Applied Semantics/Oingo Tax ID request

[dotNetKing]

Has anyone else here outside the US been asked to apply for one of these before they can receive their payments?

If so, is it straight forward? Did you have any problems in getting the ID? Are there any pitfalls to avoid?

If not, how did you manage to avoid the need for a US Tax ID?

Thanks.

[atlach]

are you talking about the W-8BEN form?

[dotNetKing]

Originally posted by atlach
are you talking about the W-8BEN form?

They have asked me to complete the SS-4 Form (Complete and submit this form to the IRS to
request a US Tax I.D.)

And once I get my tax ID after 2-4 weeks, I fax W-8 ECI Form to ASI accounting department.

I wish they had told me this at the outset and not after almost 12 weeks.

Has anybody else outside the US had to do this. (Presumably everyone in the US has their tax ID already and have given this to ASI).

[dotNetKing]

Looking more closely at form SS-4 it actually says "Application for Employer Identification Number", rather than "Tax ID"

The W-8ECI form is a "Certificate of Foreign Person's Claim for Exemption From Withholding on Income Effectively Connected With the Conduct of a Trade or Business in the United States".

So it looks like it is something which allows ASI to pay me in full without deducting taxes.

Would still appreciate hearing from anyone who has had to do the same.