Tax form question

Factual Questions
#1

I’m filling out a W-9 form and it has a box that says “exempt payee”. What does that mean and should I leave it blank?

#2

Are you an individual?

You check the box if you are exempt from Back-up withholding. *"Generally, individuals (including sole proprietors) are not exempt
from backup withholding. Corporations are exempt from backup
withholding for certain payments, such as interest and dividends.
Note. If you are exempt from backup withholding, you should
still complete this form to avoid possible erroneous backup
withholding.The following payees are exempt from backup withholding:

  1. An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), any
    IRA, or a custodial account under section 403(b)(7) if the account
    satisfies the requirements of section 401(f)(2),

  2. The United States or any of its agencies or
    instrumentalities,

  3. A state, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United
    States, or any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities,

  4. A foreign government or any of its political subdivisions,
    agencies, or instrumentalities, or

  5. An international organization or any of its agencies or
    instrumentalities.
    Other payees that may be exempt from backup withholding
    include:

  6. A corporation,

  7. A foreign central bank of issue,

  8. A dealer in securities or commodities required to register in
    the United States, the District of Columbia, or a possession of the United States,

  9. A futures commission merchant registered with the
    Commodity Futures Trading Commission,

  10. A real estate investment trust,

  11. An entity registered at all times during the tax year under
    the Investment Company Act of 1940,

  12. A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 9. A futures commission merchant registered with the
    Commodity Futures Trading Commission,

  13. A real estate investment trust,

  14. An entity registered at all times during the tax year under
    the Investment Company Act of 1940,

  15. A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584,

  16. A financial institution,

  17. A middleman known in the investment community as a
    nominee or custodian, or

  18. A trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in
    section 4947.*"

So, it’s probable you do not check the box.