How do I fill out my foreign contractor tax form (W-8BEN)?

Last updated: August 19, 2026

Applies to: international independent contractors (outside the US). US contractors complete a W-9 instead.

Summary: As a non-US contractor you complete a W-8BEN (if you contract as an individual) or a W-8BEN-E (if you contract through a company/entity) to certify that you are not a US taxpayer. You complete it during onboarding, and you can't be paid until a valid form is on file — payouts are blocked without it.

Which form is yours?

  • W-8BEN — you contract as an individual (in your own name).

  • W-8BEN-E — you contract through an entity (a company, partnership, or similar).

How to complete it

You'll reach the W-8 step during your onboarding in the Ascen platform:

  1. Name and country — your legal name (or your entity's legal name) and country of residence/organization.

  2. Foreign tax identification number — the tax ID from your own country.

  3. Permanent address — your address outside the US.

  4. Certify and sign electronically.

Important: do not enter a US tax ID (SSN/EIN) on a W-8 form. The W-8 certifies foreign status — a US tax ID on it invalidates the certification and your payments will be held for manual review. If you actually have US tax status, contact support before completing the form, because a different form (W-9) may apply to you.

Why it blocks your payments

A valid W-8BEN / W-8BEN-E is required before any payment can be transferred to you. If you're onboarded but haven't been paid, a missing or invalid W-8 is one of the first things to check.

Keeping it current

W-8 forms don't last forever — they expire after a period of years and must be refreshed, and you must submit a new one if your circumstances change (you move countries, your entity changes, or you gain US tax status). Email Ascen at support@ascen.com to update the form on file.

  • Why your distribution might be delayed (tax forms & international payouts)

  • Which countries does Ascen support (and which are excluded)?

  • How do I fill out my tax forms? (all worker types)

This isn't individual tax advice — consult a tax professional in your country for your situation.