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Here's a non-technical question that has never come up for me before.

A town community fitness center would like for me to get their 5K course measured and certified. But, they made an unusual (for me, anyway) request: They think they need a tax form W-9 from me in order to complete the transaction.

Is this normal? Safe? I certainly don't fear that, but wonder if it is needed or proper. We're never too keen on unnecesarily proliferating the Social Security numbers and/or Federal EINs.

Any thoughts, experience or comments regarding a form W-9 for course measurement?
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I've had several requests for a W-9. Usually it's because the race's bookkeeper wants to have the right info to send to IRS when they inform them who they've paid.

They are not required to report payments totalling less than $600 in a given year, I understand.

I think it is a legitimate, if annoying, request. I comply when asked for one.
Last edited by peteriegel
I also have had to provide a completed W-9 for payments under $600.00 per year. Some bookkeepers have a policy (rule, regulation, requirement) that any payment to a contractor, not for material, requires a W-9. Maybe it's just in case the contractor gets another job during the year. The W-9 is just a way for the Gov't. to try to catch us sneaky contractors if we fail to report our tremendous income from measuring courses. If we report the income per hour spent, we might qualify for a bail-out.
Jeff,

As others pointed out, it is a normal part of doing business. I have had enough requests for my IRS form W-9 that I keep a scanned copy available. If requested, I can promptly send it via email. I found private race directors do not ask for the form very often, but public (ie. municipal, schools, etc.) directors almost always request a copy.

Thank you. -- Justin

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