Do I need to fill out a W-9 when I billed for design services?

[vfenchel]

I don't know where to find a W-9 form to fill out.Should my client be providing the for?

[VolvoGirl]

Yes if your client wants one they will ask you for it and probably give you one to fill out. That's if they need to give you a 1099Misc for what they pay you.  But make sure you keep track of all your income incase they don't give you a 1099.  And to double check what they report.  You can get a blank W9 at IRS.gov or I'll look it up for you.

[VolvoGirl]

Here is a W9
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf</a>

[vfenchel]

Thank you. I'll go to site and download. Since I do business as a DBA are the forms still required?

[VolvoGirl]

Only if someone asks you to fill out a W9.  I was able to enter my info directly into the IRS form on my computer and save it filled out so I have it ready to go if anyone asks me for it.  Having a DBA doesn't matter unless you you set it up as a LLC S Corp or Partnership.  If you are a sole proprietor or self employed for it you just file the DBA on your personal 1040 return using Schedule C.

[Opus 17]

If you incorporate, and the check is made out to the business name and not your personal name, then the payor is not required to issue a 1099-MISC. If you are not incorporated, then the business is supposed to report payments on a 1099-MISC whether the check is in your name or your DBA name.   

Whether a registered DBA is a good thing or not will depend on state law for small businesses, it doesn't affect your taxes.

[Opus 17]

If you are doing business in your own name and you are paid more than $600 in a year by a client who is also in business, you have to give that client your tax ID number on form W-9 and they have to issue you a 1099-MISC.  Private individuals you work with do not have to issue a 1099 and you don't need to give them your tax number.  

If you don't want to give out your SSN, you can get an EIN from the IRS.  It's online and only takes a few minutes.  Google IRS + EIN.