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Difference Between W-9 and 1099 Forms: Why Are They Important?

Difference Between W-9 and 1099 Forms Why Are They Important
Read Time: 4 min

The first and most important introduction that we want to give regarding both the W-9 and 1099 forms is that both are very popular as tax forms. In most cases, you will notice that you might need these forms when working with independent contractors daily as a business. It is very important to remember that when working with independent contractors having a good idea about the tax forms is very important. Otherwise, it can lead to government liabilities and tax default. Not only that, if you do not have much idea about the same, it is always viable that you take the right information from Professionals.

When employed as a freelancer, numerous tax forms are required. The W-9 and 1099 forms are two of the most frequently used forms. Even though these two tax forms are significantly different, they relate to the same procedure and are used together when reporting income to the IRS. You will discover the distinctions between a W9 and a 1099 tax form in this post, as well as when to utilize each and how they complement one another.

At Profit Jets, our major aim is to ensure that we can come on board and help all who want to understand the difference between W-9 and 1099 Forms. When working with an independent contractor, the difference between the two becomes more prominent. Good knowledge about the same will guide you and help you make a better decision. Tax forms can be confusing, so we are here to guide you throughout and give you complete information. 

Understanding The Meaning of the Form 1099

Understanding The Meaning of the Form 1099
Understanding The Meaning of the Form 1099

The first segment we will explain in this discussion is the meaning of Form 1099 and its implications. In the simplest terms, we can say that the IRS Form 1099 is the detailed calculation of the income a business has to pay to the taxpayer, and these payers are not full-time employees. If you are a business that tends to work with independent contractors like freelancers, self-employed individuals or belong from the same forte, you will notice that they must fill out Form 1099.

The 1099 form is categorized as an “information return” by the IRS. As a record of earnings, independent contractors receive 1099 forms rather than W-2s. At the end of the year, you will receive a 1099 form containing the details you submitted on your W-9 form. The 1099 form informs the IRS of the entire income you received from the person or business that employed and compensated you. If your income is over $600, you should get a 1099 form, but you might also get one if it is less than that.

For each independent contractor that a business works with, you will notice that independent Form 1099, each business has to fill out the same. Not only the government, but this copy of the form also has to be sent to the payee so that you can maintain complete parity as a business. Any independent contractor receiving Form 1099 has to report the income and then file the tax return based on the same.

Understanding The Meaning of the Form W-9

Understanding The Meaning of the Form W-9
Understanding The Meaning of the Form W-9

The next implication you must understand is the meaning of the W-9. The major work of the IRS W9 is to ensure that it can give the employer complete details about the legal name, address, taxpayer identification number and social identification number. This form’s major work ensures that it can provide the employer with all the necessary details. You will notice in most cases that the employers ask for the form, particularly before they hand over any work to the independent contractor.

A W-9 form is a fundamental tax form used in the US to file taxes. This form intends to gather crucial tax data from independent contractors and freelancers, such as your taxpayer identification number (TIN) or Social Security number, entity type, name, and address. The business that hires you will ask you to complete a W-9 form if you are an independent contractor or vendor. At the end of the year, we will use the information on this form to send you a 1099 income form.

The major aim of this particular form is that it works as a seal of trust and ensures that, as contractors, they can be trusted. It is very important to ensure that, as a freelancer, you share the form with the employer as soon as they approach you for work. You will notice that the Form details are very easily chalked out, so it will not be difficult for you to figure out the same.

Importance of the W9 and 1099 Forms

Importance of the W9 and 1099 Forms
Importance of the W9 and 1099 Forms

Now that we have understood the basic difference between the two forms, it is common to ask what the need is for the same and how they help anyone.

  • The first thing we need to mention in this case is that the 1099 form is used as a tax measure; hence, if you do not have this, it will not give you complete details on the tax employers need to pay. 
  • The next importance we draw on is the viability of the W9 form. The major importance of this particular form is that it is used as a detailed understanding of who the social contractor is and what you can expect from them.
  • There and no two ways about the fact that the usage of both these forms is very different. However, both forms are very important, and while one helps the government, the other helps the employer and the independent contractors.

If you think you are still confused about this particular domain, then you can contact us at Profit Jets, and we are here to help you with complete information.