@lewisvo20 , agreeing with my colleagues @KrisD15 and @Opus 17 for the responses, I just like to add two small points ( as a matter of general interest on the topic :(
(a) No you do not have to have a tax advisor --- the use of the TIN certification form W-9 and W-8BEN are really to declare to the payor ( of the interest/dividend -- non-employee earnings ) of your tax status and whether there is a need for withholding of federal taxes and at the appropriate rates ( federal or treaty mediated ).
(b) here is a page/article from the IRS that may be of general interest on the subject:
Federal income tax withholding and reporting on other kinds of U.S. source income paid to nonresiden...
Hope this helps.
Is there more one of us can do for you ?
