Company ask me for a W9 to do a small photo job for them, anyone deal with these? To preface I do very little paid work and always stay under the reporting limits as this isn’t my main...

Resqu2 Loc: SW Va

To preface I do very little paid work and always stay under the reporting limits as this isn’t my main job. I recently quoted shooting some race day photos and told the guy I’d do it for $50 which just covers my gas and a few hours away from my day job. He is thrilled and said I had to provide a W9 in order to get paid. is this just as simple as printing one and filling it out as an individual? Any advice or just skip this race until I’m fully setup?

I’m starting to get ask more and more about paid jobs and I’m in the beginning stages of getting a TIN from the IRS as a sole proprietor as I want to do everything legal.

leftj Loc: Texas

Resqu2 wrote:

To preface I do very little paid work and always s... (show quote)

Google is your friend to get started.

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

IRS requires that "employers" get a w9 when annual payouts to independent contractors exceed $600. Many businesses have a blanket policy that they do it with all vendors regardless of amount.

Until you obtain your TIN you can just use your individual name and social security number and be fine. Double check, as a sole proprietor you may not even need to get a TIN unless you form another entity for your business.

Dave327 Loc: Duluth, GA. USA

Yes, It is pretty simple. Print one and fill it out. You can use your social security number, but if you are planning to continue as a business then get the TIN from the IRS. If you believe this is just a one time thing the fill out W9 using your Social Security Number.

ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

The definition of W-9 --
Form W-9 (officially, the "Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification") is used in the United States income tax system by a third party who must file an information return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It requests the name, address, and taxpayer identification information of a taxpayer (in the form of a Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number). Wikipedia

For $50.00 -- I would tell these folks to "Pound Sand"

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

Not worth $50 to do this unnecessary action.

Resqu2 Loc: SW Va

ken_stern wrote:

The definition of W-9 -- br Form W-9 (officially, ... (show quote)

Kinda what I was thinking, I’m a runner myself but had to quit racing and I love doing race day photos for non profit organizations which are the only groups doing races to raise money. I thought it was a bit much of a request for that small amount.

ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

Resqu2 wrote:

Kinda what I was thinking, I’m a runner myself but had to quit racing and I love doing race day photos for non profit organizations which are the only groups doing races to raise money. I thought it was a bit much of a request for that small amount.

At least for me -- It comes down to how much I actually "trust" these folks/organization in addition to only getting $50.00 -- A W-9 has an awful "LOT" of your personal/private info that they can use any way they want (SCAM?)

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

ken_stern wrote:

At least for me -- It comes down to how much I actually "trust" these folks/organization in addition to only getting $50.00 -- A W-9 has an awful "LOT" of your personal/private info that they can use any way they want (SCAM?)

Resqu2 Loc: SW Va

ken_stern wrote:

At least for me -- It comes down to how much I actually "trust" these folks/organization in addition to only getting $50.00 -- A W-9 has an awful "LOT" of your personal/private info that they can use any way they want (SCAM?)

I didn’t like what all has to go on the form for basically doing them a favor. It’s an established race supporting a Christian Academy but I still think I’m going to just skip or if I’m free that weekend I may just show up and shoot some for my webpage. It’s a superhero themed race and will be a good photo op.

jcboy3

Resqu2 wrote:

To preface I do very little paid work and always s... (show quote)

Get a TIN. You don't want to be using your Social Security Number for these, mainly because you cannot trust the security they may have in keeping your information private.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Resqu2 wrote:

To preface I do very little paid work and always s... (show quote)

If they demand a w9, you could potentially be liable for taxes on this income. My son is a professional musician and has often played gigs requiring a w9, and as a result he almost always has had to declare these gigs as income. Depending on you normal income bracket that could be a healthy chunk of your $50. They don't need to report anything under $600, but they can. Over the years my son has had to pay taxes on amounts that were under the minimum reporting amount because the venue reported it anyway. I would say thanks, but no thanks unless they give you more money.

jcboy3

mwsilvers wrote:

If they demand a w9, you could potentially be liab... (show quote)

This is correct. Most businesses will want to deduct these payments as expenses (otherwise, they have to pay taxes on the money). I simply adjust what I charge by the tax bracket I am in. Do not use your total income tax percentage; that averages out the incremental tax bracket you are in. Easy way to figure it; when doing your taxes, temporarily add $1000 to your income and see what changes in your tax due (federal, state, and social security). The ratio of the change in tax to $1000 is your incremental tax bracket. It can be surprisingly large if you are in a high tax bracket.

If they don't give you a 1099 at the end of the year, then you can forgo declaring the income. If they do, then you will need to include the 1099 in your taxes. If they are asking for a W-9, they will most likely give you a 1099. But to be sure, if you don't get one, ask them if they plan to do so.

Resqu2 Loc: SW Va

mwsilvers wrote:

If they demand a w9, you could potentially be liab... (show quote)

Thank you and the person below for this info. I’m not doing enough yet to have to mess with taxes and will pass on this. What I guess surprised me with this request is all the groups putting on fund raising events are non profit and tax exempt. I guess you still have to have a tax paperwork trail.

jcboy3

Resqu2 wrote:

Thank you and the person below for this info. I’m not doing enough yet to have to mess with taxes and will pass on this. What I guess surprised me with this request is all the groups putting on fund raising events are non profit and tax exempt. I guess you still have to have a tax paperwork trail.

Yes, you do. Still have to file with the IRS. Still have to file 1099s. I did non-profit accounting for years.