This article will guide merchants and partners through why Authorize.net is requesting or needing a W-9 or SS-4.

Who does Authorize.net request W-9 or SS-4 from?

Authorize.net does not issue 1099 forms for Payment Gateway merchants. Merchants who only use Authorize.net for their payment gateway should contact their Merchant Service Provider (MSP) to obtain the 1099 form for their Merchant Account for Credit Card processing.

Every year in October (and reminder in November and December) Authorize.net will request merchants and resellers/partners to make sure they updated or provide updated tax information in preparation of tax reporting at the end of January:

• This request and reminder will be sent out to the appropriate merchants and resellers/partners, including:
  • Partners (resellers of Authorize.net)
  • eCheck Merchants and users
  • All-in-one Merchants (merchants who use Authoriz.net for their payment gateway, eCheck and merchant account)
• As part of this request Authorize.net requires updated information for reporting to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and may request updated W-9 or SS-4 documentation to ensure accuracy. This helps prevent any holds on funds or penalties from the IRS.

For information on 1099, please see: 1099 tax forms and when does Authorize.net provide them?

Follow the steps below to update your business and tax information:

1. Visit the IRS website to download and complete the form W-9. You can also directly access the form here.
2. Submit Tax ID Update Form:
   1. For Merchants: download and complete the Merchant Tax ID Update form.
   2. For Partners: download and complete the Partner Tax ID Update form.
3. Submit a Support Case to Authorize.net with the two completed forms. For information on submitting a support case, see:
   1. Merchant Support Cases FAQ
   2. Partner Support Cases FAQ

Merchant Account Updates

You may also need to contact your Merchant Service Provider (MSP) to update your address and business information or tax information and forms. For more information on who your MSP, see support article: What is and who is a merchant service provider (MSP)?