Help with W8-BEN form

Do I need to get a ITIN or SSN?

[Rightz]

Hi,

I'm a UK resident. I am contemplating joining a hotel affiliate program.

This company is based in the US.

They say I need to complete a W8-BEN form.

Do I need to apply for a Social Security Number (if I can) - or a Independant Tax Indetification Number?

Also I've read the notes and it says someone with a ITIN is taxed 30% - is that true?

Does anyone have any exprience with this?

Thanks

[andye]

I filled in one of these some years ago, and I don't remember having to apply to the US government for any kind of a reference number.

There's probably some instructions on a US government website somewhere, I'd guess?

hth, a.

[percentages]

>They say I need to complete a W8-BEN form.

They want you to complete the W8-BEN so that they have proof you are not liable for tax in the USA.

You do not need a SS# or a TIN#, and you shouldn't even think about trying to get one if you are a UK resident for 6+ months of the year. You will, and should only be taxed, in the UK.

>Also I've read the notes and it says someone with a ITIN is taxed 30% - is that true?

If you are a UK resident & UK tax payer, you will not pay a penny in US taxes of any type. You will pay all UK taxes on the USA income of course! (most likely more than 30% in the UK).

The W8-BEN form is a method to avoid double taxation, you will pay in the UK, the USA will not want any tax.