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Official form guide
Form W-13: W-13
IRS Form W-13 is a request form used by certain payers to obtain a certification or exemption related to tax withholding. It is filed when the payer needs official IRS acknowledgment before making payments.
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IRS Form W-13 - W-13
IRS Form W-13 is a request form used by certain payers to obtain a certification or exemption related to tax withholding. It is filed when the payer needs official IRS acknowledgment before making payments.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1A single typo can trigger automatic backup withholding.
- 2Missing payer EIN
- 3Incorrect exemption code
- 4Unsigned form
- 5Outdated edition of the form
Plain English
Think of Form W-13 as the paperwork you give the IRS to say, “I’m allowed to skip or reduce tax withholding on this payment.” You fill it out once, send it to the IRS, and wait for their approval before you pay the other party.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2014-01-24 00:00:00
- 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
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What this form is for
- Use when you need IRS certification to reduce or eliminate withholding on a payment.
- Do not use for general tax return extensions.
- If the payee is a foreign person, consider Form W-8 series instead.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Payee is a foreign entity
Certifies foreign status for withholding
✓ Verify residency and treaty eligibility
Requesting a refund of over‑withheld tax
Claims a credit or refund
✓ Ensure supporting tax return is attached
Deadline or filing window
The form must be received by the IRS before the first payment that would otherwise be subject to withholding. If the deadline is missed, the payer must apply the default withholding rate until approval is received.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Payer EIN
Employer Identification Number · IRS notice or prior filing
Payee name and address
Payee’s legal name and mailing address · Contract or invoice
Exemption code
Specific IRS code authorizing exemption · IRS Publication
Supporting certificate
Certified exemption document · Original certificate from payee
Before you submit
- 1Use the latest edition of Form W-13.
- 2Verify payer EIN matches IRS records.
- 3Enter payee name exactly as on their exemption certificate.
- 4Select the correct exemption code for the payment type.
- 5Attach all required supporting documents.
- 6Sign and date the form as an authorized representative.
- 7Check the mailing address against the current instructions.
- 8Make a carbon copy for your records before sending.
- 9Confirm postage or fax confirmation receipt.
- 10Track delivery with a mailing receipt or fax confirmation number.
- 11Record the submission date in your compliance log.
How to file this form
- 1Download Form W-13 from IRS.gov.
- 2Print on white 8.5" x 11" paper; do not use PDFs that cannot be signed.
- 3Complete all required fields in black ink.
- 4Attach supporting exemption certificates.
- 5Sign the form and date it.
- 6Place the form in an envelope with correct IRS address.
- 7Mail via certified or registered mail and retain tracking number.
Known limitations
- 1IRS does not provide real‑time online validation for W-13 entries.
- 2The form does not accept electronic signatures unless specifically authorized.
- 3Processing time varies; the IRS does not guarantee a specific turnaround.
- 4Only the listed exemption codes are accepted; new codes require a revised form.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Personal Info
2 items
Your legal name and current mailing address.
Your taxpayer identification number — must match IRS records.
Filing Status
1 items
Single, Married Filing Jointly, or Head of Household (for withholding purposes).
Dependents
1 items
Number of qualifying children and other dependents.
Adjustments
1 items
Additional income not from jobs or adjustments to withholding.
Withholding
1 items
Additional amount you want withheld from each paycheck.
Certification
1 items
Your tax entity type: Individual, Corporation, Partnership, etc.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date to certify under penalty of perjury.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form W-13 is actively used for withholding exemption requests. The latest revision date is listed on the IRS website; verify before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date – confirm the form is the most recent version (check IRS.gov).
- Fee – no filing fee is required for Form W-13.
- Mailing address – use the address in the current instructions.
- Signature line – ensure an authorized officer signs.
- Contact info – include a current phone number for follow‑up.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1File the mailed copy and any receipt in your tax compliance folder.
- 2Log the submission date and tracking number.
- 3Monitor IRS correspondence for approval or rejection notices.
- 4If approved, record the exemption certificate number for future payments.
- 5Update your internal withholding tables to reflect the exemption.
- 6Retain all related documents for at least three years.
- 7Notify the payee that the exemption is now in effect.
Sources
- SRCForm title and purposeIRS official form description.
- SRCSignature line requirementIRS instructions for Form W-13.
- SRCNo filing feeIRS fee schedule for Form W-13.
- SRCMailing addresslisted in the form’s instructions page.
- SRCEdition datefound on the top of the PDF.
- SRCExemption code listIRS Publication referenced in instructions.
- SRCProcessing timelineIRS guidance on withholding exemption requests.
Common confusion points
Confusion: W-13 vs. W-8 series
Both relate to withholding but W-13 is for payer‑requested exemptions, W-8 for foreign payee certification
→ Verify the payee’s status before choosing.
Confusion: Exemption code selection
Codes are numeric and specific to payment type
→ Cross‑check with IRS Publication.
Confusion: Signature requirement
Some think a faxed copy is sufficient
→ IRS requires an original signature unless instructed otherwise.
Confusion: Mailing address changes
IRS updates address annually
→ Use the address printed on the current form’s instructions.
Confusion: Need for a fee
Some forms charge a filing fee
→ Form W-13 has no fee; any request for payment is a scam.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Receive IRS notice of deficiency – file Form 843 for refund or correct withholding
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