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0 pointscapableweb2y ago0 comments

I'm fairly certain most people outside of the US never even heard of that form at all, as most people don't work with/in US companies, nor deal with the US government at all.

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SXX2y ago

W-8BEN has nothing to do about dealing with US companies or government.

If you open investment account to buy any US stock, index funds or a some other US-based financial instruments you have to fill W-8BEN. Otherwise you might be charged 30% tax on your investment income by IRS.

So even if you open brokerage account in UK, EU, India, Russia or any other country you'll surely know about this form.

capablewebOP2y ago

> W-8BEN has nothing to do about dealing with US companies or government.

> If you open investment account to buy any US stock, index funds or a some other US-based financial instruments you have to fill W-8BEN

You seem to directly contradict yourself. Dealing with any US-based financial instrument obviously has to do with dealing with something US related.

In contrast, if I only invest in any non-US financial instruments, I don't have to deal with W-8BEN.

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