If you live outside the United States and have a U.S. bank account, you may already be familiar with Form W-8BEN. You may have completed it when you first opened your account and haven’t thought much about it since. Like other important banking documents, your W-8BEN needs to stay up to date, even if your personal information hasn’t changed.
Understanding the renewal process can help you avoid delays and potential tax withholding.
What Is a W-8BEN?
Form W-8BEN, officially called the Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals), is an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) form generally used by individuals who are not U.S. persons for tax purposes.
You provide it to your financial institution to certify your foreign status and, when applicable, claim an exemption or reduced U.S. tax withholding rate. Banks use it to apply tax reporting and withholding rules.
The form is for individuals. Foreign entities generally use W-8BEN-E, while U.S. persons generally provide Form W-9. Nationality alone does not determine your tax residency.
For more information, review the IRS instructions for Form W-8BEN.
Why Does Your W-8BEN Need to Be Renewed?
Your W-8BEN generally remains valid through December 31 of the third calendar year after you sign it, unless circumstances change and make the information incorrect. For example, a form signed in 2023 would generally remain valid through December 31, 2026. Certain exceptions to this validity period may apply.
You may receive a renewal request even when none of your information has changed. Your form may simply be reaching the end of its validity period.
You are also responsible for updating your documentation when relevant circumstances change. Under IRS guidance, if your form information becomes incorrect, you generally must notify the institution and provide updated documentation within 30 days. Changes affecting your tax status or a move to the United States can be especially important.
What Happens When It’s Time to Renew?
As your form approaches expiration, your bank may send a courtesy reminder or provide instructions for completing a new one. Timing, required documents, and submission methods vary by institution.
Read your renewal request carefully. Depending on your account, you may need to confirm personal information or provide supporting documentation.
If you’re unsure whether a renewal message is legitimate, access your bank’s website or Online Banking directly rather than clicking an unexpected link. You can also call the financial institution using a verified phone number.
Can You Renew Your W-8BEN Online?
Some financial institutions offer digital renewal options, allowing eligible customers to review and submit documentation without visiting a branch or mailing paperwork.
At Amerant Bank, eligible clients can renew digitally through Online Banking. Availability depends in part on whether you have a U.S. mailing address.
If you qualify, sign in through Amerant’s official website and follow the renewal instructions. Other submission methods are available.
Online Banking enrollment alone does not guarantee eligibility for digital renewal. Check the Amerant W-8BEN FAQs for details.
What If You Have a U.S. Mailing Address?
A U.S. mailing address does not automatically make you a U.S. person for tax purposes, but your bank may need more information to verify your foreign status.
For Amerant clients with a U.S. mailing address, renewal requires a U.S. Mailing Address Explanation Form in addition to the Substitute Form W-8BEN and a copy of a valid, unexpired government-issued ID.
Amerant’s published instructions direct these clients to submit their documentation to documentos@amerantbank.com, rather than use the standard digital renewal process. Clients without a U.S. mailing address may be eligible for the digital option or an alternative submission method.
You can find the relevant forms and instructions in Amerant’s W-8BEN resources. Follow the instructions provided for your account.
What Happens If Your W-8BEN Expires Before You Renew?
An expired W-8BEN can affect tax withholding on interest credited to your account.
Without valid documentation establishing your foreign status, a bank may be required to withhold tax on certain interest payments or other applicable income. This can affect the amount available to you, even if you would otherwise qualify for an exemption or reduced withholding treatment.
Importantly, the IRS explains that certain U.S. bank deposit interest earned by nonresident aliens may be exempt from U.S. tax. Whether withholding applies depends on the circumstances and the documentation you have available.
If tax has already been withheld, renewing your form does not necessarily resolve that past withholding. You may need to contact the IRS directly or consult a qualified tax professional to determine whether a tax credit or refund is available and what steps are required.
Before You Renew: A Quick Checklist
A few minutes of preparation can help you complete your renewal accurately:
- Check your personal details. Confirm that your name, permanent residence address, and contact information are accurate and current.
- Have identification ready. Make sure you have a valid, unexpired government-issued ID, as Amerant’s renewal instructions require.
- Look for additional forms. If you have a U.S. mailing address, review the supporting documentation required for your situation.
- Review the information carefully. Before submitting, check your tax residency information and any applicable certifications.
- Use the correct submission method. Follow your institution’s instructions and keep a copy of your submitted documents for your records.
If your residency or tax circumstances have changed, consider seeking professional tax advice before certifying your status.
Renewing Your W-8BEN With Amerant Bank
Amerant offers renewal options based on your account information.
If you’re eligible for digital renewal, Online Banking may let you review and complete the requested documentation. If you must submit additional paperwork, including those with a U.S. mailing address, please follow the instructions in your renewal request.
Each account signer must provide the required documentation. Amerant’s guidance specifies a Substitute Form W-8BEN and a copy of an unexpired government-issued ID for each signer, along with the mailing-address explanation form when applicable.
While banks may send courtesy reminders as your W-8BEN approaches expiration, you are ultimately responsible for keeping your form and personal information up to date. We encourage you to renew on time, even if you haven’t received a reminder.
For help understanding the requirements, visit Amerant’s Frequently Asked Questions or call the Customer Call Center at 1-855-263-7268. If you’re calling internationally, use 305-629-1200. Additional support information is available on Amerant’s Contact Us page.
Renewing your W-8BEN on time can help you avoid potential tax withholding and keep your documentation up to date. At Amerant, we’re here to help make the process as simple as possible.
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