How to Fill Up a W-8BEN Form if You Are a Virtual Assistant from The Philippines (with sample on how to fill-up)

Blog Outline

What is a W-8BEN Form?
Who should use it?
Key Sections of the Form
Why it matters?
Click here to skip to the sample of a filled form
Downloadable form

What is a W-8BEN Form

A Form W-8BEN (Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting) is a document used by non-U.S. individuals to:

Certify their foreign status (i.e., they are not U.S. citizens or residents).
Claim a reduction or exemption from U.S. withholding tax on income they receive from U.S. sources (like dividends, royalties, or interest), as permitted by an applicable income tax treaty between their country and the U.S.

Who Should Use It?

Individuals (not businesses or entities) who are non-U.S. persons and receive income from a U.S. source.
Examples include freelancers, investors, or content creators from outside the U.S. receiving income from companies like Google (YouTube), Amazon, or U.S.-based clients.

Key Sections:

Part I: Identification of the beneficial owner (name, country of citizenship, address).
Part II: Claim of tax treaty benefits (optional, if applicable).
Part III: Certification and signature.

Why It Matters:

If you don't submit this form when required, the U.S. company paying you may withhold tax at the default rate of 30%, rather than a reduced rate (e.g., 0% or 15%) that might apply under a treaty.