E-Sign Form W-9

In the midst of the tax filing season, you may realize you’re missing some necessary information.

Enter Form W-9!

Form W-9, the Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, allows you to legally, securely request sensitive information, like taxpayer ID numbers, you need to complete 1099s, W-2s, etc.

This form is typically used when you have a new hire or have worked with an independent contractor for the first time and need to report wages paid.

One of the easiest way to complete your W-9 Forms and get that much closer to having your IRS filing done is to complete and e-sign them through ExpressIRSForms!

E-Sign Form W-9 with ExpressIRSForms
ExpressIRSForms offers safe, secure e-signing of Form W-9 right from your EIF account!

First, create or log into your account. Next, you’ll see your Dashboard and the big, orange “Start New Form” button. Click that and you’ll see this pop-up:

Click the "Start Now!" button in the W-9 Form section, circled in green above. From there, you'll enter your payer details before coming to the request screen:

Here, you can request one or more W-9 Forms be completed by filing out the names and e-mail addresses of the payees you need to complete them. You can add them individually or add them from existing contents in your address book.

You may also notice the notification preference link. Click it to set your notification settings in this pop-up:

You can decide if you’d like to be notified by email each time a recipient signs or if you’d like one summary email each day. You can also have your recipients’ information added to your address book for faster e-filing later!

Once your requests are in order, click the “Send Request” button. Another pop-up will come up:

We already have a pre-loaded message explaining to your recipients why you’re requesting their signature, but you can take this opportunity to make any adjustments you see fit. Once it looks up to snuff, press that “Send Request” button.

Since e-signing Form W-9 is free with ExpressIRSForms, there’s no need to enter your credit card details, so you’re taken back to your Dashboard once you send off your requests. From the Form W-9 tab that automatically comes up, you can see the status of the W-9s you’ve requested as well as re-send or cancel the W-9.

If you have any questions about Form W-9 or the e-signing process, please don’t hesitate to contact our support team. That’s what we’re here for! We’re available by phone (704-684-4751) and live chat Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST. We also provide 24/7 email assistance through support@ExpressIRSForms.com.

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All About Form W-9

Before we get into the information return filing season - 1099-MISC and W-2 forms are due in just over three months! - there might be some information you need, for which you’re not quite sure how to ask. We’re talking social security numbers and other identifying information you need to fill out the IRS information returns that show what you paid and to whom throughout the year.

Now your employees might not be so difficult; they should expect you’ll need that information to fill out their W-2s. In fact, you may have even already had them complete a Form W-9 upon hire. Oh, right, that’s the form we’re talking about today, by the way: Form W-9.

Form W-9?
That’s right, and it’s nothing like its cousin, Form W-2. Form W-9, the Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, is your legal, secure way to obtain the sensitive information you need to complete information returns, like your 1099s and W-2 forms. The main thing you’re looking for when you have someone fill out a W-9 is their taxpayer identification number (TIN), usually an SSN, EIN, or ITIN.

Now, normally, depending on who you’re getting to fill out the W-9 would determine how you asked them to fill it out. Your employees may have completed it as part of their new-hire paperwork or, if you provide investment opportunities, you may have included it in their investment account opening paperwork. The keyword here, obviously, is “paperwork,” which is why ExpressIRSForms has taken a special interest to include it as an e-sign-able option in our IRS forms line-up.

E-sign??
Right again! Just because you can now handle this form electronically doesn’t mean it needs to be sent to the IRS, hence (jazz hands!) e-signing. Since we knew many filers of the forms we offer (W-2s, 1099s, ACA Forms) would need the information from W-9 but might not have already had their payees/recipients complete it, we decided to include it as a secure option you can complete right from your ExpressIRSForms account.

So How Does That Work?
When you log into your ExpressIRSForms account, you should see a button that says “Request W-9.” Click this button to get started. You’ll enter your payer information (that’s you) along with the name(s) and email address(es) of those whose TINs you need. Within 5-10 minutes of you completing this step, your requests will be securely emailed to your recipients.

Once they get your request with a little explanation as to why they’re filling out Form W-9, your recipient(s) can either complete the form and send it back securely or reject your request. Either way, we’ll keep you updated on the status of all your pending and completed W-9 forms.

