W7, W8? How does foreigner file to IRS?

[irock]

Hi, I just got an email from my American business partner (i'm in affiliate partnerhsip with them) saying they need me to fill in W7 form. Does filing W7 mean they have the right to withhold my money?

I am based in Hong Kong, but I've been filing W8 (forgot which one exactly) to different companies for years. For Google Adsense, I don't even have to fill out W8.

Could anyone with experience shed light on this?

Thanks much!

[antirack]

I believe they are mistaken and you don't need it.

Nice to see some people from Hong Kong here :)

[irock]

Thanks.

Would you mind pointing to IRS pages that have more in-depth info on this matter?

[antirack]

You are not required to pay taxes in the US and you are not required to apply for an ID.

Your partner might just ask for this form because they don't know better or they cannot imagine that there are people who actually don't need to pay taxes in the US.

I'd just tell them about your experience with others. W7 seems to be for illegal immigrants or others, who don't have a social security number to file their tax return.

[irock]

Thanks much.

I will discuss with them on Monday about the W7.