If you have purchased US securities (e.g., shares or bonds issued by a US corporation or US treasury bonds) your financial institution may request that you complete IRS Form W-8. The form may be requested when someone opens a securities account.

Form W-8BEN can be used only by individuals, and certified that you are a non-US resident and, in case treaty is applicable, that you are a bona fide resident of the treaty country.

Form W-8BEN-E can be sued by non-US entitities that are beneficial owners. Form W-8BEN-E certifies to the non-US financial institution that the entity is not US resident, its FATCA status, and, in case treaty is applicable, that the entity meets a specific LOB provision under the applicable treaty.

Form W-8 is not provided to the IRS.

Form W-8 may contain sensitive personal information, therefore it is highly recommended to provide a Form W-8 only to a trusted financial institution.