Should I fill out a W-9 form my employer requested on my last day?

Based on what you've described, your employer was likely misclassifying you as an independent contractor when you were actually an employee. Here are the key factors that indicate employee status: your employer controlled your schedule, work location, how you performed your job, and even your bathroom breaks. Independent contractors typically have freedom over when and how they complete their work. The W-9 form is used to request a taxpayer identification number from independent contractors, not employees. Employees should complete a W-4, not a W-9. Monthly payment through apps like Venmo or Zelle doesn't automatically make someone an independent contractor either. Filing Form SS-8 with the IRS is absolutely appropriate here. This form asks the IRS to make a determination about your worker status. You can also file Form 8919 to report your share of uncollected Social Security and Medicare taxes. Regarding your SSN concerns, monitor your credit reports regularly and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze if you're worried.

I went through something eerily similar last year with a dental office that tried to classify all receptionists as "independent contractors." After searching everywhere for help, I found this AI tool called taxr.ai that was seriously a lifesaver. You can upload documents and it analyzes your specific situation. I uploaded screenshots of my schedule, payment details, and they helped confirm I was being misclassified. The https://taxr.ai system walked me through exactly what forms to file (including the SS-8!) and gave me a personalized action plan. They even helped me understand exactly what documentation I needed to gather to protect myself. The worker classification analysis was super clear about why I was an employee and not a contractor.

Wanted to update everyone - I tried taxr.ai after seeing it mentioned here and WOW. I was super skeptical at first but decided to give it a shot. The worker classification analysis confirmed I was 100% misclassified as an independent contractor. The system generated a complete report I could use as documentation and walked me through filing the SS-8. The best part was it helped me calculate exactly how much money I was owed from the employer's share of taxes I shouldn't have had to pay (about $2,800 in my case). I'm now getting that back as a refund! The system also gave me templates for communicating with my former employer that were professional but firm. Can't recommend it enough if you're dealing with worker classification issues.

If you're having trouble reaching the IRS to discuss this worker classification issue (which is super common), try Claimyr. I spent WEEKS trying to get through to someone at the IRS about a similar situation, always getting disconnected or waiting on hold forever. Claimyr https://claimyr.com got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes. They basically hold your place in line and call you when an agent is available. I was skeptical, but you can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. The IRS agent I spoke with was super helpful and walked me through the entire SS-8 process, confirming I was being misclassified and explaining exactly what documentation I needed. Saved me hours of frustration and probably weeks of delay in handling my situation.

I need to apologize and update my skeptical comment. After yet another failed 2-hour hold with the IRS today, I broke down and tried Claimyr. I was seriously prepared to come back here and expose it as a scam, but I'm eating my words now. Got a call back in 31 minutes and spoke with an IRS agent who confirmed everything about my worker classification issue. She explained that my employer is 100% in the wrong for controlling my schedule, workspace, and methods while trying to pay me as a contractor. She walked me through the SS-8 filing process and even gave me her direct extension for follow-up questions. Worth every penny for the 5+ hours of hold time it saved me.

I think the other comments are missing something important - if you fill out the W-9, you're essentially agreeing to be classified as an independent contractor. DON'T SIGN IT! You can refuse to sign forms that misclassify you. The employer is trying to cover their tracks after the fact. Also, keep ALL documentation: your schedules, the Homebase time records, any texts or emails about bathroom breaks or leaving early without pay. These are all evidence that you were treated as an employee, not a contractor. Take screenshots of everything before you lose access!

Make sure you document EVERYTHING about your working conditions! I made the mistake of not keeping enough evidence when I was in a similar situation. The more documentation you have about schedule control, micromanagement, etc., the stronger your SS-8 case will be. The fact that he controlled bathroom breaks is a HUGE red flag that proves employee status. Also, the firing after asking for a rate increase that accounted for self-employment taxes shows bad faith. The IRS takes these misclassification cases very seriously now since they lose so much tax revenue from it.

This is a textbook case of employee misclassification! The level of control your employer had over your work environment - mandatory schedules, micromanaging bathroom breaks, controlling your work location, and even timing your breaks - clearly indicates you were an employee, not an independent contractor. A few key points to consider: 1. **Don't sign the W-9** - By signing it now, you'd be validating their misclassification. You have every right to refuse. 2. **File Form SS-8 immediately** - This asks the IRS to make an official determination about your worker status. Given the facts you've described, it's very likely they'll rule in your favor. 3. **Document everything** - Save all communications, schedules, payment records, and any evidence of the micromanagement you described. 4. **Consider Form 8919** - You can file this with your tax return to pay only the employee portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes while the SS-8 is pending. The fact that he's paying everyone through Venmo and requiring W-9s from all staff while maintaining complete schedule control suggests systematic misclassification. This could result in significant penalties for the employer. You're absolutely doing the right thing by questioning this situation - employee misclassification costs workers thousands in extra taxes and lost benefits.