Our payment system interfaces with the IRS to validate your tax form. We must validate your tax details with the IRS to send you payments.
While we're not tax professionals, we've noticed several common mistakes that can keep your tax form from validating. If your form isn't validated or you're getting an error in the dashboard, check for these common mistakes:
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Using the wrong Tax Identification Number (TIN): Our payment system verifies your tax form with an IRS electronic verification system, so it's pretty sensitive how you enter that information. If you file your taxes as an Individual, you may need to use your Social Security Number as your TIN in the SSN field on your W-9 form.
If you file your taxes as a business (such as an S-Corporation), you'll likely want to use your Employer Identification Number (EIN) as your TIN in the EIN field.
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Using the wrong name/business name
If you file taxes as a business, you may need to use your business name on line 1 of your W-9 rather than a personal name.
We've seen when a business name is used on line 1 of the form, it's looking for an EIN to validate. When a personal name is used on line 1, it looks for an SSN to validate.
If you move your business name to line 1 and leave line 2 blank, that usually does the trick, but you may want to check in with a tax professional to be sure of the right way to fill out your tax form.
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Look for "name control" on your original EIN documentation: We've seen several instances where creators are assigned an alternative business name to use only on electronic tax forms. If you know you're submitting the correct EIN on your tax form, but the form comes back invalidated, look for this on your original EIN documentation:
If your document gives you a "name control" (usually a short series of letters, as seen in the photo above), you'll need to use that in place of your full business name on your tax form. This should resolve the issue.
- Recently issued EIN: If you were recently issued your EIN by the IRS, you may be getting an error. That's because the new EIN may not be updated in the IRS digital verification system. If you think that may be the case, please try again in a few weeks and put your old tax form on file with us so you do not miss future payments.