How to fill up the W-8BEN form
If you’re a non US citizen applying to join Commission Junction or many other US based companies’ affiliate programs, you will be required to fill up the W-8BEN form and mail or fax the form over.
So first things first, you can download the W-8BEN form at the IRS website here.
For non US citizens, there are just a few fields you need to fill, namely for :
1) Your name in full
2) Your country
3) Type of owner – if you’re an individual than tick “individual”
4) Your address
9) Tick the box [a] for “The beneficial owner is a resident of….” and input your country’s name in the empty field. Ignore the rest (b-e), as in all likelihood you and your country has no tax treaty with the United States.
11) Tick the box for -“I have provided or will provide a statement that identifies those notational principal contracts…”
Sign at the bottom and input the date (month-day-year format).
Here is a bigger picture of the form and the areas to fill; if you need to view how it is done.
To be fair, this form is really only meant for individuals with earnings that are “sourced from the US” but since many US companies still ask for it, if you were asked to provide this form, consider it red tape that needs to be done.
Most individuals who conduct small business on the Web are not classified as earning from revenue sourced in the US, since they are likely to be renting a US based webhost to run their websites, and not owning a webhosting business there. Which is why Google themselves do not have this requirement for non US folks and they explain it more over here. To quote them:
“Non U.S. Business (No U.S. Activities )
United States (U.S.) Activities involve having employees or owning equipment in the U.S. that are involved in any way with revenue earned through the AdSense program. This includes, but is not limited to, owning a web server or owning a hosting service in the U.S., or having employees in the U.S. who are involved in either:
1. setting up a web server, hosting service, or website
2. developing content for your website
3. marketing to create a user base for your site
4. telephone support for your site
5. buying products for your site
6. maintaining your siteGenerally, utilizing an unrelated third-party U.S. web hosting service to host your web pages, renting web servers that are located in the U.S. from an unrelated third party, or having your payment sent to a U.S. Post Office Box or mail forwarding address, do not of themselves constitute U.S. Activities.
If you do not have U.S. Activities, please visit the Tax Information page under your My Account tab where you will agree to a statement to that effect. No tax forms are required in this instance.”
In all likelihood, if you’re not a US citizen, you will encounter many instances where you would be asked to submit this form, so it’s best to just fill the form up, and post it off.
I suppose the best of the answers.. though he missed to inform about entering your CJ Reference No
Thanks for that tip. Actually, it’s meant to be general and not just for CJ, but yeah, if you’re filling for CJ, you’d need to input your CJ account number under Part 1 and point 8] Reference Number.
Thanks man. That saves a lot of time.
Thanks for the help.My broker has sent me the form with no instructions and I would have given up had it not been for your blog.
I am an individual from pakistan and earning only $100 from cpx interactive and also i dont have any tax id here, will anyone plz tell me are the given steps by you are ok or i have to fullfill some other fields also ?
One more thing is should we have to type the whole form at computer or we can fill form by handwritten ?
@Panwar,
You just need to follow these steps, but take note of Part 1 and point [8] Reference Number….if CPX interactive gives you an account number, you might have to fill in that field with it. Also, you can certainly fill the W-8BEN form by handwriting. Just make sure you write clearly and in capital letters to avoid any confusion.
Cool
hi,I am an individual from India.I have opened a checking account in united states just for visiting purpose as I am a visitor to united states.The bank has asked me to fill this form.Do I have to fill this form the same way you have mentioned above or have to make any changes? I have no source of income in US.
Thanks.
Hi harshil
You just have to fill the form like that and it will be ok, at least for 90% of cases. If you are just an individual and have no business interests within the United States, than that’s how you should fill it up.
Regards
Dear Sir,
My Organization is a Tax Exempt Organization in Australia and we are into CPA marketing,pls confirm to us if we need to fill all Form W-8 or do we only fill the Part 1 and Part 4 ?
I will appreciate your kind respond on the above.
Thanks
SCF
@ Kenneth
You just need to fill the form as the example I gave…and that means all the necessary sections in Part 1,2,3, and 4.
Very nice information. I’ve recently had to fill this form out and in hindsight, having some sort of guide like this would of made the experience much less intimidating.
hello i am from pakistan etrade is a stock brokrage company
its also asked for W8BEN form to fill up so should i fill it
up with tht method showing in the picture at the top ?
plz answer and also this website is very help full for everyone
Hi muazam,
Just fill it up like my example. Etrade/CJ/all other companies should then accept your form. That is how I fill it up – No problems. Good luck.
Hi I am from Nepal currently residing in Singapore. I was in US and I have bank account there including Social Security Number (SSN). Now, I am planning to invest in US shares through online broker. Do I need to fill this form? If yes, is the format provided enough?
Also, since I have SSN, do I need to pay tax on income as US citizen?
Will appreciate your kind response on above
Thanks for such helpful website.
@ Kumud
Not sure of your status, but if you have an SSN, you should be a US citizen, and therefore you should be filling up the W-9 form instead, which is available at the IRS site http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf
Hi, thanks for helpful information.
