What happens if the W-8 BEN form on my account expires?

As a foreign investor, it's crucial to understand the implications of the expiration of the W-8BEN form on your account. This form is essential for non-U.S. residents as it impacts how your U.S. source of income is taxed. Here's what you need to know:

Increased Withholding Taxes:

The primary consequence of an expired W-8BEN form is the withholding taxes on your source of income in the U.S. Without a valid W-8BEN, the default withholding tax rate of 30% (or a higher treaty rate, if applicable) will be applied to your cash dividends and credit interest earnings; and 24% tax will be applied to any sale proceeds. 

Mandatory Compliance:

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires all foreign investors to complete the W-8BEN form to declare their tax status. This form must be updated every three years. Failure to update it can lead to compliance issues and potential penalties.

Notification and Renewal Process:

Firstrade will issue multiple renewal reminders if your W-8BEN is nearing its expiration at the end of the calendar year. It’s important to respond promptly to these notifications and submit a new W-8BEN form to ensure continuous tax compliance and favorable treaty rates. To renew the form, simply log into your account, navigate to 'Accounts -> Profile' and follow the renewal steps.

Impact on Transactions:

If your W-8 BEN expires, your account's trading privileges will be limited. To manage this, you can verify the status of your W-8 BEN to determine the last submission date and the upcoming renewal deadline.

In conclusion, keeping your W-8BEN form up to date is essential to avoid higher withholding taxes and ensure compliance with U.S. tax regulations. Always respond promptly to renewal notifications and contact us if you have any questions.