Skip to main content
Help center
Mobile Site Logo
Request a demo

Form W-8BEN

The W8-BEN Form is a form required by the IRS, similar to the W9 form that employees and subcontractors in the United States must submit to employers

No credit card required

Form W-8BEN

W-8BEN forms by type

Get your W-8BEN forms’ versions from 2017 to 2023

Why do you need it?

The IRS requires that taxes be paid on income paid to entities outside of the United States.

Typically, this rate is 30%, but it can differ from one foreign country to the next. The W8-BEN must be filled out by a non-US entity receiving compensation from a US entity.

It ensures that the individual or company issuing payment knows to withhold taxes from payment, and to subsequently pay those taxes to the IRS.

If you’re a company or individual paying non-US entities, you will be held liable by the IRS for the taxes that should be withheld from payments you send them, which makes it important to have a W8-BEN on file for these entities.

Tips and instructions for use

The W8-BEN is a single page form with three sections:

  • Part 1: Identification of beneficial ownerThis section is used to identify the owner of the income, otherwise known as the “beneficial owner”. Be sure to provide accurate information including your name, country of citizenship (determines tax withholding rate), address, U.S. or foreign Taxpayer ID number, and date of birth.

  • Part 2: Claim of tax treaty benefitsThe United States has tax treaties in place with some foreign countries which offers citizens a lower withholding rate than the standard 30%. In this section, you will note which treaty your taxes are subject to, and at what rate they should be withheld from payments made to you.

  • Part 3: CertificationThe IRS takes tax forms very seriously. Part three of the W8-BEN requires you to certify that the information provided on the form is complete and accurate, and that you are in compliance with a list of standards associated with the form.

Helpful information

Like the W9, the W8-BEN is not submitted to the IRS. Instead, it’s submitted to the US entity issuing payment, and they keep it in their records.

If you’re a company outside the United States and receiving payments from US entities, you’ll use the W8-BEN-E version of this form instead of the standard version.

FAQ

What is a W8-BEN Form?

The W8-BEN Form, also called the Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding & Reporting, is a form required by the IRS, similar to the W9 form that employees and subcontractors in the United States must submit to employers.

However, the W8-BEN differs from a W9 because it is filled out only by non-US residents who are receiving payments from individuals or companies in the United States.

Who needs to fill out a W-8BEN?

A W-8BEN form is filled out and signed by a non-resident alien providing services for a US company and receiving money from it. It applies even in cases when a person asks for a reduced rate or an exemption from tax.

Related Business Documents

Travel Policy Template

Travel Policy Template

Instruct your employees on the procedures, conditions, and limits necessary to carry out travel expense reimbursements with our Travel Policy Template.

Invoice Template with Electronic Signature

Invoice Template with Electronic Signature

An invoice is a document that is created by an entity selling goods or services to another individual that contains information about a client, an invoice due date, payment method, total amount, and more.

Georgia Month-to-Month Lease Agreement

Georgia Month-to-Month Lease Agreement

A Georgia month-to-month lease agreement creates a legally binding relationship for monthly rentals between the landlord and the tenant. Use our free month-to-month lease agreement template for Georgia to ensure compliance with state laws.

California Real Estate Purchase Agreement

California Real Estate Purchase Agreement

The California Real Estate Purchase Agreement is a legally binding contract outlining the terms and conditions between a buyer and seller for the sale of real property in the state of California. Use our template to outline the details such as the purchase price, earnest money deposit, contingencies, and other crucial aspects governing the transaction.

Disclaimer

Parties other than PandaDoc may provide products, services, recommendations, or views on PandaDoc’s site (“Third Party Materials”). PandaDoc is not responsible for examining or evaluating such Third Party Materials, and does not provide any warranties relating to the Third Party Materials. Links to such Third Party Materials are for your convenience and does not constitute an endorsement of such Third Party Materials.

Related templates

Time Off Request Form

Time Off Request Form

Customize your time off request form easily with drag-and-drop form fields. Streamline employee time-off requests with complete information. Create a printable form or keep it digital.

Appointment Request Form

Appointment Request Form

Create appointment request forms in a few clicks. Add electronic signatures, rich media, and drag-and-drop information fields. Streamline your document workflows.

HIPAA Authorization Form

HIPAA Authorization Form

Edit HIPAA authorization forms in a single click. Customize documents with intuitive drag-and-drop tools. Collect eSignatures and payments in real-time.

Dealer Registration Form

Dealer Registration Form

Use this dealer registration form template in your organization to collect information from third-party vendors. Cut down on administrative tasks, and stay ahead of your competitors.