When a Form W-9 is completed, the status of that form will update in your ExpressIRSForms account. Then, you can view, download, or print the W-9 to use and keep for your records. Your ExpressIRSForms address book will even update with the new information you receive from your W-9s, making completing your information returns that much easier!

Get Those Digits!
So what are you waiting for? We already told you how close the new filing deadlines are! Get on over to ExpressIRSForms and get those TINs so you can complete your filing easily and ahead of schedule. And if you have any other questions in the meantime, don’t hesitate to give our all-star support team a call! We’re available by phone (704-839-2270) and live chat Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST, and by email (support@ExpressIRSForms.com) 24/7!

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The Forms of ExpressIRSForms

Boy, oh boy, has it been a big year for ExpressIRSForms! Growing from the simple, dependable e-filing base ExpressTaxFilings created with its 2012 launch, ExpressIRSForms had a booming first season, providing you with more e-filing capabilities than ever before.

The expansion into ExpressIRSForms brought with it e-filing support for twice as many IRS forms as before. To catch you up on all the forms we’ve added, here’s a bit about all the forms you can e-file at ExpressIRSForms.

Form 1099
The Form 1099 is a classic, used to report when a taxpayer has received income from sources other than a wage-paying job. That means it needs to be filled out by you (the employer) for all of the independent contractors and other non-employees you paid more than $600 to throughout the year for work related to your business.

Depending on how the payee received that moolah is which 1099 form you need to complete. Luckily, ExpressIRSForms supports four of the most commonly used 1099 forms, as well as their correction and transmittal forms:

• Form 1099-MISC, used to report payment for services performed for a business by people who aren’t employees, like subcontractors, renters, or prize recipients
• Form 1099-INT, which summarizes income of at least $10 from interest income
• Form 1099-DIV, used by banks and financial institutions to report dividends and other distributions over $10 received
• Form 1099-R, which reports distributions of retirement benefits over $10

W-2 Forms
For the people you hired as actual employees, we’ve got Form W-2 generation and e-filing. And when you e-file your W-2s with ExpressIRSForms, a digital copy of Form W-3 (the W-2 transmittal form) is automatically sent to the IRS along with your return. And while we try to make sure your return is sent off without any errors, making corrections to rejected W-2s is a breeze through ExpressIRSForms.

Affordable Care Act Forms
One of the biggest changes from ExpressTaxFilings to ExpressIRSForms was the addition of ACA Forms 1094-B, 1094-C, 1095-B, and 1095-C. Starting with the 2015 tax year (which was filed this past tax season), these forms became required to be filed by certain business owners and health insurance providers. ExpressIRSForms was one of the first IRS-authorized e-filing programs to have software capable of filing ACA forms, and we work every day to make sure we stay the best option for it.

Form W-9
Form W-9 isn’t a form you need to file with the IRS, but it is a form you need to complete to be able to complete the forms you need to file with the IRS. Typically when you hire someone, you’ll have them fill out and sign a Form W-9 to have a record of the information you’ll need to fill out their tax information returns each year, whether that’s a 1099, W-2, or ACA form. ExpressIRSForms gives you the ability to handle getting all that information and e-signature through a secure portal within your account. How simple does that sound?

Wanna Know More?
We get it, August isn’t a big time to think about your information returns. Or the upcoming tax season. That’s why we aim to make everything about your information return e-filing easier. So take a minute, check out our site, create an account, give us a call if you have a question. Then, go enjoy the rest of your summer, and come back in January when we’ll have everything ready for you to complete your 2015 return!

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Tax Tips for Summer

Well, we’re halfway through July, and it’s safe to say the heat’s not going anywhere soon. Summer is in full swing, and the last thing on your mind is your taxes. But we’re here to suggest that you set aside an afternoon to take advantage of some of these tax tips for the off-season that could save you time, money, and headaches come next April:

If You Still Owe Taxes
You’ll know if you still owe the IRS a tax payment if they send you a bill by postal mail. If you get a call or email demanding that you owe the IRS money, do not give them any information; it’s probably a scam. If you really do owe the IRS, they’ve provided some ways to help you make your payment:

• Using IRS Direct Pay, which you can access by clicking “Payment” on the IRS website, so you don’t have to worry about mailing payments.
• The IRS also offers payments plans, installment agreements, and offers in compromise, which you can apply for online to help you make your payments.

