Completing a W-9 form for your LLC can be a little tricky. That’s because LLCs were set up to be very flexible entities.
For starters, LLCs can elect to be treated as a Corporation by “checking a box” on a Form 8832 Or, an LLC can elect to be treated as an S-Corporation simply by filing a Form 2553 with the IRS.
For LLCs electing to be treated as a corporation:
Put the name of the LLC on line 1, the business name if different on line 2, check the box next to where it says Limited Liability Company, and then write is a C for a C-Corporation or an S for an S-Corporation, at the end of the row. You will also enter the address as requested and the EIN in the middle of the form.
For LLCs with more than one owner that have not elected to be treated as a corporation:
If there is more than one owner, the LLC will be treated as a partnership. Put the name of the LLC on line 1, the business name if different on line 2, and check the box next to where it says Limited Liability Company, and write in the letter P at the end of the row . You need to also enter the address as requested, and the Employer Identification Number in the middle of the form.
For LLCs with one owner that have not elected to be treated as a corporation:
These LLCs are treated as “Disregarded Entities” for tax purposes, and are essentially sole proprietors. For these LLCs, put the owner’s name on line 1, the name of the LLC and/or the business name if different on line 2, the address where requested, and then put either your social security number or EIN obtained for the LLC in the middle of the form. You should also not check the Limited Liability Company” box; and instead, check the first box in line 3 “Individual/sole proprietor or single-member LLC”.
Please watch our 2-minute recorded presentation on this topic available at: https://youtu.be/Qzlk-chZYjk.