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US Taxes (Form W-8BEN)
Thread poster: Carolina Alberca
Carolina Alberca
Carolina Alberca
Australia
English to Spanish
+ ...
May 19, 2012

Hello ProZ Members,

I have just completed an assignment for a US based company. This is not the first time I have worked with a firm located in the US, however, this was the first time a US firm asked me to complete a US Tax Form (W-8BEN).

Unfortunately with it being the weekend I am unable to get a hold of my accountant, however, with a quick glance over the form it appears as if I am obligated to pay 30% of my fees in taxes to the IRS? However, I have my own taxation... See more
Hello ProZ Members,

I have just completed an assignment for a US based company. This is not the first time I have worked with a firm located in the US, however, this was the first time a US firm asked me to complete a US Tax Form (W-8BEN).

Unfortunately with it being the weekend I am unable to get a hold of my accountant, however, with a quick glance over the form it appears as if I am obligated to pay 30% of my fees in taxes to the IRS? However, I have my own taxation obligations in my country. So to me, the long and short seems that I am being taxed twice.

There was no mention of this form prior to my undertaking of the project, only afterwards in order for "Payment to be completed". Any advice or general information on how to handle this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks very much everyone,

Carolina ▲ Collapse
 
Natalie
Natalie  Identity Verified
Poland
Local time: 18:31
Member (2002)
English to Russian
+ ...

MODERATOR
SITE LOCALIZER
Hi Carolina May 19, 2012

This has been discussed many times: just make a forum search for 'W-8BEN' - you will certainly find all information you are interested in.

Natalia
 
Sabine Akabayov, PhD
Sabine Akabayov, PhD
Israel
Local time: 19:31
Member (2011)
English to German
+ ...
fill it out May 20, 2012

The 30% are only tax withholdings, not the actual tax rate.
Filing form W8BEN will let the payer know that you are not subject to withholdings in the US. If you don't provide that form and taxes are withheld, you would need to file a US tax return to get a refund of any withholdings.
 


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US Taxes (Form W-8BEN)







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