Should my W-9 have my Social Security number or my LLC's EIN?
Short answer
If your LLC is taxed as an S-Corp, your W-9 uses the business name and its EIN. If it's a single-member LLC taxed as a sole proprietor, the IRS instructions say to put your own name on line 1, the LLC's name on line 2, and your Social Security number or personal EIN, not the LLC's EIN.
Otavio Mayole, Co-founder, DeCypher FinancialsUpdated
Why it matters: brands, networks and platforms send your 1099 using whatever is on your W-9. If the name and number don't match IRS records, you can get IRS notices or even have tax withheld from your payments.
How to fill it out:
| Your setup | Line 1 | Line 2 | Tax classification | Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-member LLC, not an S-Corp | Your legal name | Your LLC's name | Individual/sole proprietor or single-member LLC | Your SSN, or an EIN issued to you as owner |
| LLC taxed as an S-Corp | Your LLC's name | Leave blank unless you use a DBA | S corporation | Your LLC's EIN |
The moment that matters most: when your S-Corp election is approved, send a new W-9 to every brand, network and platform that pays you. If income keeps going to your Social Security number, it won't land in the S-Corp, and the savings you elected for don't happen.
Don't forget the platforms. YouTube, TikTok, PayPal and similar sites keep their own tax info, so update it there too.