W-9. I clearly responded that a W-9 isnt necessary. Then this guy makes some reference to getting it up front and if you dont you may be fined. That was very vague and one interpretation is clearly that if you dont have a W-9 you may get fined. Thus my question, fined for what? You respond with issues related to failure to file, which doesn't really clear up the question since we have been talking about not having a W-9 and it is clear that the OP doesnt know that a W-9 is not needed.

Perhaps, before calling out others for being obtuse, you might be a bit more clear in you communications since no where, prior to the post that I am now responding to, did you proffer any info related to the OPs initial question about what to do when you dont have a valid W-9. No one, except me, offered that info and left the impression that he was potentially subject to fine with out a W-9.