what is W8BEN Foreign Status Certification?

[f99ca341]

Why should I fill this document? if it's about filling taxes I don't live in the US, and in my country, we don't fill taxes the government does it for us, so I don't understand what is the point of filling this document, and is it safe to fill such a thing?  I am new to freelancing

[egaruth · Accepted solution]

Hi Mohamd,

Thank you for reaching out to us. Please know that the Form W-8BEN is a form used to confirm you’re not a U.S. taxpayer and that Upwork is not required to withhold taxes from your earnings. For record-keeping purposes, Upwork requires a Form W-8BEN for all non-U.S. taxpayers paid on Upwork. Once you file your Form W-8BEN, the system will activate your eligibility to access funds immediately. To provide Upwork with your Form W-8BEN information follow the steps below: 

• Go Settings › Tax Information
  
• Provide us with your legal name and address

You can find more information in this help article. Let us know if you need further assistance.