W-8 Ben form, anyone?

[japaneseprincess]

Heya. I was asked to fill W-8 Ben form as I'm an international writer, I find it really difficult to fill.
I'm visiting IRS office in London next week, but I don't know how much they can help me.

I've done fair amount of googling, found some useful info. I also scanned through official instruction paper from IRS, but not everything is clear for indivisual's case.

Are there any international writers out there who have filled this form without any issues?
If I don't sort out withholding agent thingy, it looks like I will pay 30%. the rate can be reduced (to nearly zero) but the instruction is not very clear how we can do that.

I'm a UK tax payer, so I guess it should be no problem..?


Any Tax genius out there?


I have Tax offer friends here in the UK but they have no power when it comes to U.S tax

[hummingbird]

I suggest you get (if you haven't already) an ITIN (taxpayer identification number) from the IRS. Then income under (I think) 3,000 is not taxable. Anything over that, you will pay the IRS tax -- but you claim that amount on your tax return in your country as a Foreign Tax Credit.

HTH

[japaneseprincess]

I suggest you get (if you haven't already) an ITIN (taxpayer identification number) from the IRS. Then income under (I think) 3,000 is not taxable. Anything over that, you will pay the IRS tax -- but you claim that amount on your tax return in your country as a Foreign Tax Credit.

HTH

Thanks Vikki ! i will look into ITIN. Much appreciate your help

Just downloaded the form (W-7) for ITIN !!


Cheers.


Taek