W-8BEN
Business & Finance abbreviation · Tax
| Stands for | Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals) |
|---|---|
| Categories | Business & Finance |
W-8BEN stands for Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals), a tax abbreviation.
IRS form a non-US individual gives to a US payer or financial institution to certify foreign status and, where a tax treaty applies, claim a reduced withholding rate on US-source income such as dividends or royalties. Without it, the default withholding rate is 30%.
Example: Our UK-based illustrator submitted a W-8BEN, so we don't issue her a 1099.
Usage notes
Generally valid until the last day of the third calendar year after signing, unless circumstances change. Companies and other entities use Form W-8BEN-E, and income effectively connected with a US business uses W-8ECI. Platforms such as YouTube and Amazon request it from foreign creators and sellers.
Related abbreviations
More tax abbreviations
- 1031 – Like-kind exchange (Internal Revenue Code section 1031)
- 1040 – U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (IRS Form 1040)
- 1040-ES – Estimated Tax for Individuals (IRS Form 1040-ES)
- 1040-NR – U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return (IRS Form 1040-NR)
- 1040-SR – U.S. Tax Return for Seniors (IRS Form 1040-SR)
- 1040-X – Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (IRS Form 1040-X)
- 1041 – U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts (IRS Form 1041)
- 1065 – U.S. Return of Partnership Income (IRS Form 1065)
- 1095-A – Health Insurance Marketplace Statement (IRS Form 1095-A)
- 1098 – Mortgage Interest Statement (IRS Form 1098)
- 1098-E – Student Loan Interest Statement (IRS Form 1098-E)
- 1098-T – Tuition Statement (IRS Form 1098-T)