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Need help with W-8BEN from Canadian colleagues
Thread poster: uFO
uFO
uFO  Identity Verified
South Korea
Local time: 17:25
Korean to English
+ ...
Feb 9, 2004

I have been contracted by an interpretation agency in the US and after signing a regular contract, they send me this W-8BEN which I am not sure what to do about. I am mostly confused about Part II Claim of Tax Treaty Benefits. I am tempted not to mark anything, but I am worried it would allow them to deduct US taxes from my paycheck. Any advice or links will be greatly appreciated.
 
Tina Vonhof (X)
Tina Vonhof (X)
Canada
Local time: 14:25
Dutch to English
+ ...
Will respond later Feb 9, 2004

I just completed the whole process. I am at work now but will check it out when I get home and respond then.
 
Ariser
Ariser
English to Dutch
+ ...
IRS instructions for form W8BEN Feb 9, 2004

See the link below for pdf instructions for form W8BEN:
(http://www.irs.gov/app/scripts/redirectPDF.jsp?dest=/pub/irs-pdf/iw8ben.pdf)
 
uFO
uFO  Identity Verified
South Korea
Local time: 17:25
Korean to English
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
no progress yet Feb 10, 2004

Thanks, Ariser, I have read the instuctions, in fact, I spend two hours yesterday doing just that, but it didn't help. Even if IRS intentionally wanted to confuse people, I don't think they could make their instructions any more obscure.
I found a tax treaty with Canada, and I narrowed it down to articles XIV and XV, but I am still not sure whether working for an agancy qualifies as independent personal services or dependant personal services. Plus, in the form I also have to put the rate... See more
Thanks, Ariser, I have read the instuctions, in fact, I spend two hours yesterday doing just that, but it didn't help. Even if IRS intentionally wanted to confuse people, I don't think they could make their instructions any more obscure.
I found a tax treaty with Canada, and I narrowed it down to articles XIV and XV, but I am still not sure whether working for an agancy qualifies as independent personal services or dependant personal services. Plus, in the form I also have to put the rate of withholding and I am totally confused what that is.

And, Tina, I am really looking forward to your posting...

[Edited at 2004-02-10 16:44] ▲ Collapse
 
Tina Vonhof (X)
Tina Vonhof (X)
Canada
Local time: 14:25
Dutch to English
+ ...
Sorry it took so long... Feb 11, 2004

Sorry it took so long but here is my W-8BEN story.

First, you will need a TIN number (like a social insurance number for non-residents). To get that, you have to fill out a form W-7, which you will find on the web site: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf.

You need to fill out that form (it comes with instructions) and send it to the IRS, together with a certified co... See more
Sorry it took so long but here is my W-8BEN story.

First, you will need a TIN number (like a social insurance number for non-residents). To get that, you have to fill out a form W-7, which you will find on the web site: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf.

You need to fill out that form (it comes with instructions) and send it to the IRS, together with a certified copy of your passport or other photo ID. Then they will send you your TIN number, which needs to be filled in under part I, point 6 of the form W-8BEN.

When I received the form W-8BEN from my publisher in the US, they had already filled most of it in for me.

In part I , my contact information.
In part II, 9 a) resident of CANADA;
10) claim a 0 % rate of withholding on (in your case TRANSLATION I assume).

I hope this is helpful. If you have questions, feel free to send me an e-mail via my profile. ▲ Collapse
 
uFO
uFO  Identity Verified
South Korea
Local time: 17:25
Korean to English
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
Thank you so much Feb 11, 2004

Tina, thank you very much. You really helped me out.
 
Tina Vonhof (X)
Tina Vonhof (X)
Canada
Local time: 14:25
Dutch to English
+ ...
Your're welcome Feb 12, 2004

I forgot to mention that the 0% percent withholding rate of course means that you will need to declare the income on your Canadian tax return.

uFO wrote:

Tina, thank you very much. You really helped me out.


 


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