Form 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC: If your business pays a foreign contractor with a temporary TIN (ITIN) $600 or more for services provided within the United States, then you can file Form 1099-NEC or Form 1099-MISC to report these payments to the IRS.
Foreign independent contractors must submit IRS Form W-8BEN (for individuals) or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (for entities) to the US company they work for. This form certifies the contractor's foreign status and can help reduce or eliminate withholding tax on payments. Purpose: Certifies foreign status.
Form 1099 is used to report payments made to an independent contractor. Expat business owners may need to file Form 1099 when working with contractors abroad. Failing to file Form 1099 as required could result in penalties.
However, the IRS doesn't require a company to withhold taxes or report any income from an international contractor if the contractor is not a U.S. citizen and the services provided are outside the U.S. filing forms 1099 is required if: The contractor is located internationally but is a U.S. citizen.
Can a US Company Hire a Non-US Citizen? U.S. companies can hire non-U.S. citizens as independent contractors without a work visa, provided the contractor performs the work from outside the U.S.
Conversely, if the independent contractor is not a US person and did not perform any of their services within the US, you will not be required to issue Form 1099. Instead, the foreign contractor will have to complete and file Form W-8BEN.
Can a Non-US Citizen Be an Independent Contractor? Yes, a non-U.S. citizen can be an independent contractor for a U.S. company. This is a key point in understanding how can a US company hire a foreign independent contractor.
Appropriations Act restrictions. Congress prohibits the use of appropriated funds to employ non-citizens within the United States. Certain groups of non-citizens are not included in this ban, including: Persons who owe permanent allegiance to the United States (for example, natives of American Samoa and Swains Island).
The W-8BEN and W-8BEN-E forms are essential for foreign independent contractors and businesses. They help verify the contractor's country of tax residence, enabling them to claim deductions or exemptions from US taxes.