Generally, you do not have to withhold or pay any taxes on payments to independent contractors. In general, you aren't obliged to withhold taxes from independent contractors.However, you may still need to report taxes. If the payee is a foreign company or a foreign individual (non-resident alien for U.S. tax purposes), they should complete the appropriate Form W-8. A foreign entity is transacting business in Texas if it has an office or an employee in Texas or is otherwise pursuing one of its purposes in Texas. Independent contractors must pay a selfemployment tax, which is a version of the FICA, which companies usually pay for employees. Who is require to withhold? • Withholding Agent. Foreign contractors outside the US earning income from USbased clients must complete form W8BEN. This page presents basic information about Texas unemployment taxes including which employers must pay.