What is a certificate of foreign status (W-8BEN) form?

A certificate of foreign status, the W-8BEN form is a document from the IRS for non-US individuals to confirm they are not US taxpayers.

It helps:
Establish foreign status
Claim tax treaty benefits (if applicable)
Reduce or avoid certain US tax withholding

This form applies to individuals, not businesses. Financial institutions may ask for a W-8BEN to determine how US taxes should be applied to your account.

You can find full details and instructions on the IRS website.