How to fill out the W-9 form

Updated by Sanjay Vora

Confused on how to fill out the W-9 form. This article should help you.

Why do i need to fill this out? This is a common investor question. Non-US persons are subject to a 30% back-up withholding tax. By filling out the W-9 form, you are confirming your information and the fund manager does not need to withhold funds for taxes.

Individual Instructions

Line 1:  Include your full name.

Line 2: Leave blank.

Line 3: Select “Individual/Sole Proprietor or single member LLC” box

Line 4: Leave this blank.

Lines 5 & 6:  Use the address used for your tax return.

Line 7:  Leave this line blank.

Part I:  Use the Tax ID# used for your tax return.

Part II:  Sign and date.

SD-IRA Instructions

Line 1:  Include the name of the IRA exactly as shown on your custodian's statement.

Line 2: Business name/disregarded entity name, if different from above other leave blank.

Line 3: Select “Other” and include the word “IRA”

Line 4: Leave this blank.

Lines 5 & 6:  Use the address of the IRA custodian.

Line 7:  Leave this line blank.

Part I:  Use the Tax ID# for the IRA Custodian. If you are not sure, ask your custodian.

Part II:  Sign and date.

Solo 401(k) Instructions

Line 1:  Include the name of the Solo 401(k) plan. 

Line 2: Business name/disregarded entity name, if different from above other leave blank.

Line 3: Select “Other” and then include the word “401(k) plan”

Line 4: Leave this blank.

Lines 5 & 6:  Use the address of the 401(k).

Line 7: Leave this line blank.

Part I:  Use the Tax ID# for the 401(k).  You can typically find the EIN of the 401(k) plan in the plan Adoption Agreement or Plan Summary Description document.

Part II:  Sign and date.

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