Landlord W-9 form requirements: when tenants request one

Last updated 2026-07-24

When does a tenant need a W-9 form from their landlord?

A tenant requests a W-9 when they plan to deduct rent as a business expense on their federal tax return. The most common scenario is a renter who works from home and claims the home office deduction, which requires them to report rent payments to the IRS ^[1]. If those payments total $600 or more in a calendar year and the tenant is self-employed or operating a business, they must file Form 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC with the IRS, which requires your taxpayer information ^[2]. Less common but valid reasons include tenants who rent property for short-term business use, consultants who expense their housing, or renters who sublease a portion of the unit and need to track landlord payments. In all cases, the $600 annual threshold triggers the 1099 reporting requirement under IRS rules ^[2]. You'll know the request is legitimate if the tenant explains they're claiming a business deduction or if they send you IRS Form W-9 to complete. The form itself is two pages, asking for your name, business structure (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation), address, and either your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number ^[3]. It's a standard IRS document, not something the tenant creates.

What is a W-9 form and what information does it require?

Form W-9, officially titled "Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification," is an IRS document that collects the information someone needs to report payments they made to you ^[3]. It's not filed with the IRS; instead, the person requesting it (your tenant) keeps it in their records and uses the data to prepare a 1099 form at year-end. The landlord fills out four key fields. Line 1 asks for your name as shown on your tax return: if you own rental property as an individual, that's your personal legal name; if you own it through an LLC, it's the LLC's registered name. Line 2 requests your business name or "disregarded entity" name if it differs from Line 1 (many single-member LLCs operate under a trade name but file taxes under the owner's SSN). Line 3 wants your federal tax classification: individual/sole proprietor, C corporation, S corporation, partnership, trust, or LLC (with a box to specify how the LLC is taxed). Lines 5-6 collect your street address, city, state, and ZIP ^[3]. Part I, the TIN section, is where you provide either your Social Security Number or your Employer Identification Number. If you're a sole proprietor without an EIN, you'll use your SSN; most landlords with multiple properties or LLC structures use an EIN to keep rental income separate from personal finances ^[4]. Part II is a certification under penalty of perjury that the TIN is correct and that you're not subject to backup withholding. You sign and date at the bottom. The form includes instructions for backup withholding rules, which apply if you provide an incorrect TIN or if the IRS has notified you that you're subject to backup withholding due to underreported income. For most landlords, this section is informational; you certify that neither condition applies.

Are landlords legally required to provide a W-9 to tenants?

Yes, under IRS regulations. When someone who is required to file an information return (like a 1099) requests a W-9, you must provide a correct TIN ^[2]. The IRS doesn't distinguish between business vendors and landlords in this context: if you receive payments that trigger the recipient's reporting obligation, you're required to furnish your taxpayer identification. The penalty for refusing is backup withholding. If you don't provide a W-9 or if the TIN you provide is incorrect, the tenant (or any payer) must withhold 24% of each rent payment and send it directly to the IRS ^[5]. For example, on $1,200 monthly rent, the tenant would send you $912 and remit $288 to the IRS. That withheld amount is credited against your tax liability when you file your return, but it creates an immediate cash-flow problem and administrative hassle. There's no federal law that says "landlords must give tenants a W-9 on demand," but the consequence of refusal is the same as refusal: you lose 24% of your rent. Most landlords find it easier to complete the form. The tenant has no access to your tax return or bank account; they only receive the identification information you'd report on your Schedule E anyway. One exception: if the tenant is not actually claiming a business deduction and has no 1099 filing obligation, you're not required to provide the form. A residential tenant who uses the unit purely for personal housing has no reason to request a W-9, and you can ask why they need it. If they can't articulate a valid reporting purpose, you can decline. But if they're legitimate (home office, business use), the law is on their side.

How do you fill out and submit a W-9 as a landlord?

