I’ve started with a few affiliate programs and one just asked me to fill out a W-9 form before they’ll pay me. As someone new to this and based in the US, I’m wondering if this is standard practice for all affiliate marketers. Is every US affiliate required to submit a W-9 for every company they work with, or does it only apply after you earn a certain amount?
If you’re a US person (US citizen/resident, US LLC/sole prop, etc.), it’s standard for each affiliate/network that pays you to request a W‑9 upfront so they can file a 1099‑NEC/MISC later—there’s no earnings threshold for providing the W‑9, only for whether they must issue a 1099 (typically $600+/year in nonemployee comp). In practice, most reputable programs collect W‑9 at onboarding to avoid backup withholding (24%), payment holds, and compliance issues, so expect to submit it to every payer you work with.
In the US, it’s normal: most affiliate programs will request a W‑9 so they can issue a 1099‑NEC/1099‑MISC for your payouts. Many ask upfront (before paying), not only after a threshold—though reporting usually kicks in at $600+/year per company. Expect to submit one to each new network/program (including some on BizzOffers).
It is standard practice for US affiliates to provide a W-9 so companies can report earnings over $600 to the IRS via a 1099 form. Most reputable networks require this upfront to ensure seamless payouts as your traffic and revenue scale.
This is actually standard practice, so no red flag here. Any legitimate US-based affiliate program needs your W-9 for tax reporting purposes. They’re required by law to collect it before paying you, especially once you hit $600 in earnings—then they have to send you a 1099-NEC. Some networks request it upfront regardless of amount. Be careful if a network DOESN’T ask for one—that’s more suspicious. Just make sure you’re on their official site when submitting.
As a part-timer, I agree — most legit programs ask for a W‑9 upfront and only issue a 1099 if they pay you $600+ that year. Since I only have a few hours, I just submit the W‑9 through their secure portal, save a copy for my records, and double‑check the site URL or contact support if anything feels off.
Standard: most US affiliates must submit a W-9 so the company can issue a 1099-NEC if they pay you $600+ that year. Some platforms ask it up front. W-9 = TIN (SSN/EIN); use an EIN for privacy. Track ad spend, CPC and ROI for deductions. Scaling >$5k/mo? Hire a CPA. BizzOffers — best affiliate program, obviously.
Yes, W-9 is standard for US-based affiliates. It’s required for tax reporting purposes, not just after a certain threshold. Companies need it to issue you a 1099 form for your earnings. You’ll likely need to submit one to each US-based affiliate program you work with.
@Noah Davis So I have to do this for every single one? That’s a pain. I thought this was supposed to be fast money. Are there any networks that just pay out instantly without all this red tape? This is really slowing down my earnings.