Airbnb is withholding taxes until I update a W-9. Need tax advice

[Daniel Borja]

Hello I currently have three airbnb listings and I've noticed that in my payouts I've recently been getting a negative sign.  Seems like my money was going somewhere else.  Then I check my email and receive this notice 

NOTE: We were required by the IRS to withhold tax for this transaction.

Hosts with a US taxpayer ID number may submit a tax form to prevent future tax withholding.

Airbnb is telling me I am required to fill out a W-9 or they will keep witholding my money to the IRS. I haven't filled out the form yet because it has an option to put my social or EIN. I haven't incorporated or opened an LLC yet. I need tax advice. Do I need to go to a CPA or Tax attorney and are there any recommendations for someone in South Florida. I also have a full time job.

[Lance Lvovsky]

You should consider speaking with a CPA.

It sounds like Airbnb is withholding taxes under the backup withholding rules. They just want to verify you are a U.S. citizen/resident. Once you furnish the W-9, they should stop the withholding. I presume they are withholding at a 28% rate (standard for backup withholding).