Do I check the box on my W-9 form that says "Exempt from backup witholding"?

All the box says is "Exempt from backup witholding". I do NOT owe the IRS money. So do I check it or not?

Public Comments

1. no, not unless you have a special tax exempt status. most people do not.
2. No, no, no. (Folks, he's asking about a W-9, not a W-4.) The box on the W-9 is for people who screw up and don't file their taxes (or leave off a lot of income) so the IRS has started telling their banks to withhold 28% from all payments and send in as mandatory withholding. The taxpayer gets a lot of mail when this happens. If you file regularly and include all your income, this doesn't apply to you!
3. vb is correct, the IRS would have sent you a letter if you were subject to backup withholding.
4. you only check that if you don't make enough to pay ANY tax during the year. If you make enough during the year to pay tax - you can't check that box - you would wind up owing money and could face a penalty for underwithholding
5. W9 is Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification that you give to the requester. Normally, yes you can check "Exempt from backup withholding" unless it is required by the IRS for certain payments or it is required in your case. Read the instructions for Form W9 to see what applies for you.