W-8 BEN must be filled out by US non residents. This form must be submitted to the payer or the
withholding agent who is requesting it from you. Provide this form before income is paid or credited to
you. Failure to provide a Form W-8BEN when requested may lead to withholding at a 30% rate or the
backup withholding rate. You should not send Form W-8 BEN to the IRS.
Non residents are subject to U.S. tax on income they receive from U.S. sources that consists of: interest,
dividends, rents, royalties, compensation for, or in expectation of, services performed.
You must provide W-8BEN to:
- prove that you are not a U.S. person;
- claim a reduced rate of, or exemption from, withholding as a resident of a foreign country with which the United States has an income tax treaty. (if applicable)
Purpose of Form
W-8 BEN discloses basic information about the entity receiving income from US based entity.
Information includes name, mailing address, ITIN or EIN and possible reduced rate of withholding
amount. Withholding agent or payer rely upon properly completed W-8BEN to issue correct
information slip and to withhold reduced rate of withholding at source, if applicable.
US citizens or residents must fill out W-9 Form.
