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:
- Using the wrong Tax Identification Number (TIN)
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.
- 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.
- 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.