Which W-8 form do I need?
Use a plain-English decision guide and private form finder to narrow down the likely form.
Read the guideW-8 learning centre
Choose the form. Understand every answer.
Plain-English, source-backed guidance for non-U.S. individuals and businesses completing U.S. withholding certificates. Start with the decision you need to make today.
Choose
Start with your status, the kind of income you receive, and your role in the payment. These guides help you identify the form to investigate before you enter personal information.
W-8BEN vs W-9
Understand how U.S. status changes which certification a payer may request.
In editorial reviewW-8BEN vs W-8BEN-E
See how the individual and entity forms differ before starting.
In editorial reviewComplete
Work through the fields with the official form and instructions beside you. Examples use fictional details and explain when the safe next step is to ask a qualified adviser.
How to complete Form W-8BEN
A line-by-line guide to the current official form.
In editorial reviewWhat is a foreign TIN?
Learn what the IRS means by a foreign tax identifying number and where to verify yours.
In editorial reviewTreaty benefits and Line 10
Understand what this part asks without assuming that a treaty rate applies.
In editorial reviewUnderstand
Learn what happens after signing, when a form normally expires, and why a withholding agent—not the IRS—usually asks for your certificate.
How long is Form W-8BEN valid?
Calculate the ordinary validity period and learn what can end it sooner.
In editorial reviewWhere do you send Form W-8BEN?
Find out who receives the form and why you generally do not file it with the IRS.
In editorial reviewWhat happens after you submit?
A practical overview of review, withholding, changes in circumstances, and renewal.
In editorial review