IRS is not that bad to deal with. I have had some good experiences. They even cut some breaks my way!

[Pawel Kowalski]

Actually the IRS is not that bad to deal with. I have had some good experiences. They even cut some breaks my way!

I think you're on your own on that one Frank. I think that entire organization is one big scam. It's gotten to the point where I actually had to debate wether or not it was worth me keeping my online business because when tax time came it would drive me broke.

[Frank Broughton]

wooooo nelly - no - no - no; no more debates for me. I did not say I like the IRS and what they stand for. I was just commenting that I have had some good experiences in dealing with them. I have done payroll withholding and sent forms to the SSA & IRS for 18 plus years.

I am for a sales only type tax. Just making a statement not starting a debate, down boy! Down! haha

[Pawel Kowalski]

wooooo nelly - no - no - no; no more debates for me. I did not say I like the IRS and what they stand for. I was just commenting that I have had some good experiences in dealing with them. I have done payroll withholding and sent forms to the SSA & IRS for 18 plus years.

I am for a sales only type tax. Just making a statement not starting a debate, down boy! Down! haha

Not trying to get in to a debate, just sharing my experiance with these bastards.

[Ron]

I was at a fair and in one of the side (freak?) shows was a "strong man."

His gig was this: For $20, he would take an ordinary lemon and squeeze the juice out of it with one hand. Then he would hand you the lemon and if you could squeeze one more drop out of it, he would pay you $100.

So, I was interested enough to watch for a while, and man after man (NO women tried!!!) paid $20 expecting to be able to squeeze out a drop of juice from the lemon and none succeeded. There seemed to be few more people willing to part with their money and I was just about to walk away a strange thing happened.

A verrrrry dorky looking guy (in a shirt buttoned all the way to the neck even!) with square black plastic glasses and, I swear, a pocket protector walked up with a $20 bill. The strongman couldn't contain himself nor his disdain and said something like: "Go away little man, it would be like stealing from you" but the guy persisted.

The strongman took his money and squeezed the lemon and handed it to the little guy. The little guy looked at the lemon in his hand and braced himself a little bit and straightened his glasses with his free hand. Then he began to squeeze and -to the WHOLE crowd's amazement- a drop! Even the strongman gasped I think. The little guy then continued to squeeze and another drop, then another! Pretty soon there was a little stream of juice coming out of the lemon!

The Strongman accused him of cheating and grabbed a hold of his arms and pulled back his shirtsleeves looking for evidence. Finding none he relented and counted out 5 $20 bills. As he was handing the money over, he asked the guy "How did you do that?"

The little guy replied: "Easy. I work for the IRS."


OK, it's an old story...

[Connie]

May be old but I hadn't heard it.