US customer wants me to fill out a W9?

imamutant

Hi, sorry I wasn't sure what category to put this in for general tax questions.

I'm a UK sole trader, I sell things online to people all over the world. I just had an email from one of my customers in America and I recogize the name so I do know he is a customer. He says he needs to send me a W9 tax form so that he can send me a 1099 form. He says this is because the IRS requires him to report anything over $600 (And he has paid over $3000 on my products this year). Im very confused as I have never had any customers ask me for tax forms before. Is this normal? Thankyou

penners324

From the US yes it is, but a W9 is for US residents. You'll need to fill in a W8-BEN-E form.

Keep_pedalling

penners324 said:

From the US yes it is, but a W9 is for US residents. You'll need to fill in a W8-BEN-E form.

I don’t think W8-BEN-E is appropriate either, the OP is selling goods to a US customer, the only US tax issue is on import taxes / duties, which is entirely down to the importer.

Retirebefore50

It's form W-8BEN as you are a sole trader not Limited Co.  The US customer would then use it to issue a 1042-S not 1099. Just use Art 7 in the tax treaty section and ensure you list your country of residence (I assume UK), this is assuming you have no US presence or offices and everything is shipped from the UK.

He has to report certain transactions/payments to the IRS.