How do I fill out the W-8BEN form?

What is this form? The W-8BEN is a US tax form that certifies you are an individual based outside the United States. 

This form is for you if: You are a real person (not a company) and you are not a US citizen or US resident.

Part I — Your Basic Information

Line 1 — Your full legal name As it appears on your passport or official ID.

Line 2 — Country of citizenship The country of your passport. If you hold dual citizenship, enter the country you consider your primary citizenship.

Line 3 — Permanent residence address Your real home address — street, city, postal code, and country. No PO boxes.

Line 4 — Mailing address Only fill this in if your mailing address is different from Line 3. Otherwise leave blank.

Line 5 — US taxpayer identification number Leave blank. You don't have a US tax number and you don't need one.

Line 6a — Foreign tax identifying number Your local tax identification number — national ID number, tax reference number, or equivalent in your country. Fill this in if your country issues one.

Line 6b — Check if FTIN not legally required Only check this box if your country genuinely does not issue tax identification numbers. This is rare.

Line 7 — Reference number Leave blank.

Line 8 — Date of birth Enter in MM-DD-YYYY format. Example: January 15, 1990 → 01-15-1990.

Part II — Tax Treaty Benefit (optional)

Skip this section if you don't receive income from US companies (dividends, interest, or royalties).

If you do receive US-sourced income and your country has a tax treaty with the US, filling this section can reduce your withholding rate below the default 30%.

Line 9: Your country of tax residence

Line 10: The specific Article of the treaty, the reduced rate, and the type of income. Your accountant can confirm the exact article number.

Countries with no tax treaty with the US — skip Part II entirely: Brazil, UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore, Cayman Islands, BVI. The 30% default rate applies.

Part III — Signature

Sign the form, print your full name below, and add the date in MM-DD-YYYY format.

By signing, you certify under penalty of perjury that you are not a US person and that all information provided is accurate.

Summary Checklist

• Line 1 — Full legal name
• Line 2 — Country of citizenship
• Line 3 — Home address
• Line 6a — Your local tax number
• Line 8 — Date of birth
• Part II — Only if you receive US-sourced income and your country has a US tax treaty
• Part III — Signed, name printed, dated

Everything else stays blank.

FAQ

"What's the difference between this form and the W-8BEN-E?" The W-8BEN is for individuals only. If you are registering as a business entity, you need the W-8BEN-E instead.

"Do I need a US tax number?" No. Leave Line 5 blank unless you have one for a specific reason.

"I'm not sure if I should fill this or the W-8BEN-E." Simple rule: if you are registering as an individual → W-8BEN. If you are registering as a company → W-8BEN-E.