I am a non-us affiliate, beside acct ref no in sec 8, do I need to give my acct username?
How to fill up the field “Capacity in which acting” on the last part.
Thank you very much.
@ William K,
I don’t think there is any need to give your username in most cases, but this depends on the company you are dealing with. For example, Commission Junction gives each affiliate a user # and you just need to put this in.
There is no need to fill in the “Capacity in acting” on the last part.
Hey, Thanks for helpful information, I’ve had the W-8BEN form for 2 weeks and did not know how to fill it in, But thnks to your info I can send it off now : )
P.S Hi again Will I need to send my passport with the form ? because BMI(Broadcast Music, Inc) is where I’m sending it to ? thanks
@ Kyle
Yes, sometimes some companies require you to provide a copy of your ID copy or passport. Check with BMI first.
Hi I have been asked to fill in this form by Zazzle.com. I am a shop owner on that site and receive royalties for print on demand products that I design when sold. What is this form for? Will Zazzle withhold any royalty payments for tax purposes? Will the IRS want money from me?
@ Karen
This form is for non US citizens to exempt their earnings from the IRS, by certifying that they are non Americans. If you want to operate within Zazzle, I suppose you will need to submit the W-8BEN as they requested. Please contact Zazzle if you have any questions or issues.
Hi Darrin, Thanks for the reply. Your site is very clear and precise, quick to respond and very helpful. Will recommend it to others. Much appreciated.
Aww… thanks Karen
Glad to be of help.
Thank you Darren, this is an excellent list.
Hi,
why do I need to tick item 11 ? what does it mean? I’m filling this form for Zecco online broker.
Thank you for this website
Item 11 is needed. It’s just to acknowledge you will provide a written statement that your NPC (Notional Principal Contract) income is not sourced from the US and therefore not eligible for taxation.
HI,
Your efforts are really appreciable. Thanks for all the info. i have a question. I reside outside the Unites States, but i invest in the stock market via a broker in my country. Recently i received some dividends, for which i was charged tax, i suppose if i am n not residing in US i am exempted from the tax, isn’t it? Your blog helped me to understand that if i can fill the W-8BEN form i can reclaim the withheld amount, isn’t it? Do i need to fill in any other form as well?? What am i suppose to do with the form, should i post it to the company or should i handover the same to my broker to take care of the rest?
Would appreciate your response.
@ Abrar,
If you are not a US citizen, you are exempted from tax, as what I know. But I’m not sure if you can reclaim the withheld amount from your dividends since it seems they were issued before you submitted your W-8BEN form. If your broker is handling your investments, do get in touch with him, and you may of course hand him your form for submission with the IRS. I’m sure your broker can clear some things up for you; I don’t have much experience with stock market procedures unfortunately. All the best.
11) Tick the box for -“I have provided or will provide a statement that identifies those notational principal contracts…”
What is a notational principal contract ??
@ Owen
It is just something I think you have to acknowledge on the form. More details:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notional_principal_contract
hi i was just wondering whether i have to write the notional principal contract separately and if i do can you atleast give a sample one
thanx
@ Muna
Yes, you’d have to write it separately, but I think in 90% of cases, you won’t be requested for one. Sorry, but I don’t have a sample.
Hello I am from Malaysia. Do I need to apply for ITIN for the w-8ben form?? Is it the must for the affiliate program?
@ Jordansheen
No, not as far as I know. You’re not paying any tax to the IRS.
Hi,
I was working in U.S. on H-1B visa until March, so I do have a SSN. My contract was terminated and now I was asked to fill in W-8BEN form in order to continue working for US-based company from my domestic country (remote work).
Do I need to put there my SSN number. Will I have to pay taxes in US? How does it work?
@ Bobby
I’m not too sure if you have to pay any taxes. But I’ll ask a friend for you and get back to you if I have any answers.
Hi again,
It seemed that there was a mistake and I was just asked to fill in W-8ECI form. What’s the difference?
@ Bobby
W-8ECI is to certify that a foreign person’s income is from a trade/business within the US. If you’re not doing work in the US, I think you don’t need to submit this form at all, but don’t quote me on that. The bottom line is unless you ARE a US citizen or doing work WITHIN the US, you shouldn’t worry about paying tax to the IRS. Double check with your company, because there’s a lot of confusion out there.
I don’t usually reply to posts but I will in this case. Good Stuff – Nice Money Idea too:)
Hi DarrinW,
Need some help. I’m from Singapore, holding some USA shares, and an USA broker contacted me to share off the shares. Great, after all the process, I’m now stuck at this tax revenue as was told that the agency selling me the shares did not register me initially and will not be permitted to sell. So this broker told me to fill up W-8Ben, do I fill up all the fields you mentioned? Anymore of others? Does it mean that after registering, I will not need to pay any taxes? It’s quite a big hassle. Please advise.
