Forms W-8BEN and W-9: Which to Use, When, and Why Many Get It Wrong

It is crucial to understand the differences between Form W-8BEN and Form W-9 when receiving payments from U.S. sources. This is especially so if the taxpayer operates, invests, or maintains financial accounts overseas. Many taxpayers get this wrong, often to their detriment. This article provides the guidance needed to understand which form is required and … Continue reading Forms W-8BEN and W-9: Which to Use, When, and Why Many Get It Wrong →

A Tale Of Two Retirees: New Senior Tax Deduction And Foreigners’ Social Security

While a campaign promise by President Donald Trump to eliminate income taxes on Social Security benefit income was not fulfilled, seniors were granted certain relief. The landmark tax legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), signed into law on July 4, 2025 introduced a temporary special deduction for taxpayers aged 65 or older. The Social Security Administration … Continue reading A Tale Of Two Retirees: New Senior Tax Deduction And Foreigners’ Social Security →

Giving Up Citizenship Or Green Card: Harsh Tax On Social Security

A portion of an individual’s U.S. Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability benefits may be subject to U.S. income tax, regardless if the individual is a U.S. or non-U.S. person. Before delving into the details about tax on Social Security, it is helpful to understand the different nomenclature when it comes to certain benefits. Social … Continue reading Giving Up Citizenship Or Green Card: Harsh Tax On Social Security →

Social Security Benefits Paid to US and Non-US Individuals, Including Those Who Expatriated – How Are They Taxed?

A portion of an individual’s US Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability benefits may be subject to Federal Income tax, regardless if the individual is a US or non-US person. Today’s post looks at the US taxation details on US social security benefits for US and non-US persons. My earlier blog post here discussed the … Continue reading Social Security Benefits Paid to US and Non-US Individuals, Including Those Who Expatriated – How Are They Taxed? →

PART II – Forms W-8BEN & W-8BEN-E: What Are They Used For? Which One Must I Complete?

Part I of this blog post explained how Form W-8BEN is used for so-called Chapter 3 income tax withholding purposes covering topics such as the types of income subject to US-source withholding when paid to a foreign (non-US) person; exemptions, length of time for validity of the Form. It also provided an overview of how … Continue reading PART II – Forms W-8BEN & W-8BEN-E: What Are They Used For? Which One Must I Complete? →

PART I: What is Form W-8BEN, What is it Used For, Must I Complete It?

Lately, I have been fielding many questions about Form W-8 BEN, it’s brother, Form W-8BEN-E, and related family members Forms W-8ECI, W-8IMY, and W-8EXP. What are these things? And why are they giving you such a headache? Let’s set out some basics one step at a time. Today’s blog post will detail all the nuances … Continue reading PART I: What is Form W-8BEN, What is it Used For, Must I Complete It? →

“US Source” Income – What Is It? Why Should I Care?

As many of my readers may know, there is a 30% withholding tax imposed on certain payments to foreign persons (whether individuals or entities) by US-payors. The 30% rate may be reduced or eliminated if a relevant treaty can apply. Withholding is required only for particular types of income provided the income has not been … Continue reading “US Source” Income – What Is It? Why Should I Care? →