W-9 Form: Quick Overview

Elance offers clients an optional 1099 service for clients who want Elance to file corresponding tax forms on their behalf. When requested, Elance will collect the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from any freelancer who is a “U.S. Person” by requesting the freelancer to fill out and submit the W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification online. 

Who needs to submit the W-9 Form?

You need to submit the W-9 form if all of the following apply to you:

• For U.S. Federal Tax purposes, you are considered a U.S. Person (see below):
• You have not submitted a W-9 form to Elance previously and are making a withdrawal from your Elance account.

Am I a “U.S. Person?”

For U.S. federal tax purposes, you are considered a U.S. Person if you are one of the following:

• An individual who is a U.S. citizen or a U.S. resident alien
• A partnership, corporation, company or association created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States
• An estate (other than a foreign estate)
• A domestic trust (as defined in U.S. tax regulations)

What if I am not a U.S. Person?

If you are not a U.S. Person as defined above, then you do not need to submit a W-9 form. If you are awarded a job with Elance’s 1099 service and are asked for your U.S. Person status, indicate that you are NOT a U.S. Person and you will be able to proceed with the job.

What happens if I don't submit the W-9 Form?

If you do not submit the W-9 information online, you will not be able to withdraw funds.

How do I complete my W-9 Form?

To complete or update your W-9 information, log in to your account and follow the steps below:

•   Click on your username at the top of the Elance website and choose Settings from the drop-down menu.
•  Click on the W-9 Information link located on the left side of the page.
•  Follow the prompts to complete your W-9 form.