INSTRUCTIONS : CERTIFICATE OF FOREIGN STATUS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER FOR UNITED STATES TAX WITHHOLDING (Form W-8)
The W-8 Form is a United States Internal Revenue Service tax form used by foreign persons or corporations to certify they are not citizens of the United States. The form establishes non-resident status, resulting in reduced income tax normally taxed on American citizens.
A W-8 Form can be obtained through the I.R.S’ website or by obtaining the documents through a local tax office.
The form is to be used in conjunction with property owner or held within the United States but not subject to United State’s income tax.
1. The first step is to identify the beneficial owner, which is the non-American owner of property in the United States.
2. State the name of the owner, the country of origin, and the type of owner in boxes 1 through 3.
3. Provide in box 4 the permanent address of the owner, including the country which the permanent address is located.
4. Enter a mailing address in box 5, if different than the address provided in box 4.
5. In boxes 6 and 7, provide either the United States taxpayer identification number or the foreign identification number, if the beneficial owner has one or both.
6. Provide any necessary reference number in box 8.
7. For part II, you must state the tax benefits for which you are applying with your W-8 Form
8. Check all tax treaty benefits that apply to your situation in boxes 9a to 9e. You must review the tax treaties and laws for each type before applying to ensure that you qualify.
9. If you have a special rate or condition based on your foreign status, indicate so in box 10.
10. If your tax benefit request can be backed up by a notional principle contract, indicate so in part III and attach any such contracts to your W-8 Form.
11. Certify the form in part IV. Once completed, you may submit the form for review by the IRS. Retain a copy of the form for your own personal records.