If You’re in the Military
Did you know that if you’re in the US Armed Forces, special circumstances can apply to your taxes? You could be able to claim a lower tax if certain rules apply to your deductions or credits, and some types of pay may not even be taxable. You’re also eligible for some deadline extensions and other “tax perks” as an appreciation gesture for your service, like:

• Combat pay exclusions,
• Moving expense deductions,
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC),
• Reservists’ travel deductions,
• Uniform deductions,
• ROTC allowances,
• Civilian life deductions,
• and IRS tax help.

If You Get Married
Summer is definitely the time for weddings. And if you get married this summer, there are a few things to take care of before you do your taxes next year. You’ll need to make the IRS aware of any name or address changes, as well as any changes in your tax withholding, health insurance circumstances, filing status, and usual tax form.


Be sure to check back with ExpressIRSForms for more tax and e-filing tips! And if you have a business you need to handle 1099s, W-2s, ACA forms, or W-9s for, we’re your program! Check out www.ExpressIRSForms.com for more info. We’re also available by phone to take your questions, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EDT, at (704) 684-4751.

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#WellnessWednesday: Stress and Your Heart

For the shortest month of the year, February sure has a lot going on: Black History Month, Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, Lunar New Year, Mardis Gras, Galentine’s Day, National Pizza, Margarita, and Banana Bread Days, etc., etc. Needless to say, there’s a lot of love and a fair amount of celebrating to go around this month.

And while I’ll be the first to dive into a pile of pancakes on Fat Tuesday every year, there’s something a little more serious going on in February that we need to talk about. February is National Heart Month, an effort started by the CDC to help Americans become more aware of their heart health.

It could go without saying that a healthy heart is crucial to your overall well-being. And while high, chronic stress levels haven’t been directly linked to heart disease or heart attacks, you can think of it as the first rest stop on a long road trip. It might seem unnecessary to stop and recoup so close to the start of your journey, but down the road, you might run across something that makes you wish you’d stopped.

High blood pressure, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, is a natural part of the “flight or fight” response our bodies have to stressful situations. Having chronic stress can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, over time damaging your artery walls. The exact cause of high blood pressure is unknown, but stress-induced behaviors like binge-eating unhealthy foods, avoiding exercise, and drinking a lot of alcohol are considered contributing factors.

So while you’re thinking of all your other loved ones this month, don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Here are a few ways to keep stress in check this tax season and beyond:

• Talk to your doctor about what a healthy blood pressure is for you, and keep track of it on a regular basis.
• Quit smoking.
• Reduce the sodium in your diet.
• Chill out. When you’re angry, your body releases stress hormones into the bloodstream.
• Meditate. One of the most important parts of meditation is focusing on your breath, which helps to calm the entire body. 
• Use mantras: similar to meditation, mantras can help calm your mind and bring your stress levels down. One of the most effective ones for me (especially in traffic) is, “Nothing others do is because of you.”
• Exercise. The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity at least 5 days a week to help keep your heart healthy and stress levels low.
• Make time for you. Whether it’s a bubble bath, reading a book, doing yoga, or listening to music, be sure to make time each day (even just 10 or 15 minutes) to unwind and focus inward.

And a bonus tip for managing your stress:

• Use ExpressIRSForms to complete your 1099s, W-2s, ACA Forms, and W-9s. Information reporting becomes virtually stress-free when you use our easy-to-navigate program, complete with error checks, bulk uploading, and a customer support team who’s always willing to help. Give us a call Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., at (704) 839-2270 or send us an email anytime at support@expressirsforms.com.

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More on the W-9

The Cinderella story of the December ExpressIRSForms blogs was “E-Sign Form W-9 with ExpressIRSForms.” So since our readers are so interested in this form, we decided why not tell you all a little more about it?

The Process
To have your W-9 forms e-signed by your recipients through ExpressIRSForms is convenient and cost-effective. Simply sign up for your free ExpressIRSForms account, and from your Dashboard click “Request W-9.” Then, enter in all the payer information required (name, EIN, address, contact info) and the name and email address of each of your recipients. Next you’ll send your requests and wait for them to come back to you, completed and e-signed.

When your recipients receive your W-9 request, they’ll have the option to accept it, fill it out, and resubmit it, or reject it. We’ll alert you via email to keep you updated on the status of your requests, and you’ll have the option to choose how often you’d like to be alerted. We’ll either:

• send you an email every time a recipient completes or rejects a W-9 or
• send you an email once a day with a summary of your total, signed, and pending W-9 requests.

