Who Needs Form W-8BEN?
Fast answer: If a US payer or platform asks you for W-8BEN, you're probably in scope.
StripePayPalAdSenseMarketplacesUS Clients
Platforms use W-8BEN to confirm you're a non-US person for tax withholding purposes.
You generally need to submit Form W-8BEN if you meet ALL of the following:
- You are not a US citizen or US resident (for tax purposes)
- You receive income connected to a US payer/platform (payouts, royalties, services, etc.)
- A US company/platform (or their payment processor) requested the form
Not advice. If your status is complicated (green card, dual status, long stays in the US), talk to a tax professional. This page is a quick filter, not a determination.
Common Situations
- Freelancers/contractors working with US clients or US payers
- International sellers on US marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, Etsy, etc.)
- Creators receiving US-source royalties/payouts (YouTube/AdSense, Twitch, music distributors)
- Software/apps earning US platform revenue (app stores, affiliate programs)
Not For You If…
- You're submitting tax information for a company/entity→ use W-8BEN-E
- You are a US person for tax purposes → you likely need a different form (ask your payer or tax pro)
- No one requested W-8BEN and there's no US payout context → you may not need it
What Happens Next (If You Request Review)
- Pay + start secure submission.
You'll see exactly what to submit next. - Send your form/details (redacted).
Do not include SSNs. Redact IDs if unsure. - Human consistency check.
Missing fields + mismatches + common rejection triggers. - You get a clear checklist.
What to change / what to leave alone (no guarantees).
Even small mistakes can trigger rejections, payout delays, or default withholding. Don't guess.