More Than One Account Holder

One complicating factor when collecting these certifications is what to do when there is more than one payee on an account, such as on a joint account. The rule is that you should take the certifications from the payee who is the actual owner of the account since that person is the actual recipient of the interest. In other words, the actual owner of the account should supply his or her TIN, certify the correctness of the number supplied, and certify that he or she is not currently subject to backup withholding. If more than one of the payees is the actual owner of the account, you can take the certifications from any one of them. Whichever of the payees supplies the certifications should also be listed first when you are “titling,” or naming, the account. (Instructions accompanying official Form W-9)