Taxes Q & A- Do businesses have to obtain the

Do businesses have to obtain the taxpayer identification number (TIN) from vendors and keep it somewhere on file?

In general, businesses are required to obtain the TIN from vendors if they are required to file any return, document or other statement that calls for the taxpayer identification numbers (TINs) of other taxpayers. Form W-9 (PDF), Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, can be used to make the request. The business should also maintain the verification of these numbers in their records.

References:

Form W-9 (PDF), Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

Form 1099 General Instructions

Source: www.irs.gov