W-8BEN and W-8BEN-E for non-residents: how to complete and submit correctly
We help you prepare and submit W-8BEN and W-8BEN-E forms for working with U.S. platforms, banks, and partners. We explain which form to choose, how to avoid blocks, and how to avoid unnecessary U.S. taxes
Визначаємо потрібний тип форми
Reviewing all information for accuracy
Helping minimize tax risks
Preparation within 1–2 business days
WoBorders is an independent private consulting company. We provide advisory and administrative support and are not affiliated with any government authority or official registry
Визначаємо потрібний тип форми
Helping minimize tax risks
Reviewing all information for accuracy
Preparation within 1–2 business days
We are proud of our clients and sincerely grateful for their trust
What is W-8BEN / W-8BEN-E
W-8BEN and W-8BEN-E forms are documents for the IRS that confirm you are not a U.S. tax resident.
They are required when working with U.S. companies, receiving payments from the U.S., and connecting payment systems such as Payoneer or Stripe. A properly submitted form helps avoid automatic 30% withholding tax and allows you to apply a reduced tax rate under a tax treaty.
Who needs a W-8 form
Required for working with U.S. clients and receiving payments without additional tax.
Need help with completing a W-8 form?
Freelancers and IT specialists
Working with U.S. clients or receiving payments via international platforms
SaaS and product companies
Selling digital products or services to clients in the U.S. market
E-commerce businesses
Operating through Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, or other international marketplaces
Companies using Stripe or Payoneer
To confirm non-resident status and receive payments without restrictions
Which W-8 form to choose
The choice of form depends on who receives income from the U.S.: an individual, a company, or an intermediary. Choosing the wrong form may lead to excess tax withholding, payment delays, or requests for additional documents.
W-8BEN for individuals who are non-U.S. tax residents
Form W-8BEN is submitted by individuals who are not U.S. tax residents and receive income from U.S. sources. The form is used to certify foreign status and, where an applicable tax treaty exists, to claim a reduced withholding tax rate or an exemption from withholding.W-8BEN-E for foreign entities
Form W-8BEN-E is submitted by legal entities that are not U.S. tax residents and receive income from U.S. sources. The form certifies the entity's foreign status and, where an applicable tax treaty exists, allows the entity to claim a reduced withholding tax rate or an exemption from withholding.W-8ECI for income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business
Form W-8ECI Form W-8ECI is submitted by foreign individuals or entities when the income received is considered effectively connected income (ECI), meaning it is directly connected with a U.S. trade or business. Such income is taxed in the United States under separate rules, so it is important to determine the nature of the income and whether it is connected with U.S. business activities before filing the form.W-8IMY for intermediaries and complex structures
Form W-8IMY is submitted by intermediaries, agents, or other entities that receive payments on behalf of another person rather than by the beneficial owner of the income. The form is used to certify the intermediary's status and to provide tax information regarding the beneficial owner. It is commonly used in complex corporate structures, investment funds, nominee arrangements, and other financial intermediary structures.Submitting a W-8 form does not eliminate other reporting requirements for U.S. companies. If you have an LLC or C-Corporation in the U.S., additional forms may be required, such as Form 5472, Form 1120, and others, depending on your business structure.
What is needed to complete a W-8 form
Stages of W-8 form preparation
Preparing a W-8 form usually takes 1–2 business days. For freelancers without a company, the process is usually simpler. For foreign companies, we additionally analyze the tax treaty between your country and the United States
Document submission
Contact us through any convenient channel and briefly describe your situation
Data collection and contract review
Provide registration details, tax information, contracts, or invoices so we can determine the type of income
Form preparation
We complete the W-8 form and send it to you ready for submission
Common mistakes when completing W-8 forms
Taxes and possible consequences
Need help with completing a W-8 form?
We assess your situation, determine the right form, and help you complete it without errors
Your consultant
Ivan Chebotarov
CEO & co-Founder
Describe your request
Frequently asked questions about filling out W-8 forms
What is the W-8 form, and why is it needed?
The W-8 form is used by non-U.S. residents who receive income from U.S. sources. It confirms your tax status and may allow you to apply a reduced tax rate or exemption if a tax treaty between the U.S. and your country is in place.
Which form should be chosen: W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E?
Individuals, including freelancers and self-employed persons, submit Form W-8BEN. Form W-8BEN-E is submitted by legal entities (companies). Choosing the wrong form may result in excess tax withholding or requests for additional documents.
Can 30% tax be withheld without a W-8 form?
Yes. If the form is not submitted or completed incorrectly, the U.S. counterparty or platform may apply the standard 30% withholding tax on income from U.S. sources.
Can one W-8 form be used for different counterparties?
In many cases, yes — if your status, type of income, and working model do not change. However, if the nature of income, contract terms, or platform requirements differ, the form should be reviewed separately.
What should be indicated in the “Foreign TIN” field?
This field requires your tax identification number in your country of residence. For individuals, this may be a personal tax number, and for companies, a registration or tax number, depending on the jurisdiction.
What should be indicated in the "Special rates and conditions" field?
This field specifies the basis for applying a reduced tax rate under a tax treaty, if applicable. You need to correctly determine the type of income, the relevant treaty article, and the conditions under which it applies.
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