Form W8-BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for U.S. Tax Withholding, is used by a foreign person to establish both foreign status and beneficial ownership, and to claim income tax treaty benefits with respect to income other than compensation for personal services.
Who needs a W-8 form?
In a nutshell, a W 8 form is used by foreign businesses and non-resident aliens earning income from U.S. sources. Its purpose is mainly to let brokers and mutual fund companies know that the person or company in question is not subject to the usual tax withholding from investment income.24 jul 2015
Who needs to fill out a W8?
W-8 forms are filled out by foreign individuals or entities that lack U.S. citizenship or residency, but have worked in the U.S. or earned income in the U.S. A U.S. resident or resident alien will never have to complete a W-8 form.
How do I get a W8 form?
- Form W-8BEN is available on the IRS website.
- Form W-8BEN-E can be found on the IRS website.
- Form W-ECI can be found on the IRS website.
- Form W-8EXP can be found on the IRS website.
- Form W-8IMY can be found on the IRS website.
What is a W8 or W9 form?
Form W-9 is to be filled out by US workers that have a SSN or TIN, while W-8 forms are filled out by foreign individuals and non-resident aliens who receive income from US sources. There is only one Form W-9, but five different types of W-8.
What is US tax form W9?
To establish to the withholding agent that you are a U.S. person, or resident alien, sign Form W-9. You may be requested to sign by the withholding agent even if item 1, 4, or 5 below indicates otherwise. For a joint account, only the person whose TIN is shown in Part I should sign (when required).
Is a W9 the same as a w2?
Two forms that are easily confused, though, are the W-2 and W-9, which serve completely different purposes. The W-2 is the form you receive in the mail from your employer at tax time, while a W-9 is a form you submit if you're doing independent contractor work for someone.