Download the current-year Form W-9 from the IRS website ^[3]. Don't rely on a years-old version; the IRS updates the form periodically, and using an outdated one can cause rejection. Start with Line 1: write the name that matches your tax return. If you're John Smith filing a Schedule E as an individual, write "John Smith." If your rental property is owned by Smith Properties LLC and you file as a single-member LLC (disregarded entity), the IRS wants your name, not the LLC's, on Line 1. But if the LLC files its own tax return (multi-member LLC or LLC electing corporate treatment), the LLC's legal name goes on Line 1 ^[3]. Line 2 is for business or "doing business as" names. If you operate as "Smith Rentals" but file under your SSN, put "Smith Rentals" here. If Line 1 already shows your business name (because your LLC files its own return), leave Line 2 blank. Line 3 asks you to check a box for your tax classification. Most individual landlords check "Individual/sole proprietor." If you have an LLC, check "Limited liability company" and fill in the second part: is it treated as a C corporation, S corporation, or partnership? Single-member LLCs that don't elect corporate treatment check the LLC box and write "S" for single-member disregarded entity ^[4]. Lines 4 and 7 ask for exemptions (backup withholding and FATCA); nearly all domestic landlords leave these blank. Lines 5 and 6 are your street address and city/state/ZIP, matching your tax filing address. Part I: write your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number in the appropriate box. If you have an EIN for your rental business, use it. If you don't, your SSN is acceptable, though many landlords prefer to obtain an EIN (a free online process through the IRS) to avoid sharing their SSN with tenants ^[6]. Part II: read the three bullet points. If none apply to you (you have a correct TIN, you're not subject to backup withholding, and you're a U.S. person), sign and date the form. Hand the completed W-9 to the tenant or send it by email as a PDF. You don't file it with the IRS. The tenant keeps it for their records and uses the information to prepare your 1099 at year-end. Make a copy for your own files in case of an IRS audit; the W-9 shows you complied with the request. If you're uncertain about your tax classification or whether to use an SSN or EIN, consult a CPA before completing the form. We're not a law firm or tax advisor, and this isn't legal or tax advice.

Why would a tenant issue a 1099 form to a landlord?

A tenant issues a 1099 when they're required to report rent payments as a business expense. The IRS mandates that anyone who pays $600 or more in a year for services or rent in the course of a trade or business must file Form 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC with the IRS and send a copy to the recipient ^[2]. The home office deduction is the most common driver. Self-employed individuals and small business owners can deduct the business-use percentage of their rent if they maintain a home office that is their principal place of business ^[1]. For example, a freelance consultant who uses 20% of a $1,500/month apartment exclusively for business can deduct $3,600 of the $18,000 annual rent. The IRS requires them to report that $18,000 payment to you via Form 1099-MISC, Box 1 (Rents) ^[2]. Other scenarios include tenants who sublease part of the property for business purposes, short-term rentals used for business travel, or any situation where the tenant's business pays the rent and takes a deduction. The key is that the payment must be made in the course of a trade or business, not for personal use. A W-2 employee who has a home office but takes the standard deduction has no 1099 filing obligation. The 1099 doesn't change your tax liability. You already owe income tax on rental income whether or not the tenant files a 1099. What the form does is create an IRS record of the payment, which the agency uses to cross-check your Schedule E. If you receive a 1099 showing $18,000 in rent but your Schedule E reports only $12,000, the IRS will send a notice asking about the discrepancy. For this reason, many landlords appreciate the 1099: it keeps everyone honest and reduces audit risk.

What happens if you refuse to provide a W-9 to your tenant?

The tenant must start backup withholding at 24% of each rent payment and remit it to the IRS ^[5]. This isn't optional; IRS regulations require anyone making reportable payments to withhold if the payee (you) doesn't furnish a TIN or furnishes an incorrect one ^[5]. Here's how it works. Your rent is $1,500/month, or $18,000/year. The tenant requests a W-9 in January. You ignore the request. Starting with the next payment, the tenant withholds $360 per month ($1,500 × 0.24) and sends you $1,140. The tenant deposits the $360 into an IRS account using Form 945, Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income Tax ^[5]. At year-end, the tenant files Form 1099-MISC showing $18,000 in rent and $4,320 in backup withholding. When you file your tax return, you report the full $18,000 as rental income on Schedule E. The $4,320 withheld appears as a credit on Form 1040, reducing your tax bill. If you owe less than $4,320 in total tax, the IRS refunds the difference. If you owe more, the withholding covers part of it. The cash-flow impact is immediate and painful. Losing 24% of your rent every month because you didn't spend 10 minutes filling out a form makes no financial sense. Backup withholding continues until you provide a correct W-9 ^[5]. A second consequence is tenant frustration. A tenant who's trying to comply with IRS rules and can't get a simple form from their landlord may decide not to renew the lease. You're not breaking the lease by refusing the W-9, but you're making life harder for someone who's paying you on time every month. There's no valid reason to refuse a W-9 if the tenant has a legitimate reporting need. Some landlords worry about identity theft or privacy, but the W-9 contains no more information than the tenant already has (your name and address) plus a TIN, which the IRS requires for reporting. If privacy is a concern, obtain an EIN ^[6] and use that instead of your SSN. The application is free and takes five minutes online.

