The W-8 Form is a legal document required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States that allows foreign investors to claim special tax treaty benefits, including a reduced rate of withholding tax.
Supplying the W-8 form is mandatory, and you will not be able to trade US securities with SelfWealth until we have received a valid W-8 form.
W-8 forms remain in effect until 31 December three years after the date of signing, unless there are any changes in your personal circumstances. For example, a form signed on October 25, 2020, remains valid through to and including December 31, 2023.
How do I complete the W-8BEN form?
During the application process, you will be prompted with either the W-8BEN or the W-8BEN-E form depending on your account type.
Individual / Joint Accounts / Sole Trader
If you are adding US Trading to an Individual, Joint or Sole Trader account, your W-8BEN form will be pre-populated for digital submission. All you need to do is type your name exactly as displayed as per Part I of the W-8BEN form (eg: MR JOHN MICHAEL SMITH) and click "Sign and Finish".
Super Funds / Trusts / Companies
If you are adding US Trading to a Super Fund, Trust or Company account, you will need to download, print and sign the W-8BEN-E form in pen. Once completed, you can send your form to support@selfwealth.com.au so that we can lodge it for you.
Download SelfWealth's guide on completing the W-8BEN-E form
Download the IRS Instructions on completing the W-8BEN-E Form
I've already completed a W-8BEN form at another broker, do I have to complete another one?
Do I need to lodge the W-8BEN form to the IRS?
Our US Trading Custodian will lodge all W-8BEN and W-8BEN-E forms to the IRS on behalf of all SelfWealth members.
If you are adding US Trading to a Super Fund / Trust / Company account you will need to print off the form, complete it and submit to support@selfwealth.com.au.
There is no need to contact the IRS directly in regards to the submission of the form.
Important notes about the form:
- SelfWealth is unable to provide you with advice in relation to your tax status and this declaration. You should contact the IRS or your tax adviser for advice and further information.
- Please ensure the version date of the W-8 form supplied is (Rev July 2017)
Individual / Joint Accounts / Sole Trader must complete the W-8BEN form “Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for Units States Tax Withholding and Reporting (INDIVIDUALS)”
Super Funds / Trusts / Companies must complete the W-8BEN-E form “Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for Units States Tax Withholding and Reporting (ENTITIES)”
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