Program asking me to fill out W-8BEN Tax Form?
Hello all,
I own a site that generates income via sales directed from it to the official site (for a sex toy), a simple referral system. It's been going fine so far but today, after one and a half years of being online, I just got a message from one of the reps from the Program asking me to fill out a W-8BEN Form as their accounting office has requested all foreign members to do so. Details of the form: irs.gov/uac/Form-W-8BEN,-Certificate-of-Foreign-Status-of-Beneficial-Owner-for-United-States-Tax-Withholding
It's quite a long read but from what I gather it's for stating wether you are declaring the income or not, but I may be mistaken.
The first thing I did was reply to the rep, who has always been very helpful with me, but he said he doesn't know the exact reason as to why I need to fill it out, only that I need to do it before the next payout.
I live in Spain, declared spanish resident and self-employed. I pay my own insurance as well as self-employment fees and what not. I also declare the income I make online here.
I'm just a little worried about what could happen if I fill out the form. Having read it, it says I could be liable to 30% tax from the U.S. as well. That means I might be paying over 50% tax in both countries for the online income? Or have I misunderstood something?
Does anyone have any experience with this with other affiliate programs?
Thank you very much for your time,
Johnny
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