pocketchangepros

Guides / Set up right

W-9s, 1099s and your taxpayer number

Consider a free EIN so you're not sharing your SSN with every client.

4 min read

Clients usually ask new contractors for a Form W-9 with a taxpayer identification number. After the year, they may send you a 1099 showing what they paid.

Good to know

  • You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) free from IRS.gov and use it instead of your Social Security number on W-9s
  • Clients may send Form 1099-NEC if they paid you above a reporting threshold
  • Payment apps and platforms may send Form 1099-K
  • You must report all your income, whether or not you receive a form

General information, not tax advice. Thresholds change; see IRS.gov. Pocket Change Pros isn't paid by any bank, software company or tax service.