Go back

Which W-8 form do I need?

Banking, payments & cross-border

W-8BEN for a foreign individual, W-8BEN-E for a foreign entity. Other versions cover intermediaries, governments, and foreign businesses with US effectively connected income.

Getting the version wrong usually means the form is invalid, which puts you back in a withholding position.

Try Inkle Books
We handle this for founders running US companies.
Full guide
W-9 vs. W-8BEN: Which IRS Form Should You Use for US and Foreign Payees?
People also ask
Which W-8 form do I need?
What is withheld on dividends paid to a foreign shareholder?
What if the contractor visits the US to work?
What happens if I never collected a W-8?

Ready to take the next step? We would love to help you

Book a demo
This is some text inside of a div block.

Heading

Check your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575) first. If that is gone, look at a previously filed tax return, a business bank account application, or any 1099 you have issued. Your bank or your payroll provider will also have it on file.

previous version