As a US company paying you to perform the tasks specified in your signed agreement, Tidelift is required to collect certain taxpayer information. We have partnered with Hyperwallet to administer this collection and review process as part of your onboarding along with an identity verification step. During this part of onboarding, your virtual wallet will accrue any owed payments while you complete this step of the process.  

If you need help activating your Hyperwallet Pay Portal account, see the activation docs here.

For those of you based in the US, regardless of whether or not you receive a Form 1099 from Tidelift, it remains your responsibility to determine what amount you report as taxable income. We encourage all lifters to consult a tax professional when reporting income. 

Collecting tax information

There are two elements to collecting this information.

1. Identifying your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN):
   1. All business entities: Employer Identification Number (EIN)
   2. US individuals: Social Security Number (SSN)
   3. Foreign individuals: Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
2. Completing the appropriate US tax Form*
   1. US Individuals or entities: W-9
   2. Foreign individual:8-BEN
   3. Foreign entities: 8-BEN-E

*Note: You will complete these during the activation process for your Hyperwallet Pay Portal account

What is a TIN?

The US government uses TINs to identify business entities and individuals. 

Applying for an EIN

You will need to complete a Form SS-4 with instructions here.

• If you have a U.S.-presence, you can apply for an EIN online here.
• If you do not have a U.S.-presence, you need to call 267-941-1099 (6-11:00am ET, Mon-Fri).**

**Note: Review the form before calling. The person who answers your call will ask you a majority of the questions from this form.

Applying for an ITIN

You will need to complete a Form W-7 with instructions here. 

The application process includes providing a few pieces of supporting documentation. Therefore, it is recommended that you take time to review the instructions in full before completing the application. Unlike the EIN, ITIN applications must be mailed in.

Completing the tax form

Hyperwallet will send you the appropriate form to complete depending on how you have answered their onboarding questions. 

When completing the form, you may reference this questionnaire to help determine what information to provide where. The information in this form is not advice. For that, we suggest you speak with a certified tax professional.

You do not need to send Tidelift a copy of your completed tax forms. 

If you have any questions or concerns, you may send a message to lift@tidelift.com. While we cannot offer tax advice, we will do our best to point you in the right direction.