So now that we’ve told you a bit about the process, here are a couple of benefits to having your W-9s e-signed...

More Accuracy
Whether you’re filing Form 1099, Form W-2, or ACA forms, or signing a Form W-9, doing so electronically leaves far less room for error. Roughly 10-21% of paper filings are estimated to have common errors, whereas the IRS estimates a 1 in 200 chance for making the same errors when e-filing or e-signing.

E-Signing is FREE with ExpressIRSForms
Need we say more? Not only are you saving on paper and filing cabinet space when you e-sign, you’re saving money too! So what are you waiting for? Give it a try now, while there’s still time to get the information you may still need for your 1099s and W-2s.

And if you need any help, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly, expert support team here in Rock Hill, South Carolina. We offer phone (704-839-2270) and live chat support Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, and 24/7 email support through support@expressirsforms.com.

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The Affordable Care Act Forms Are Here!

We’ve talked and talked and talked about them, and they’re finally here! You can now e-file your Affordable Care Act forms through ExpressIRSForms.com!

And even bigger news (for us anyway): ExpressIRSForms is the first e-filing program to be authorized by the IRS for these forms. Although the deadlines for the ACA forms have been extended, you probably won’t want to procrastinate with these things. So why not go ahead and get started with a company you can trust?

To start filing your Affordable Care Act Forms 1095-B or 1095-C, just go to www.ExpressIRSForms.com. Then, click “Sign In” or “Register” to either log into or create your free account. Once you’re at your Dashboard, click “Start New Form,” then the ACA icon. Our program will take you through whichever form you need to file -- first determining that for you if you need! -- before allowing you to transmit your forms directly to the IRS.

And in addition to the ACA forms, we offer e-filing for Form 1099 and Form W-2, their corrections, and Extension Form 8868, as well as FREE e-signing for Form W-9! So what are you waiting for? Get started filing now!

And if you have any questions along the way, our friendly, US-based customer service is here to help! We’re available by phone and live chat Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST at 1-704-839-2270; and we offer 24/7 email support through support@expressirsforms.com.

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E-Sign Form W-9 With ExpressIRSForms

You may have noticed that ExpressIRSForms now offers e-signing for Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification. Now you may be wondering exactly what Form W-9 is, whether or not you need to file it, or even why we said “e-sign” instead of “e-file.” Well if you’re wondering any of those things, this blog is for you.

Purpose of Form W-9
From W-9 is used by individuals or entities who are required to file an information return (like a W-2 or 1099) with the IRS; the W-9 is used to obtain the correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) needed for the specific return they’re filing. The TIN needed is usually a social security number (SSN), individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), or employer identification number (EIN). By using Form W-9 to obtain a correct TIN, payers can report on an information return the amount paid to each payee (employee, contractor, recipient, etc.) as accurately and smoothly as possible.

Who Needs to File?
Technically, Form W-9 is never filed with the IRS. Instead of providing information to the IRS, it was created to provide information to those filing with the IRS. Anyone who needs to file a W-2, 1099, or other information return but doesn’t have the TIN for the payee for whom the return is filed needs to submit a Form W-9 to that payee. The payee then fills out Form W-9, signs it, and returns it to the payer. The payer (usually an employer) then keeps the W-9 on file to use for filings of future information returns.

E-Signing Form W-9
Form W-9 used to come in a giant stack of paperwork that had to be filled out at the beginning of each job you started, contracted work you began, or investment you made. It still might these days, but there is an electronic alternative many payers are choosing to utilize. One such electronic alternative is ExpressIRSForms. Rather than passing out or mailing paper W-9 forms, you can use ExpressIRSForms to securely email a W-9 to your recipient. Once they’ve filled it out and e-signed it, you’ll be notified by email, and the form will be updated in your ExpressIRSForms account. You can then save a PDF of this form to your computer or print a hard copy for your records.

Form W-9 has joined the growing lineup of forms offered by ExpressIRSForms, which includes 1099s, W-2s, Affordable Care Act Forms, and correction and extension forms. Take a look at ExpressIRSForms.com today to see how we can help you in the upcoming filing season! And if you need any help along the way, we’re available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST by phone at (704) 839-2270 or by live chat through our website. We also provide 24/7 customer service through email at support@expressirsforms.com.

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