Do landlords need to provide a W-9 for every tenant?

No. Most residential tenants never ask for a W-9 because they're not claiming a business deduction. The form is only necessary when the tenant has a 1099 filing obligation, which requires two conditions: the payments total $600 or more per year, and the payments are made in the course of a trade or business ^[2]. A family renting a house for personal use doesn't meet the second condition. They can't deduct rent as a personal expense, so they have no reason to file a 1099, and you have no obligation to provide a W-9. Similarly, a W-2 employee who doesn't claim the home office deduction has no filing requirement. You provide the form only when asked, and only when the request is tied to a valid business use. If a tenant says "I work from home and need your W-9 for my CPA," that's legitimate. If a tenant says "I just like having it on file," you can ask what their reporting purpose is. No reporting purpose means no legal obligation on your part. One gray area is corporate tenants. If a company rents an apartment for a relocating employee, the company may request a W-9 and issue a 1099. This is common in corporate housing. The company treats the rent as a business expense, so the 1099 requirement applies. You should provide the form. Another scenario is short-term rentals. If you rent a property on Airbnb or VRBO and a guest stays for a business trip, the guest's employer might request a W-9 for reimbursement purposes. This is rare in practice; most short-term rental income is reported by the platform (Airbnb issues you a 1099-K if your gross bookings exceed $5,000 ^[7]), and individual guests don't file 1099s. But if a corporate traveler asks, it's a valid request. Bottom line: you're not required to proactively send a W-9 to every tenant on move-in day. You respond to requests when they come, and you evaluate whether the request is tied to a legitimate IRS reporting need.

How does providing a W-9 affect your taxes as a landlord?

It doesn't. The W-9 itself isn't filed with the IRS and doesn't create a tax event. What changes is that your tenant will file a Form 1099 at year-end, which creates an IRS record of the rent you received ^[2]. You already owe income tax on rental income. IRS Publication 527, Residential Rental Property, requires landlords to report all rent received on Schedule E, whether or not a 1099 is issued . The 1099 simply gives the IRS a way to verify that you reported the income. If your Schedule E shows $18,000 in rent and the IRS has a 1099 showing the same, there's no discrepancy. If your Schedule E shows $12,000 but a 1099 shows $18,000, you'll receive an IRS notice asking you to explain the difference or amend your return. Some landlords worry that a 1099 will trigger an audit. It won't, by itself. The IRS matches 1099s to tax returns using an automated system ^[2]. If the income you report matches the 1099, the system flags no issue. If there's a mismatch, you'll get a computer-generated notice (CP2000) proposing additional tax, but it's not a full audit; you respond with documentation showing why the numbers differ (for example, you received $18,000 but $2,000 was a security deposit, not income). One planning benefit: if you know a tenant will issue a 1099, you have extra motivation to document every deductible expense. The IRS already has your income number, so you want to make sure your expense deductions are clean. Keep receipts for repairs, property management fees, insurance, utilities, and depreciation. If you use RentalPermitPath's rental packet service to prepare for city inspections, those compliance costs (inspector fees, minor repairs) are deductible expenses that reduce your net rental income . Another consideration: if you receive a 1099 but didn't provide a W-9, the payer may have used an incorrect TIN. The IRS will send you a B-notice asking you to correct your TIN on file with the payer ^[5]. Respond immediately with the correct information to avoid backup withholding on future payments.

Can you use an EIN instead of your Social Security Number on a W-9?

