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New Member
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Oct 7, 2013, 08:47 AM
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Opt F1 W-9, W-8ben,W4?
I am an International Student with a F1 visa, doing my OPT.
I've been living in the U.S for 3 years.
I've been doing some freelance work for a radio station as a part of my OPT, and now they ask me to fill out a W-9 tax form. However the document says I should not use this form if I am a Foreign person, which I am.
Should I fill out a W-8ben form instead? A W4? I am so confused, and the International Student office of my university can't help me (they say they don't offer tax advice for students). I ask the responsible of the payroll department in the radio station and she told me she thinks I can fill out the W9 "since I have an American Bank account and a SSN" which doesn't sound a very convincing argument to me, and I don't want to compromise my status by sending the wrong document.
I really appreciate your help,
Thanks a lot:
Ruth.
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Senior Member
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Oct 7, 2013, 09:27 AM
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As a non-resident alien you would fill out form W8-BEN instead of W9.
Once you become a resident alien (after 5 years in the US on F1), the W9 would apply to you as well.
Form W4 is for withholdings, but since you are freelancing (self-employed), that would not apply here. Make sure you pay quarterly estimated taxes as a self-employed individual.
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New Member
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Oct 7, 2013, 09:46 AM
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Thank you very much for your rapid response, this website is wonderful.
I just have one more question. When filling the W-8BEN, should I write my address back in Spain as a Permanent Address or should I list my U.S. address instead, since I've been living here for 3 years?
I do pay taxes in Spain but only for freelance jobs for Spanish companies, and I also filled taxes the last two years in the U.S as a student working on-campus.
I really appreciate your help and advice.
Best,
Ruth.
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Senior Tax Expert
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Oct 7, 2013, 10:07 AM
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List your U.S. Address.
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