Who Needs Form W-9?
Fast answer: If a US payer or platform asks you for W-9, you're probably in scope.
StripePayPalAdSenseMarketplacesUS Clients
Platforms use W-9 to confirm you're a US person for tax withholding purposes.
You generally need to submit Form W-9 if you meet ALL of the following:
- You are a US citizen or US resident (for tax purposes)
- You receive income connected to a US payer/platform (payouts, royalties, services, etc.)
- A US company/platform (or their payment processor) requested the form
Not advice. If your status is complicated (green card, dual status, long stays in the US), talk to a tax professional. This page is a quick filter, not a determination.
Common Situations
- US Freelancers/contractors working with US clients or US payers
- US Sellers on US marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, Etsy, etc.)
- US Creators receiving US-source royalties/payouts (YouTube/AdSense, Twitch, music distributors)
- Software/apps earning US platform revenue (app stores, affiliate programs)
Not For You If…
- You are a Foreign Entity (Non-US) → use W-8BEN-E
- You are a Foreign Person (Non-Resident Alien) → use Form W-8BEN
- No one requested W-9 and there's no US payout context → you may not need it
What Happens Next (If You Request Review)
- 1. Pay + start secure submission.You'll see exactly what to submit next.
- 2. Send your form/details (redacted).Do not include SSNs. Redact IDs if unsure.
- 3. Human consistency check.Missing fields + mismatches + common rejection triggers.
- 4. You get a clear checklist.What to change / what to leave alone (no guarantees).
Even small mistakes can trigger rejections, payout delays, or default withholding. Don't guess.