If you’re a content creator living outside the U.S. who makes money from YouTube, TikTok, or other major platforms, you may be surprised when you’re asked to submit Form W-8BEN. What is this form and why does YouTube (Google AdSense) want it?
Even if you don’t live in the U.S., if you’re earning income from U.S. viewers, you’re still taxed on it unfortunately.
Here’s what you need to know about IRS Form W-8BEN, and how it affects your earnings and taxes.
Why Are You Being Asked for Form W-8BEN?
YouTube, through Google AdSense, is a U.S. company. That means what it pays you, even if you live in another country, they want to know who you are and whether any tax should be withheld before paying out.
Filing Form W-8BEN tells Google:
- You are a non-U.S. person
- You may qualify for a reduced U.S. tax rate under a tax treaty (Totalization Agreements)
Without this form. Google is required to withhold up to 30% of your U.S.-based earnings (like views or payments from U.S. audiences).
What Counts as U.S. Income for YouTubers?
It’s understandable that your audience can come from across the globe. However, YouTube may treat income as U.S. sourced if it comes from:
- Ad views from U.S. viewers
- Channel memberships or Super Chats purchased by U.S. users
- YouTube Premium revenue from U.S. subscribers
Form W-8BEN only affects U.S.-sourced income. Earnings from other countries aren’t subject to U.S. withholding rules.
What Happens if You Don’t Submit the Form?
If you forget to submit the form, or aren’t aware of it at all, Google is legally required to:
- Assume you’re a U.S. person who didn’t provide tax information
- Withhold 30% of your total worldwide YouTube income
By filing Form W-8BEN, it helps you avoid unnecessary withholding, claim a lower tax rate if your country has a tax treaty with the U.S., and stay compliant with platform requirements.
Can You Claim a Tax Treaty Benefit?
Yes, if the country you’re living in has a tax treaty with the U.S. With that, you may be eligible for a reduced rate of withholding. For example:
- UK creators might qualify for 0% withholding
- Canadian creators might qualify for 0%-10%
- Indian creators might qualify for 15%
You can claim this treaty benefit on your Form W-8BEN. You’ll need to have your foreign tax identification number (TIN) and specify the tax treaty article.
When to Submit It?
You should be prompted to fill out the form when you’re initially starting up your AdSense account or other payment tools.
Some other times that you may need to file again is if it’s coming up to the 3 year expiration date or if there’s a change in your tax status or address.
Quick Tips
- You submit the form to Google or your platform — not the IRS
- Don’t mix up W-8BEN with W-8ECI: That form is for income effectively connected to a U.S. business, like if you physically operated in the U.S.
- Review any tax treaties between the U.S. and your country
- If you’re earning income through a foreign-owned LLC, you are the beneficial owner and should file the form in your personal name
Keep More of Your Own Money
If you’re a non-U.S. YouTuber, Filing Form W-8BEN is your key to saving your income for you. It tells Google who you are, helps avoid excessive tax charges, and keeps your account compliant. It might take some time to learn, but it’s going to help you in the long run.
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