W9 Tax form

[sigpros]

My son received a few scholarships for college. One of the scholarships came from a conservation group and they sent him a W9 form to fill out. I have never seen this before and I am not to keen on mailing them back a form with his SS # om it. Is this a legit practice? the scholarship was for $1K. None of the other scholarships he received have sent him a form

 

[Islander]

It's standard for an organization if they want to report the payment on a 1099. You can call them and request that they don't get the W-9 and that you'll send it to them if they end up needing to report the scholarship payment, but if they do need it it's going to need the social security number because that identifies the taxpayer to whom the money went

 

[Treeshark]

Is this a legit practice?

Yes it’s legit, but I thought the W9 trigger was increased from $600 to $2000 recently (although businesses and organizations can still file if below).

It I was in your shoes, I’d just have him fill it out with SS omitted (but also make sure to report the scholarship on his return). If it’s not a reoccurring scholarship, not risking much here imo.

 

[Islander]

Well, I was today old when I learned the IRS specifically says scholarship and fellowship grants should not be reported on Form 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC, regardless of amount.

You positive the email asking you for his SSN is actually from the scholarship provider? Scholarships are often announced, and a rat can use that info to phish your info. I'd definitely call them and ask them to explain why they aren't following IRS law.