Glossary

Form W-8BEN

Form W-8BEN is the certificate a non-U.S. individual gives to a U.S. payer or broker to establish foreign status and claim reduced treaty withholding on U.S.-source income.

How it works

A non-U.S. individual gives Form W-8BEN to a U.S. payer or broker to certify foreign status and claim a reduced treaty withholding rate. Entities use Form W-8BEN-E. The form is valid for three years and must be updated when circumstances change. A foreign person who mistakenly provides a W-9 may be reported to the IRS as a U.S. person.

Why it matters

For non-residents using U.S. crypto exchanges, the correct W-8 form determines whether their activity is reported to the IRS at all and what is withheld.

Related: Form W-9, tax treaty.

Guides that cover form W-8BEN

Related terms

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Definitions are general information, not legal advice, and may not reflect the most recent changes in law.

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