Recently a young entrepreneur emailed me this question:
“I am 14, and I use a freelancing site that requires a w-9; how would I go about filling that legally?” – Krish
Here was my response to Krish:
Krish,
You fill in the W-9 with your legal name, address, and Social Security Number. Then give it to the website hiring you as a freelancer. The W-9 does not go to the IRS.
The website hiring you uses the W-9 information to send you a 1099MISC at the end of the year showing how much they paid you and you report this amount on your tax return.
I hope that helps!
If you have more questions about filing a W-9 you should check out my book, “Money and Taxes in a Micro Business“. In the book, I explain what a W-9 is and how to file it. My book also explains other taxes you might be faced with as a micro business.
Carol Topp, CPA
