Client asked for W9

[#1]

Hi there. One of my Upwork clients just wrote to me and asked me for my W9. No clients has ever done this before. I'm pretty sure she doesn't need it, correct? If that's true, she will probably want an explanation why she doesn't need it. Is there some link or something here on Upwork explaining it? I'd like to have something I could just forward to her.

Thanks,
Farrah

[#2]

If you are living in the USA, then you have to submit a w9 form to IRS. Form W-9 is a commonly used IRS form for providing necessary information to a person or company that will be making payments to another person or company. One of the most common situations is when someone works as an independent contractor for a business.

[#3]

Yes, I am in the US (as is my client) and am generally familiar with the W9, but I am asking specifically about it in reference to my work on Upwork. 

[#4]

I'm not sure you're required as you provided one to Upwork. 

There is this thread https://community.upwork.com/t5/Freelancers/w9/m-p/474136#M289371

[#5]

Hi Farrah, 

Here's a link regarding tax information https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211067918-Tax-Requirements, with a section specifically spelling out that Upwork, rather than the client, is responsible for reporting freelancer payment info to the IRS.