01
Open your PDF
Choose it from Mail or Files.
Not tax advice
This page is about filling and returning a form on your phone. It doesn't tell you which box to check, what classification you are, or how much to withhold. For that, read the IRS instructions for the form or ask a tax professional.
Likely fields are highlighted for you; tap each to fill it.
Open your PDF. Add your signature. Send it back.What these forms are, and who gets them
Form W-9 is the IRS's Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification. A client or business that has to report payments to you asks you for it. You fill it out and return it to them, not to the IRS. It usually comes up when you start work with a new client.
Form W-4 is the Employee's Withholding Certificate. You complete it so your employer can withhold federal income tax from your pay, and you give it to your employer. New hires fill one out, and so do people updating their withholding.
A 1099 is different. As a contractor, you usually receive a 1099 from a client after the year ends. You don't sign it. The onboarding form that asks for your details is typically the W-9.
Why privacy matters more here than on other forms
A W-9 or W-4 has your full name, address, and Social Security number or EIN on one page. That's most of what someone needs to impersonate you. Many free signing websites work by uploading your file to their servers to process it. Some explain clearly how long they keep it. Some don't.
The form itself is fine to share with the person who asked for it. That's its purpose. The risk is the extra stops along the way. One is a website you used once to sign it, and the copy in that site's storage. Another is an account you forgot you created.
eSign PDF fills, signs, and flattens the form on your iPhone. There's no account, and it works in airplane mode. The file only leaves your phone when you choose to send it. If you want to check any tool yourself, see what to look for in a privacy policy.
How to fill and sign a W-9 or W-4 on iPhone
1
Use the form the requester sent
Open the PDF from their email, or download the current form from IRS.gov if they asked you to. Share it to eSign PDF.
2
Fill in your details
Tap each field to type your name, business name, address, and TIN. Tick the checkboxes the form asks for. The app highlights likely fields, but read every line of the form yourself.
3
Sign and date
Place your saved signature on the signature line and add today's date.
4
Flatten and send it the way they asked
Export a flattened PDF so no one can edit your entries by accident. If the requester has a secure upload portal, use it. If they asked for email, attach it there. Keep a copy in Files.
Before you hit send
- ✓The name matches the name the IRS has on file for that SSN or EIN.
- ✓You're sending it to the person who asked for it. Confirm the email address in the thread, especially if you didn't expect the request.
- ✓The requester accepts an electronic signature. Most do, but it's their call, so ask if you're unsure.
- ✓Email is convenient, but it isn't a vault. Use the requester's secure portal when they offer one.
- ✓You kept your own copy of what you sent.
Watch for fake W-9 requests
If someone you don't work with suddenly asks for a W-9, check with them through a phone number or address you already know. Don't use the contact details in the email. A W-9 hands over your SSN, so it's worth a quick check.
Cost of filling a W-9 on your phone
eSign PDF: $59.99 one-time (US). No account, works offline. For any other PDF, see how to sign a PDF on iPhone. You can also fill some PDF forms with Apple's built-in tools for free. See how to fill PDF forms on iPhone for when that's enough. The App Store shows other plans and local prices.
FAQ
Can I fill out a W-9 on my iPhone?+
Yes. Open the PDF, type your details into the fields, sign, date, and send it back to the person who asked for it.
Do I send my W-9 to the IRS?+
No. According to the IRS, you give a W-9 to the person or business that requested it, so they can report payments to you.
Is it safe to sign a W-9 on a website?+
It depends on the site. Many upload your file to their servers. Read the privacy policy for how long they keep files, or use a tool that works on your phone without uploading.
Does eSign PDF upload my Social Security number?+
No. Filling, signing, and flattening happen on your iPhone. There's no account. The file only leaves your phone when you send it.
Do I sign a 1099?+
Usually not. As a contractor you typically receive a 1099 from a client. The form you fill and sign when you start is usually the W-9.