How do I complete the W-9 form?

Please refer to the IRS Instructions for Form W-9 for use in conjunction with the instructions below. 

Shareworks does not provide tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor about your particular circumstances.

What is Form W-9?

An individual uses a Form W-9 to provide his or her taxpayer identification number to Shareworks. Shareworks does not send this Form W-9 to the IRS.

Shareworks uses a substitute Form W-9 that contains all of the relevant information required by the IRS.  The instructions in this document refer to the Shareworks substitute Form W-9. 

Detailed Instructions

Personal Information – Verification

• Verify that the information in this section is correct.
  • It has been completed based on information in your Shareworks account. The name listed should be the same as shown on your U.S. federal income tax return.
  • The home address is editable except for the country field. If you need to update any information in this section, contact your HR department.

• Exemption from FATCA Reporting Code (if any). Generally, this section is not applicable for individuals.
  • • Leave this blank unless you meet one of the IRS’s exemptions.
    • A list of exemptions and the corresponding codes can be found at this link; please see information under Line 4, Exemptions.

 Part I: Taxpayer Identification Number - MANDATORY

• Individuals - Enter your U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
  • For individuals, this is generally your social security number (SSN).
  • If you do not have a U.S TIN contact your HR department.
• If you are a non-resident alien, do not complete the Form W-9. Instead, complete Form W-8BEN.  Contact your HR department.

 Part II: Certification – MANDATORY

• You are certifying that the information on the Form W-9 is correct.
• Item 2 applies checkbox.
  • This has been pre-checked to indicate that you are not subject to backup withholding because at least one of these statements is true. That you:
    1. are exempt from backup withholding or
    2. have not been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding or
    3. have been notified by the IRS that you are NO LONGER subject to backup withholding.
  • If any one of these three statements is true, leave the check in the box.
  • If none of these three statements are true, uncheck the box and contact your HR department.
  • NOTE: You must uncheck “Item 2 applies” if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return.
• Certification Instructions – Agree to Certification Box.
  • Check the box if you agree with all the information on the form.
  • Fill in your name and date the form.
  • Select the Save button at the bottom to save and submit a copy of the Form W-9.

As an employee, it is your responsibility to understand all tax implications that impact your equity and/or share purchase holdings.