Why tax information is required

What this is

Diversified Affiliates asks eligible affiliates to complete a Digital W-9 through the Tax documents page, which collects the tax information a merchant may be required to have on file.

Why it matters

A W-9 is not required to create an account, apply to programs, or receive program approval. You only need to complete it before your first payout when it is required, so you can join and start earning without submitting tax details upfront.

How to do it

1. Open the Tax documents page from the navigation and review the notice explaining when a W-9 is needed.
2. Understand that tax reporting requirements depend on the applicable reporting year, payment relationship, and current guidance, and that a merchant may request your tax information when required. Review current IRS guidance independently if you are unsure of your own obligations.
3. When you are ready, or when a merchant requires it before payout, complete your Digital W-9.
4. If you are outside the United States or otherwise unsure how tax rules apply to you, see Tax Protection and International.

What happens next

Once you certify a W-9, it becomes locked, and the merchants you authorize can access a masked view of your details for payout reporting purposes. Certified versions cannot be edited; any change creates a new version instead.

Common mistakes

Do not wait until a payment is already overdue to start your W-9 if a merchant has told you it is required. Completing it early avoids any delay to your payout.

In short

You do not need a W-9 to join Diversified Affiliates or apply to programs, only before a payout that requires one, so complete it on the Tax documents page whenever that requirement applies to you.