If you're a non-U.S. founder building your company from abroad, chances are someone has asked you for a W-8BEN form—and you may have Googled it, gotten lost in the IRS website, and thought you'd deal with it later.

Spoiler: it matters. And skipping it could lead to unnecessary tax withholdings and red flags with banks or investors.

We’re breaking it down—what it is, when to use it, and how to complete it step by step.

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What is the W-8BEN Form? 

The W-8BEN is an IRS document used to certify that you’re a non-U.S. person. It allows U.S. companies (or banks, payment processors, etc.) to avoid defaulting to a 30% tax withholding on your earnings.

This form helps you:

• Avoid double taxation
• Unlock lower tax rates under treaties
• Stay compliant with U.S. financial partners

If you’re a non-U.S. founder of a Delaware C-Corp—or you get paid by a U.S. company—you probably need it.

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Who needs to submit it (and when)?

• International startup founders receiving dividends or payments from a U.S. entity
• Freelancers or independent contractors working with U.S. clients
• Foreign shareholders or vendors dealing with U.S. companies

Heads up: Platforms like Stripe, Payoneer, and many U.S. banks will typically request it during onboarding.

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How to fill it out (without the headache) 

Let’s simplify this. Here are the basics:

• Line 1: Full legal name
• Line 2: Country of citizenship
• Line 3: Permanent residence address (not a P.O. Box)
• Line 6: Foreign tax identification number
• Part II: Claim tax treaty benefits if your country has one with the U.S.
• Signature: Don’t forget this!

Common errors to avoid:

• Using a U.S. address (it contradicts your non-resident status)
• Skipping tax treaty sections
• Submitting an outdated version of the form

Want us to check your form? Schedule a call—we’ll walk you through it.

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Why it matters for startups 

This isn’t just a tax thing. The W-8BEN impacts:

• Bank account setup for your Delaware C-Corp
• Payment platforms verifying identity
• Investors doing due diligence

Startups that skip this step often hit delays. Don’t be one of them.

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Stay compliant, move faster 

W-8BEN might seem like just another form, but it can directly affect how much money you keep and how smooth your fundraising journey is.

Need help navigating U.S. compliance as a non-resident founder? Our experts can help—schedule your free session today.

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