Collecting electronic w-9s (and maybe W-8BEN)

A while back I signed up for an affiliate program and part of the sign up process involved me filling out a w-9 online. It looked like the standard w-9 format you can find online at [irs.gov...]

At the time I thought this was a great idea because collecting w-9s can be a pain. Getting information upfront during registration would eliminate one headache down the road.

Now a year or two later I am creating a new site and I thought it would be nice to implement the same type of process to capture w-9s. Unfortunately, I can't remember the site that collected the w-9 at sign up so I can look at the actual process they use in more detail to refresh my memory. I do remember that I just had to fill it in but I don't think I had to sign and fax anything.

1.) Will collecting a w-9 electronically satisfy the IRS? If so, are there any special electronic signature requirements?

2.) Can anyone give me W-9 their collection process tips?

3.) What about the W-8BEN (w-9 for payees outside the U.S.). I have read that it is only needed for those that are non-U.S. but file a U.S. return for some reason.

4.) Or.. maybe it is better to let people register quickly and when/if they make money, tell them I need a W-9 faxed before I can pay them.

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