FILLING Tax Form W-8BEN

[Vera35]

I am trying to fill out the W-8BEN form because "I do not have a U.S. taxpayer identification number". But I can not submit the form because it asks me for a US Tax ID Number! Can anybody help me? How have other hosts in Cuba solved it?

[Giorgi3]

Hi Vera

I got the same problem.

Any updates?

[Francesco289]

Have you tried to leave it blank?

It didn't complain to me, though I do not know if that would work or not.

[Janet79]

Hi Vera, my husband is a specialist in this area and here is his advice: 

Most non-US persons would not have a US tax number.  The form W8-BEN certifies your non-US tax status and may be requested by any financial institution globally.  If you are providing the form to a non-US financial institution, neither the foreign TIN (tax identification number) or the US TIN is required.  If you are providing to a US financial institution, the foreign TIN (non US Tin) and your date of birth) may be required.  

In other words, because the form certifies your non-US tax status, a US tax identification number is not a required field.  If however you are providing W8BEN to a US financial institution, you may be required to provide your foreign TIN and date of birth. 

Hope that helps.