Discover essential steps for safely paying international contractors. Our guide simplifies compliance, currency, payment methods, contracts, and more.This guide is intended to simplify the process. Examples of common payments the University makes to foreign nationals visiting or working in the US. What are the Withholding Requirements for Payments to Foreign Independent Contractors? Pennsylvania law requires withholding at a rate of 3.07 percent on non-wage Pennsylvania source income payments made to nonresidents. International Independent Contractors are non-US-based service providers who perform a specific skill outside the usual scope of University activities. If your contractor is selfemployed (a sole proprietor in their country), you'll need them to fill out Form W8BEN. Since foreign contractors pay income taxes in their own country, US companies likely won't need to withhold taxes from payments made to them⁶. Income from employment.