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New Member
posted Apr 4, 2020 2:24:43 AM

Is it required to file w-8 ben that I received from a foreign contractor?

I had my foreign contractor sign the W-8Ben form for the record. I already put the contractor expenses on my tax return. Do I need to include W-8Ben on my tax return? If so, where can I do it on TurboTax?

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3 Replies
Level 15
Apr 5, 2020 7:41:06 PM

@taewankim88  from your  post what I read is that you have a schedule-C business ( single member LLC, sole proprietor business etc. ) and you have employed the services of a foreign contractor  ( whom  performed the work as an independent  person in a foreign country ).   In such a case  , assuming that the tax treaty between US and that country does not impact this and that you paid  for the services directly to the person abroad, there is no need for the W-8BEN to be sent anywhere -- you should  have record of whom you paid the amount to  for your records.  If the work is done abroad then that income would  be taxed by the local tax administration unless the tax treaty is contravened.  Which country are you talking about ?  Are you a US person ( citizen/Resident/Resident for tax purposes  )?

Expert Alumni
Apr 6, 2020 5:07:39 AM

The Form W-8BEN is not filed with the I.R.S. It is kept on file with the U.S. payor in case the U.S. payor is audited. If audited, the Form W-8BEN supports why no Form 1099 was issued and why no tax was withheld.

Level 15
Apr 6, 2020 9:52:59 AM

@KarenJ2  ?? --PM me please