@AbrahamT wrote:
A sole proprietorship or disregarded entity, the IRS requires that you show your individual name. You may also enter your business or DBA name on the "Business name/disregarded entity" line. You may use either your SSN or your EIN, but the IRS encourages the use of your SSN. You can see more about that HERE , See page 3 Line 1, Part B
and Pg. 4, Line 6,Part 1
I understand the issue with the instructions, that's why I called the IRS and got advice from an accountant. I don't have a sole proprietor EIN, only an LLC EIN, and I won't use my SSN on a W-9. The instructions for getting a sole proprietor EIN say that you choose the option if you aren't registered as an LLC. I have an LLC. The name on line 1 and number under Part I have to match, so it makes sense to use my LLC name and EIN. I'm going to get another confirmation of this, but it's the advice that I was given.
I want my clients to do business with the LLC. In my opinion, giving your name and SSN shows your client that they've been doing business with you personally. If there are any legal issues, you don't have even the limited SMLLC protection that it provides. They can go after your personal assets.
