Backup Withholding Law and Legal Definition
Backup withholding is a mandatory withholding that may be imposed when rules regarding taxpayer identification numbers, are not met by the individual. Another way for these withholdings to take effect is when a notice is issued by the IRS to withhold on payments to that individual. Backup withholding may be claimed as a credit by taxpayers on their federal income tax return. It can apply to most payments that are reported on an IRS Form 1099. These can include interest payments and payments by brokers, as well as royalty payments. Other payments may include dividends, patronage dividends if at least half the payment is in money, rents, and profits. Commissions, fees, or payments for work undertaken as an independent contractor may also be liable to backup withholding.
