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Form W-8BEN for Thai YouTubers, authors and investors
If a US company pays you — YouTube/Google AdSense, Amazon KDP, Apple or Google app stores, or a US broker — it will ask you to fill in Form W-8BEN. The form confirms that you're not a US person, and it's where you claim a lower US tax rate under the US–Thailand tax treaty when one applies.
Why it matters
Without a valid W-8BEN, US payers generally withhold tax at the default rate of 30%. With it, the rate can be lower for some kinds of income. That's the difference between keeping more of what you earn — or having to claim it back later.
What you usually need
- Your full name and your permanent address in Thailand.
- Your Thai tax identification number (the 13-digit number) — many payers accept it as your foreign tax ID.
- For some treaty claims, a US taxpayer number — usually an ITIN.
- The right treaty article and rate for your type of income — this is where people most often make mistakes.
How long it lasts
A W-8BEN usually stays valid until the end of the third calendar year after you sign it, unless something on it changes (for example you move). Payers will ask you to renew it.
Already had too much withheld?
If US tax was taken at a higher rate than you should have paid, you may be able to get the difference back by filing a US tax return (Form 1040-NR). Our 1-minute refund check tells you if it's worth looking into.
General information, not tax advice.
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- What is an ITIN, and do you need one?
- How to apply for an ITIN from Thailand
- Which documents do you need for an ITIN?
- Does an ITIN expire? How to renew it
- US LLC for Thai sellers: Amazon, Shopify, Stripe and more
- How to get an EIN without an SSN (for non-US owners)
- Opening a US bank account from Thailand: your options
- Filing a US tax return (1040-NR) from Thailand
- Getting paid in US dollars in Thailand: bank transfer, Wise, Payoneer or PayPal
General information only — not tax or legal advice. TinTax is not affiliated with the IRS.