You may have heard of the W-8-BEN form and wondered whether U.S. Citizens are required to file it. The W-8Ben form is for Canadians receiving distributions from the U.S.

If you are asked to complete a W-8 BEN form by an investment company such as TD Waterhouse, it is because you are establishing treaty benefits and are not a US citizen.

For example: On the W-8 BEN form if you are Canadian receiving a U.S. pension, the withholding can be reduced from 30% to 15% by claiming a Treaty Provision and indicating – 15%. In this case you would not be required to file a US return. This 15% paid to the US is a tax credit on your Canadian return.