Thanks & cheers….PC
@ Peter,
Yes, just fill all the fields mentioned. I believe you are exempt from taxes, unless Singapore has some kind of arrangement with the US. Nowadays, some websites give an online version of the form, so you just have to fill up the online version. It is much less of a hassle today, compared to a few years back.
Hi, I am from Malaysia and wish to trade Futures & Option in Chicaco MEchantile Exchange (US). If in this case, do i need to fill up W-8ben Form?
@ Crystal
Yes, you’d need to fill up to the W-8BEN.
Hi Darrin
I’ve set myself up as a UK Limited Company – when I fill in the W8-BEN form do I check “International Organisation” or something else?
Also, in Q.9, do I need to check a, c, & d because I’m not an individual anymore? Or is it still just a?
Hi again Darrin – one more question – do I need to fill in Q.10 if I’m an international organisation, and if so, how?
Sorry, me again Darrin – some electronic versions of the W8-BEN have a checkbox which says “I am exempt from backup witholding” – do I check this box?
Hi John,
Woah, I’ve only had experience with individuals, not organizations, so you kind of lost me there
But you can definitely check “International Organization.” For Q9, my guess would be a and c.
Hi John,
Yes, check the exempt from backup withholding box. On Q10, I’m quite sure you don’t have to fill that in. But then again, I’ve no idea what sort of organization your company is
My company is a UK Limited Company, which is the equivalent of an LLC in the US. Any more thoughts?
Hi John,
I’ll ask a friend and if he knows anything more to add, I’ll let you know. Good luck.
Hi Darrin – well, I’ve found out how to fill it now for a UK Ltd Company – you need to get your EIN number and put that on Q6 and tick the EIN box; for Q1 put your company name; and tick a, b, & c for Q9; leave Q10 blank; sign & date the bottom and put “DIRECTOR” in the ‘Capacity in which Acting’ bit (assuming you’re the director of the company). The only thing I’m still slightly confused about is Q11 – do I tick or don’t I – I’ve had conflicting answers to that, but the majority of people say that you should tick it, so that’s what I’m going to do.
Ta
John
Oh, I forgot to mention you need to tick Corporation for Q3.
John,
Thanks so much for sharing! I was myself in the dark on how to fill it for companies
I run a small investment research business as an individual. I am based in Canada and one of my US clients has asked me to fill it. I think that Canada has some treaty with the US to rationalize tax. I would like to know:
1. What to write on Box 7: Foreign tax identifying number, if any?
For information, my small business is not registered. I do pay personal income tax.
2. Box 8: reference number? couldn’t understand it.
3. Box 9 (c,d,e): Couldn’t understand much. But feel, it is not applicable.
4. Box 10: Would this be applicable in my case; if yes then what rate should I specify?
5. Box 11: I think it is applicable for everyone who is filling?
Appreciate the time in answering it.
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
Not sure about Canada’s treaty with the US, but to answer your Qs,
1) Optional, you can ignore it
2) Optional, this one is related to your account with the US firm you are dealing with
3) Ignore
4) Ignore
5) Just tick the box
IDK, but this is how I’ve filled it MANY times, like applying for a stockbroker account with a US bank. So I don’t think you will encounter any problems, as this works for UK people too; but then again, Canada may have specific treaty laws with the US (which I don’t have much of an idea, I admit) and may require a slight difference in how you fill it.
Thanks for your time, Darrin. It is helpful!
HI,
I recently opened a brokerage account with one company and i was asked to fill w8-ben form. I am not sure what this means. I was a student (Masters) graduated in 2008 and have been working since then on OPT(optional practical training), and i believe my current status is F1 and i can work in US till jan 2011. When I opened brokerage account, it showed my status as non resident alien… but i have been staying in US for more than 3 and half years.
I am wondering if i am allowed to invest in US stocks and if yes , Please let me know if i have to fill this form (W8-ben).
Your help is much appreciated.
I have been sent this form in PDF format, but how should i tic the check box in PDF file?
@ Ramesh,
I assume you are not a US citizen. Yes, you can invest in US stocks, but as a non resident alien, I’m sure you will need to fill up the W8BEN.
@ Mayur,
You should take the copy to a printing shop if you don’t have a printer, print out the form, fill it accordingly, and mail it to the party that sent it to you.
ThankYou very much Darrin. Yes, I am not a US citizen and I was a student (International student), currently on OPT(optional practical training) and i believe my current visa status is F1.
Hi. I am a non-US citizen married to a US citizen and we recently opened a joint account.A few days ago we received a letter from the bank that we need to fill up W-8BEN form..I understand that my husband don’t need to use this form but the W9 instead…is that right?! But what about me? Any help will be appreciated.tnx
Hi Trina, if you and your husband both jointly own a business in the US, this can be a little tricky. I think you just need to comply with the bank’s instructions and submit the W-8BEN form to them, just for yourself.
Hi,
I am a buying agent based in India, working for a US retailer as an agent. I receive my commission directly from the US corporation, and have been asked to submit this W8 Ben Form. Pls. advise if this applies to me, as I am based in India and have no presence in the US of any form.
Thanks a ton.
Regards,
Inder