Hiring Forms
The W-4 is an IRS form you complete to let your employer know how much money to withhold from your paycheck for federal taxes. Accurately completing your W-4 can help you from having a big balance due at tax time. It can also prevent you from overpaying your taxes, putting more money in your pocket during the year.
Form I-9 is used for verifying the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. All U.S. employers must ensure proper completion of Form I-9 for each individual they hire for employment in the United States. This includes citizens and noncitizens.
W-9 forms are for self-employed workers like freelancers, independent contractors and consultants. You need to use it if you have earned over $600 in that year without being hired as an employee. If your employer sends you a W-9 instead of a W-4, the company has likely classified you as an independent contractor.