Tax Planning expert, John Fraker, weighs in on why W-9 forms are so important when it comes to running an efficient business.

Many small business owners and landlords overlook this requirement during the year, and when the end of the year arrives and it is time to issue 1099s to contractors, they realize they have not collected the required documentation. Often it is difficult to acquire the contractor’s information after the fact, especially from those contractors with no intention of reporting the income.

IRS Form W-9, ‘Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification’ is provided by the government as a means for you to obtain the data required from your vendors in order to file the 1099s. It also provides you with verification that you complied with the law should the vendor provide you with incorrect information. We highly recommend that you have a potential vendor or independent contractor complete the Form W-9 prior to engaging in business with him or her.

John Erik Fraker, Esq.

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John Erik Fraker, Esq.

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