Yes, and many landlords prefer this for privacy. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to businesses and entities for tax purposes ^[6]. It functions like a Social Security Number but is specific to your rental business, and it's public information (anyone can look it up if they know your business name). You can obtain an EIN even if you're a sole proprietor with no employees. The IRS offers a free online application at IRS.gov ^[6]. The process takes about 10 minutes: you enter your legal name, business name (if any), reason for applying ("banking purposes" or "started new business" both work for landlords), and your SSN (required to verify your identity). The IRS issues the EIN immediately upon completion. You'll receive a confirmation letter (CP 575) by mail within a few weeks, but you can use the EIN right away. Once you have an EIN, you can provide it on the W-9 instead of your SSN. The tenant files the 1099 using your EIN, and the IRS links the 1099 to your tax return via your business records. There's no functional difference in tax treatment; you still report rental income on Schedule E and file under your SSN (or your LLC's EIN if the LLC files its own return). The advantage is that your SSN isn't sitting in a tenant's file or on a 1099 form that could be lost or stolen. One technical note: if you're a single-member LLC that's disregarded for tax purposes (you don't elect corporate treatment), the IRS wants your personal name and SSN on the W-9, not the LLC's name and EIN, unless you've applied for an EIN specifically for the LLC ^[4]. In that case, you can use the LLC's EIN, but you still file taxes under your SSN; the LLC's EIN is just for reporting purposes. If this is confusing, a CPA can walk you through your specific structure. Applying for an EIN has no downside. It's free, it doesn't trigger any new tax filings (you don't need to file a separate business return unless your entity type requires it), and it gives you a layer of privacy protection. If you own multiple rental properties or plan to in the future, an EIN is worth the 10-minute investment.

What other tax forms do landlords need to know about?

Schedule E (Form 1040) is the big one. Every landlord who owns rental property files Schedule E to report rental income and expenses . You list the property address, the number of days it was rented, total rents received, and line-by-line expenses (mortgage interest, repairs, insurance, property taxes, utilities, depreciation). The net income or loss flows to your Form 1040, Line 5, and combines with your other income to determine your total tax. Form 1099-MISC goes to service providers you pay $600 or more in a year ^[2]. If you hire a property manager, handyman, snow removal service, or any other non-corporate contractor, you must issue them a 1099 by January 31. To do that, you need a W-9 from them. This is the mirror image of the tenant scenario: you're the payer, they're the recipient. Corporations are exempt (you don't issue a 1099 to a corporation), but sole proprietors and LLCs are not ^[2]. Form 1099-K is issued by payment platforms like Venmo, PayPal, or property management software if you receive more than $5,000 in total payments through the platform in a year ^[7]. Starting in 2024, the threshold was supposed to drop to $600, but the IRS delayed enforcement ^[7]. If you receive a 1099-K, the income is already reported to the IRS, so make sure it matches your Schedule E. Form 1098 (Mortgage Interest Statement) comes from your lender if you paid $600 or more in mortgage interest during the year. You deduct this on Schedule E, Line 12 . If you don't receive a 1098, you can still deduct the interest; check your loan statements for the total paid. Form 4562 (Depreciation and Amortization) is required if you place rental property in service during the year or if you're claiming any special depreciation (bonus depreciation, Section 179) . Residential rental property depreciates over 27.5 years; you deduct 1/27.5 of the property's cost basis each year. Most landlords use tax software or a CPA to calculate this. Form 8825 is used by partnerships and S corporations to report rental income; individual landlords use Schedule E instead . If you own rental property through a multi-member LLC or partnership, the entity files Form 8825 and issues you a Schedule K-1 showing your share of income or loss. State forms vary. Most states require you to report rental income on a state return and pay state income tax. Some cities (New York City, Portland, San Francisco) have additional rental registration or business license taxes that require separate filings. Confirm requirements with your city rental licensing office or your CPA.

How do W-9 requirements intersect with landlord licensing and inspections?

They don't, directly. A W-9 is a federal tax document; rental licensing and inspections are local regulatory requirements. No city asks for a copy of your W-9 as part of the licensing process, and providing one to a tenant has no effect on your inspection schedule or permit status. But there's an indirect connection. If you're operating rental properties in a city with mandatory registration, you're paying fees (application fees, inspection fees, annual renewal fees), and those are deductible business expenses on Schedule E . If a tenant issues you a 1099, the IRS knows your rental income; deducting every dollar of expense makes sure you're only taxed on net profit. For example, suppose you own two units in a city that requires rental licenses and charges a $150 application fee per unit plus a $75 annual renewal. That's $450 in the first year ($300 application + $150 renewal). You also pay $200 for a pre-inspection tune-up (fixing a GFCI outlet, replacing smoke detector batteries, patching a hole in drywall). All $650 is deductible on Schedule E, Line 11 (Repairs) or Line 16 (Other expenses, labeled "Licensing and compliance") . If you're in the 22% federal tax bracket, that saves you $143 in tax. If you're using a service like RentalPermitPath to organize your city-specific inspection checklist and documentation, the $79 fee is also a deductible business expense. We're not a law firm and don't provide legal advice, but we've helped landlords in mandatory licensing cities prepare for inspections by clarifying what the city will look for and what documents to have ready. The cost goes on Schedule E, Line 16, under "Professional services" or "Compliance software." Some landlords discover W-9 requests coincide with licensing deadlines. A tenant who works from home becomes aware of their 1099 obligation when they meet with a CPA in December, and they send you a W-9 request right as you're dealing with a city inspection notice. Both are time-sensitive compliance tasks, but they're separate: give the tenant the W-9, fix the inspection items, and document both sets of costs for your tax return. One other overlap: if you hire contractors to prepare for an inspection (an electrician to add GFCI protection, a plumber to fix a dripping faucet), and you pay any of them $600 or more in a year, you'll need a W-9 from them so you can issue a 1099 ^[2]. This is common with property managers or general contractors who handle multiple units. Get the W-9 before you pay them; it's harder to chase down a W-9 from someone after they've finished the job.

