What is Form W8 and W9?
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The goals of the W-8 forms are to help the IRS keep track of how much income is being sent to individuals and entities overseas, as well as to determine the correct tax withholding rate. The goal of the W-9 form is to ensure self-employed individuals in the US are paying the correct amount of taxes.
Do I need to fill out a W8 or W9?
Form W9 is intended for US persons, as explained in question 2. The equivalent form that applies to non-US persons is W8-BEN (for individuals) and W8-BEN-E (for entities).
What is the W-8 tax form?
What Are W-8 Forms? W-8 forms are Internal Revenue Service (IRS) forms that foreign individuals and businesses must file to verify their country of residence for tax purposes, certifying that they qualify for a lower rate of tax withholding.
Why is a W8 needed?
In a nutshell, a W 8 form is used by foreign businesses and non-resident aliens earning income from U.S. sources. Its purpose is mainly to let brokers and mutual fund companies know that the person or company in question is not subject to the usual tax withholding from investment income.
What is W-9 tax form?
Use Form W-9 to provide your correct Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to the person who is required to file an information return with the IRS to report, for example: Income paid to you. Real estate transactions. Mortgage interest you paid. Acquisition or abandonment of secured property.
Is w8 necessary?
American citizens generally do not need to use W 8 forms, nor do resident aliens — instead, they would use the corresponding W-9 form that certifies their tax identification number.
Do I need a W8?
When should I file a W8?
Give Form W-8 BEN to the withholding agent or payer if you are a foreign person and you are the beneficial owner of an amount subject to withholding. Submit Form W-8 BEN when requested by the withholding agent or payer whether or not you are claiming a reduced rate of, or exemption from, withholding.
Who gets W8 form?
A W-8 form is completed by individuals or entities outside the U.S. to claim an exemption from U.S. tax withholding for payments made to them that derive from within the U.S. W-8 forms are effectively the equivalent of W-9 forms, which are required of nonemployees who are U.S. taxpayers.
Who fills out a w9?
Employers who work with independent contractors must provide them with a W-9 form to fill out before starting work. There are specific criteria for who is classified as an “independent contractor” and will need to fill out a W-9 form.