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E-File Now!Easily request your client’s Certificate of Foreign Status (Form W-8BEN) with TaxZerone. Perfect for non-U.S. freelancers, investors, and international individuals earning U.S. income.
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Enter the recipient’s name and email address to send an invitation to fill out the W-8BEN form.
The recipient completes their information and electronically signs the form.
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Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals), is used by foreign individuals to certify their non-U.S. status. This IRS form allows them to claim reduced withholding rates or exemptions under applicable tax treaties. It helps prevent the standard 30% withholding on U.S. source income.
U.S. persons use the W-9 form for similar tax reporting purposes.
Do NOT send Form W-8BEN to the IRS. Instead, provide it directly to:
The form should be given to whoever is requesting it from you, typically before any payment is made to you or credited to your account.
Nonresident alien individuals who are beneficial owners of U.S. source income must complete Form W-8BEN. This includes foreign persons receiving dividends, interest, rents, royalties, or other FDAP income. Account holders at foreign financial institutions and foreign partners in U.S. partnerships also need this form.
Foreign individuals generally have 30% U.S. tax withheld on certain types of income from U.S. sources. This includes
Form W-8BEN to claim an exception from U.S. domestic information reporting and backup withholding (under section 3406) for certain types of income that are not subject to the standard 30% withholding rate under section 1441. Examples of such income include:
Your W-8BEN form remains valid for 3 years from the signing date.
For example, if signed on September 30, 2024, it remains valid through December 31, 2027. However, if your circumstances change—like moving to the U.S. or changing tax residency—you must submit a new form within 30 days of the change.
Do you need to fill them out?
| Aspect | Form W-8BEN | Form W-9 |
|---|---|---|
| Who Should Use It | Non-U.S. individuals (foreign persons) receiving income from U.S. sources | U.S. citizens, U.S. residents, and domestic entities |
| Main Purpose | To certify foreign status and claim tax treaty benefits (if applicable) | To provide a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to requesters for tax reporting |
| Used For | Reducing or eliminating U.S. tax withholding on certain U.S.-sourced income | Reporting payments like freelance work, interest, or dividends via Form 1099 |
| Type of Taxpayer | Provided to the U.S. company; not filed with the IRS | Provided to the U.S. company or requester; not submitted to the IRS |
| Tax Withholding | 30% withholding may apply unless a tax treaty benefit is claimed | No withholding if correct TIN is provided; 24% backup withholding if TIN is missing or incorrect |