Frequently asked questions

How to become a landlord?

Buy rental property, ensure it meets local habitability standards, register with your city if required (many municipalities mandate rental licensing), and advertise for tenants. You'll need a written lease, liability insurance, and an understanding of federal fair housing laws and state landlord-tenant statutes. If you're new to landlording, consult a local attorney to review your lease and a CPA to set up accounting. Many cities require inspections and permits before you can legally rent; confirm requirements early.

Who is responsible for rental property walk-through inspection in California?

The landlord is responsible for providing a move-in inspection checklist under California Civil Code Section 1950.5. Both landlord and tenant should walk through the unit together, documenting existing damage or wear. The tenant receives a copy within three weeks of move-in and can note disagreements. At move-out, the landlord performs another inspection and must return the security deposit (less lawful deductions) within 21 days. Many California cities also require periodic city inspections; the landlord schedules and attends those.

What is landlording?

Landlording is the business of owning and managing rental property for profit. It includes finding tenants, collecting rent, maintaining the property, complying with housing codes and local licensing requirements, and handling lease enforcement or evictions. Landlords report income and expenses on IRS Schedule E and must follow federal fair housing laws, state landlord-tenant statutes, and city inspection or registration ordinances. Many landlords self-manage; others hire property managers to handle day-to-day operations.

What is a landlord?

A landlord is a person or entity that owns rental property and leases it to tenants in exchange for rent. The landlord has legal duties: maintain habitable conditions, honor the lease, follow eviction procedures, and comply with federal, state, and local housing laws. Landlords can be individuals, LLCs, corporations, or partnerships. In cities with rental licensing, the landlord (or the property owner) must register with the city and pass periodic inspections to maintain the legal right to rent.

What rights do tenants have without a lease?

Tenants without a written lease still have legal protections under state landlord-tenant law. In most states, paying rent creates a month-to-month tenancy with the same habitability, quiet enjoyment, and eviction protections as a written lease. The landlord must follow state-mandated notice periods for rent increases or termination (often 30 or 60 days). Without a lease, disputes over terms (pet policy, late fees) are harder to resolve, but the tenant isn't "at-will" and can't be removed without proper notice and cause.

How to be a landlord?

Start with a compliant written lease, screen tenants using legal criteria (income, rental history, credit), and set up accounting to track rent and expenses. Register your property with the city if required (many have mandatory rental licensing). Obtain landlord insurance (liability and property coverage). Learn your state's landlord-tenant law: security deposit limits, notice requirements, eviction process. Keep the property habitable: working heat, plumbing, electric, and structural safety. Respond to repair requests promptly. File Schedule E with your federal tax return annually.

Why do landlords require renters insurance?

Renters insurance protects the tenant's personal belongings and provides liability coverage if the tenant causes damage or injury. Landlord insurance covers the building but not the tenant's furniture, electronics, or clothing. If a tenant's negligence (unattended candle, overflowing bathtub) damages the unit or neighboring units, the tenant's liability policy pays for repairs, sparing the landlord a lawsuit. Requiring renters insurance is legal in all states and common practice; policies cost $15 to $30/month and protect both parties.

How much notice does a landlord have to give?

