Any U.S. source income you receive during the year that is “effectively connected” with the U.S. may be subject to non-resident withholding tax equal to the top U.S. marginal tax rate. You may be able to recover any excess U.S. withholding tax when you file the annual non-resident U.S. tax return.
The IRS requires a flat 30% withholding on ALL types of payments to foreign national individuals UNLESS: The individual has a U.S. tax identification number (SSN or ITIN) and qualifies for a tax reduction under the tax treaty between the U.S. and their country of tax residency.
Today, it's possible to hire independent contractors from any part of the world, thanks to improvements in technology and communications. It's a great idea to consider Mexico if you're looking to expand your team. Its proximity and strong economic ties to the US are definite advantages.
Freelancers have the most freedom by working remotely and setting their own schedules. They work directly with clients and choose which projects to accept. Independent contractors have more stability by signing a contract to work primarily with one client for a fixed amount of time.
While this opens doors to diverse talent and skill sets, it also introduces unique challenges in terms of tax compliance. One critical aspect of this compliance involves Form 1099, which US-based businesses may need to issue to foreign contractors for reporting payments made during the tax year.
Self-employment Tax: Even though the Canadian company doesn't issue a 1099,you are still responsible for reporting all your income, including this, on your US tax return.
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.