When do you need to fill in a W-8BEN form?

If you, as a non-US investor, receive dividends from US stocks or other income from US sources, the US tax authority normally withholds a standard tax rate of 30%.

By filling in a W-8BEN form, you can:

- Prove that you are not a US resident for tax purposes.

- Qualify for a lower tax rate on US income, depending on tax treaties between the US and your country.

- Avoid paying too much tax on dividends and other US investment income.