All persons ('withholding agents') making US-source fixed, determinable, annual, or periodical (FDAP) payments to foreign persons generally must report and withhold 30% of the gross US-source FDAP payments, such as dividends, interest, royalties, etc.
Payments to a foreign corporation in exchange for personal services performed in the US by either a US citizen or alien is considered to be US-sourced income and is usually subject to withholding. (Can be wages or self-employment income.)
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.
Exemption from withholding To qualify for this exempt status, the employee must have had no tax liability for the previous year and must expect to have no tax liability for the current year. A Form W-4 claiming exemption from withholding is valid for only the calendar year in which it's furnished to the employer.
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.
Shop the World with PayPal. To shop from millions of online stores around the world, activate your card now for international transactions.
US company hiring a foreign independent contractor living abroad. The US company doesn't need to report the payments they made to the foreign independent contractor to the IRS if they are not US-sourced income. The company also doesn't need to withhold any tax.
Companies must ensure that foreign independent contractors comply with immigration laws by obtaining the necessary work permits and visas. It is important to research and understand the regulations specific to the contractor's home country and the country where the work will be performed.