How Do I Use a Form W-9?  Article Details   • Written By: N.
Madison   • Edited By: Jenn Walker   • Last Modified Date: 09
March 2014   • Copyright Protected:     Conjecture Corporation
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Revenue Service (IRS) Form W-9 is usually used to collect
pertinent information about a United States independent
contractor or freelancer. This form provides an official way for
companies and business people to secure identifying information
about the people they pay. Companies use the information they
collect when filing required forms with the IRS and providing
informational forms to the contractor. A company that hires
independent contractors keeps one of these forms on file for
each contractor. Sometimes financial institutions that pay
interest and dividends use the W-9 form as well.  The right way
to use a W-9 form depends on the role of the person who is using
it. If a company hires independent contractors or freelancers,
it gives a blank copy of the form