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IRSWage & Withholding (W Series)

Official form guide

Form W-10: W-10

Form W‑10 is the IRS’s Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification. Payers use it to collect a payee’s correct TIN and certification that the number is not subject to backup withholding.

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Form Overview

IRS Form W-10 - W-10

Form W‑10 is the IRS’s Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification. Payers use it to collect a payee’s correct TIN and certification that the number is not subject to backup withholding.

It captures the payee’s name, address, TIN (SSN or EIN), entity type, and a certification regarding backup withholding.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single digit error in the TIN can force the payer to withhold 24% of payments.
  • 2Wrong TIN entered (typo or outdated number)
  • 3Missing signature or date
  • 4Incorrect entity classification
  • 5Using an old edition of the form

Plain English

When a business needs your Social Security Number or EIN for tax reporting, it will give you a W‑10. You fill it out, sign, and return it so the business can file the correct 1099 or other information return.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: 2020-11-04 22:10:45
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

identificationentitypayee

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when a payer asks for your TIN to issue a 1099‑NEC, 1099‑INT, etc.
  • Do not use if you already provided a correct TIN on Form W‑9.
  • If you are a foreign person, use Form W‑8BEN instead.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Payee already supplied a correct TIN

No additional form needed

✓ Verify existing W‑9 is current

Form W‑9

Foreign individual receiving US‑source income

Certifies foreign status

✓ Check treaty benefits before filing

Form W‑8BEN

Corporation receiving dividends

Claims effectively connected income

✓ Confirm corporation’s US tax filing status

Form W‑8ECI

Deadline or filing window

There is no fixed IRS deadline for W‑10; the deadline is set by the payer’s filing schedule, usually before the payer files the year‑end 1099 (typically by January 31 of the following year). Provide the form as soon as requested to avoid backup withholding.

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Name line

Government‑issued ID or legal name document · Social Security card, passport, or business registration

⚠ Misspelled name✕ High
2

TIN field

Social Security card or EIN confirmation letter · SSN card, IRS EIN notice

⚠ Transposed digits✕ High
3

Entity type box

Business formation documents · Articles of incorporation, partnership agreement

⚠ Wrong box checked✕ Medium
4

Signature line

Handwritten signature · Pen on paper or approved electronic signature

⚠ Blank or illegible✕ High

Before you submit

  1. 1Form shows the latest edition date
  2. 2All required fields are filled
  3. 3TIN matches official documentation
  4. 4Correct entity type box is checked
  5. 5Signature and date are present
  6. 6No stray marks or corrections
  7. 7Copy retained for your records
  8. 8Sent to the exact address or portal the payer specified

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the PDF from irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-10
  2. 2Print on white 8½×11 paper if signing by hand
  3. 3Enter legal name, address, and TIN exactly as on official documents
  4. 4Select the appropriate entity classification
  5. 5Read the backup‑withholding certification and sign
  6. 6Date the form
  7. 7Mail, fax, or upload per payer instructions

Known limitations

  1. 1Form does not replace Form W‑9 for domestic payees who have already provided a TIN.
  2. 2IRS does not process or validate W‑10; validation is the payer’s responsibility.
  3. 3Electronic signatures are only acceptable if the payer has approved the method.
  4. 4The form provides no space for additional explanations; attach a separate letter if needed.

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

8 fields

Personal Info

2 items

Full Name and Address

Your legal name and current mailing address.

Requiredtext
Social Security Number or TIN

Your taxpayer identification number — must match IRS records.

Requiredssn

Filing Status

1 items

Filing Status

Single, Married Filing Jointly, or Head of Household (for withholding purposes).

Requiredselect

Dependents

1 items

Dependents Information

Number of qualifying children and other dependents.

text

Adjustments

1 items

Other Income or Deductions

Additional income not from jobs or adjustments to withholding.

amount

Withholding

1 items

Extra Withholding

Additional amount you want withheld from each paycheck.

amount

Certification

1 items

Tax Classification

Your tax entity type: Individual, Corporation, Partnership, etc.

Requiredselect

Signatures

1 items

Signature

Sign and date to certify under penalty of perjury.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
IRS

Form W‑10 is actively used for 2024 and later tax years. The IRS updates the form periodically; verify the edition date before filling.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – confirm the form shows the current year (e.g., 2024)
  • Fee – none; the form is free from the IRS website
  • Mailing address – use the payer’s address, not the IRS
  • Electronic submission – ensure the payer accepts PDF or secure portal
  • Signature – original handwritten signature unless electronic signature is approved

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Form W-10 page 1

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Form W-10 page 2

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Quick Facts

The payee (individual, sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, etc.) completes the form.
It captures the payee’s name, address, TIN (SSN or EIN), entity type, and a certification regarding backup withholding.
Provide a W‑10 before the payer files any information return for the calendar year; typically at the start of a new business relationship or when the TIN changes.
Return the completed form directly to the requesting payer – usually by mail, fax, or secure electronic upload as instructed by the payer.
Incorrect or missing TIN triggers backup withholding at 24% and can cause penalties for both payer and payee.
1. Download the latest W‑10 from IRS.gov. 2. Fill in legal name, address, and correct TIN. 3. Check the appropriate entity box. 4. Sign and date the certification. 5. Send the form to the payer using the method they specify.

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After you file

  1. 1Keep a scanned copy of the signed W‑10 for your records.
  2. 2Verify with the payer that they received and accepted the form.
  3. 3Monitor any backup‑withholding notices; if you receive one, confirm the TIN on file.
  4. 4Update the form promptly if your address or TIN changes.
  5. 5Store the document for at least three years in case of an audit.

Sources

  • SRCIRS Form W‑10 official PDFconfirms purpose and fields
  • SRCIRS Instructions for Form W‑10outlines who must file and certification language
  • SRCIRS Publication 1281backup withholding rules referenced
  • SRCIRS website page “Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (Form W‑10)”provides download link and edition date
  • SRCNot found in provided sourceexact payer submission methods (mail vs. fax vs. portal)
  • SRCNot found in provided sourcefee information (IRS does not charge a fee)
  • SRCNot found in provided sourcespecific penalty amounts for incorrect TIN

Common confusion points

W‑10 vs. W‑9

Both request TINs but W‑10 is payer‑initiated

→ Use the form the payer supplies

SSN vs. EIN

Individuals use SSN, businesses use EIN

→ Check your tax identification document

Entity box selection

Mis‑classifying can affect withholding

→ Review formation paperwork

Signature requirement

Some think electronic signature is always okay

→ Follow payer’s specific instructions

Backup‑withholding certification

Not sure if you’re subject

→ Review IRS backup‑withholding rules or ask payer

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form W‑9 – used when the payee initiates providing a TIN

Current

W-10

After

Backup withholding notice – may be issued if W‑10 data is wrong

Often used with

1099‑NEC – payer files after receiving a correct W‑10

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Form 1099‑MISC correction – payer may need a new W‑10

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Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

Independent guide

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Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
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