It depends on the reason and state law. To terminate a month-to-month tenancy without cause, most states require 30 or 60 days' written notice (California requires 60 days if the tenant has lived there a year or more). For rent increases, notice periods vary: 30 days is common, but some cities require 60 or 90 days. For lease violations (nonpayment, lease breach), notice can be as short as 3 to 5 days for nonpayment or 10 to 30 days for other breaches. Evictions require a court process after notice expires.

What can a landlord look at during an inspection?

During a routine landlord inspection, you can look at anything that affects the property's condition: walls, floors, plumbing fixtures, appliances, smoke detectors, windows, HVAC systems, and signs of pest infestation or unauthorized alterations. You can check for lease violations (unauthorized occupants, pets, smoking). You can't search the tenant's personal belongings, open drawers or closets unless checking for property damage, or inspect more often than the lease allows (typically quarterly or semi-annually). Give proper notice (24 hours in most states) and inspect during reasonable hours.

What a landlord cannot do in Ohio?

Ohio landlords cannot retaliate against a tenant for reporting code violations, cannot shut off utilities to force a tenant out, and cannot enter without reasonable notice except in emergencies (Ohio Revised Code 5321.04 and 5321.05). They cannot keep a security deposit without itemizing deductions in writing within 30 days of move-out. They cannot evict without a court order; self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings) are illegal. Landlords must maintain habitable conditions: heat, water, structural safety. Discrimination based on protected classes is prohibited under federal and Ohio fair housing laws.

Do I need to provide a W-9 if my tenant just asks for it but doesn't explain why?

You can ask the tenant why they need it. If they're claiming a business deduction (home office, for example), they have a legitimate IRS reporting requirement and you should provide the form. If they can't explain a reporting purpose or they're using the property purely for personal housing, there's no legal obligation. Most tenants who request a W-9 are working with a CPA and know why they need it. If you're unsure, provide the form; refusing risks 24% backup withholding on your rent.

Can I give my tenant a W-9 that's a few years old?

No. The IRS updates Form W-9 periodically and instructs requesters to reject outdated forms. Use the current-year version available at IRS.gov. An old form may have an outdated TIN certification or missing fields, which can cause the tenant's 1099 filing to be rejected. Downloading and completing the current form takes less than 10 minutes and ensures the tenant has what they need to file correctly.

What if I own rental property in an LLC, whose name and TIN go on the W-9?

If the LLC files its own tax return (multi-member LLC or LLC electing S-corp or C-corp treatment), put the LLC's name on Line 1 and the LLC's EIN on the TIN line. If the LLC is a single-member disregarded entity (you file taxes on your personal return), the IRS technically wants your name on Line 1 and your SSN on the TIN line, but you can put the LLC's name on Line 2 and use the LLC's EIN if you've obtained one. Check IRS Instructions for Form W-9 or ask your CPA to confirm your specific structure.

Will providing a W-9 increase my chances of an IRS audit?

No. The W-9 itself is not filed with the IRS. The tenant files a 1099, which the IRS matches to your tax return. If your reported rental income matches the 1099, there's no flag. If there's a mismatch, you'll receive an automated notice asking for clarification, which is not a full audit. Most landlords already report rental income on Schedule E; the 1099 just confirms the income was reported. Refusing to provide a W-9 doesn't protect you from the IRS; it triggers backup withholding and creates more hassle.

Sources

1. IRS Publication 587, Business Use of Your Home: Self-employed individuals can deduct the business-use percentage of home expenses, including rent, if they maintain a qualified home office.
2. IRS Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification: Form W-9 collects the payee's name, business structure, address, and Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN or EIN) for information reporting.
3. IRS Instructions for Form W-9: Single-member LLCs that are disregarded entities should provide the owner's name and SSN, or the LLC's name and EIN if one has been obtained; multi-member LLCs provide the LLC's name and EIN.
4. IRS Topic No. 307, Backup Withholding: If a payee does not provide a correct TIN, the payer must withhold 24% of the payment and remit it to the IRS as backup withholding.
5. IRS, How to Apply for an EIN: Businesses and individuals can apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) online for free; the number is issued immediately upon application.
6. IRS, Form 1099-K Reporting Thresholds: Payment platforms must issue Form 1099-K if gross payments exceed $5,000 (threshold as of 2024 enforcement guidance); the $600 threshold was delayed.
7. IRS Publication 527, Residential Rental Property: Landlords report rental income and expenses on Schedule E (Form 1040); deductible expenses include repairs, insurance, property taxes, mortgage interest, and depreciation.