Is it okay to fax or email a W-9, or does the requester need a hard copy?

Answer by  notorious (249)

I think the IRS technically only requires a completed W-9 so fax and scanned-emailed copies of completed W-9s are OK, but a requester might want to play it safe and require it in hard copy.

Answer by  jb7000 (96)

It is fine to fax or email a W-9 to a requester if they are okay with it. Do keep in mind, however, the security risks associated with electronic methods; a hard copy may be the safer option.

Answer by  Kristine (145)

A w-9 can be mailed or faxed as long as the sender has a hard copy available on request by the IRS

Answer by  working (311)

While there are no laws to prevent the electronic sending of a W-9 you are required to send and be reasonably assured the W9 was in fact received.

Answer by  DonnaW (50)

A W-9 must be signed by the employee. After it has been signed, it can be faxed or emailed to the employer. However, email is not a secure transmission method.