“I’m a non-U.S. resident and I already have an ITIN from the IRS. Now, I’ve been asked to submit a W-8 form to a U.S. company for tax purposes. I’m not sure if having an ITIN changes anything. Can I still fill out a W-8 form if I already have an ITIN, and how exactly should I handle that when completing the paperwork so it doesn’t cause confusion?
Answer by: abdullah-al-naim
2 weeks ago
Yes—you can still fill out a W-8 form even if you have an ITIN. The ITIN is simply your U.S. taxpayer identification number, and it’s often required on the W-8 to properly claim tax treaty benefits and ensure correct withholding.
When completing the form (like W-8BEN for individuals), just enter your ITIN in the section asking for a U.S. TIN. Having an ITIN doesn’t disqualify you—it actually makes your W-8 stronger because the IRS can match it to your tax records.
Remember, the W-8 is for non-U.S. persons to certify foreign status. Your ITIN just helps reduce errors and ensures you get the right tax withholding rate. If unsure, double-check instructions or work with a tax service like Business Globalizer for smooth filing.