The form confirms that the contractor isn't a U.S. citizen and isn't working within the United States. If both of these things are true, the contractor isn't subject to American taxes. Without this form, you must withhold 30% of your payments to foreign contractors for taxes.
Federal Withholding Tax and Tax Treaties In most cases, a foreign national is subject to federal withholding tax on U.S. source income at a standard flat rate of 30%. A reduced rate, including exemption, may apply if there is a tax treaty between the foreign national's country of residence and the United States.
This law requires that the buyer withhold at least 15 percent at closing as a deposit against the seller's tax liability, which is intended to serve as an estimate of the capital gains taxes due. However, FIRPTA still applies even when the property is sold at a loss.
Foreign vendors do not complete the Substitute Form W-9; foreign persons or entities must submit one of five available forms. The vendor must determine the one most appropriate to their United States tax status for reportable transactions.
IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E You will need to collect information and file Form W-8BEN for any foreign individuals you contract with over the course of the tax year. If you contract with a foreign company or self-employed workers who operate under a business entity, you'll need to collect IRS Form W-8BEN-E.
However, the IRS doesn't require a company to withhold taxes or report any income from an international contractor if the contractor is not a U.S. citizen and the services provided are outside the U.S. filing forms 1099 is required if: The contractor is located internationally but is a U.S. citizen.
The W-8BEN and W-8BEN-E forms are essential for foreign independent contractors and businesses. They help verify the contractor's country of tax residence, enabling them to claim deductions or exemptions from US taxes.
Essentially, this form helps prevent double taxation and ensures the proper application of tax treaty benefits or exemptions for foreign individuals. A U.S. employer should request a W-8BEN from non-U.S. citizen employees or international contractors.
Without this form, you must withhold 30% of your payments to foreign contractors for taxes. IRS Form W-8BEN-E is similar but is for foreign businesses rather than individuals. For example, if you work with a foreign contractor who has formed a business entity, they may need to file W-8BEN-E instead of W-8BEN.