Frequently Asked Questions

The following are information notes for the completion of a W-8BEN. These notes should be read alongside the official IRS instructions available at www.irs.gov also available on our website.

The W-8BEN form should not be completed with white ink, nor should correction fluid (Tip-ex) or correction tape. If it is the forms will be rejected by the IRS.

This information notes each section of the W-8BEN form with completion notes for each. If you require a W-8BEN form one can be downloaded in our Useful Forms.

Completed forms should be returned to:

TD Waterhouse
Exchange Court
Duncombe Street
Leeds
LS1 4AX

Part I Identification of Beneficial Owner

1. Enter the full name of the individual or organistion of the applicant
2. Only relevant for applicants who are not individuals
3. Tick the box that is most appropriate to the applicant
4. Enter the permanent residential address. This does include PO Box, Care of or any other mailing type addresses
   Country should be completed without any abbreviations used. Applicants that would enter England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland should enter United Kingdom. Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man are not apart of the United Kingdom
5. A mailing contact address can be offered here
   Country should be completed without any abbreviations used. Applicants that would enter England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland should enter United Kingdom. Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man are not apart of the United Kingdom
6. If the applicant has a US taxpayer identification number it should be entered here and the relevant box ticked
7. Only complete if one is held
8. This can be the account number or any other relevant reference

Part II Claim of Tax Treaty Benefits

This section should only be completed if the applicant is resident in country that has a tax treaty with the United states. Tick the relevant boxes

1. Country should be completed without any abbreviations used. Applicants that would enter England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland should enter United Kingdom. Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man are not apart of the United Kingdom
2. Only tick this if question 6 above has been answered
3. Individual applicants should not complete this field
4. Individual applicants should not complete this field. Additional guidance can be found in the Instructions for Form W-8BEN
5. Only complete if applicable. Additional guidance can be found in the Instructions for Form W-8BEN
6. Where relevant, all blank sections need to be completed including the tax treaty reference that is appropriate to receiving special rates. Each treaty may use a different reference therefore, if this is applicable, the client will need to enter this information. Additional guidance can be found in the Instructions for Form W-8BEN

Part III Notional Principal Contracts

Only tick this box if it is applicable. Additional guidance can be found in the Instructions for Form W-8BEN

Part IV Certification

Please sign and if relevant enter in which capacity you are signing in. Capacity examples include; trustee, executor, power of attorney, parent, guardian, director and treasurer.

Important Information

• This is for information purposes only.
• Tax advice can not be given.
• If advice is required please consult a professional tax advisor or the IRS.
• Tax treaty rates does not override your actual tax liability in the country you reside but any tax withheld maybe deemed off settable.
• If you do not feel that the Form W-8BEN is appropriate please visit WWW.IRS.GOV and review the other Form W-8 series available. Each form will have a corresponding instruction guide to help you understand the usage and completion of the form.