What is the difference between a W-2, W-3, W-4, W-8 and W-9?

  • Posted on Oct 8, 2017

Often the group of W forms at the IRS can be confusing to some to keep track of what is what. The most popular forms in the employment industry which are; W-2, W-3, W-4, W-8 and W-9.

If you have worked as an employee you may be most familiar with a W-4 form. This is a new hire form for employees to fill out which provides their name, address and filing exemptions with the IRS, so an employer can withhold the correct federal income tax from your pay (example single and 1). W-4 IRS Form

A W-2 form is what you get at the end of the year to file your taxes with. This states how much you made throughout the year and any taxes that you may have paid. This form is generally filed by your employer or payroll company. W-2 IRS Form

A W-3 form is a summary report of all the W-2’s filed for the year.

A W-8 form is the least popular. It is for international hires that don’t reside in the United States to state their Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting. W-8 IRS Form

A W-9 form is for Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification for independent contractor (subcontractor) hires, which gathers their name, address and federal tax ID number or social security number. W-9 IRS Form

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