So long as you have the correct information, paying contractors located overseas doesn't need to be difficult. The main things to consider here are whether you will need to withhold tax from payments. Generally speaking, contractors will take care of their own tax affairs.
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 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.
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).
Foreign vendors do not complete the Substitute Form W-9; foreign persons or entities must submit one of five available forms. The vendor must determine the one most appropriate to their United States tax status for reportable transactions.
8BENE for NonUSResident Entity Contractors. Form 8BENE is designed for nonresident alien (NRA) contractors operating as entities rather than sole traders. This form allows contractor entities to claim reductions or exemptions from US withholding tax based on their foreign tax residence, just like Form 8BEN.
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.
Foreign persons who provide Form W-8BEN, Form W-8BEN-E, Form W-8ECI, or Form W-8EXP or applicable documentary evidence are exempt from backup withholding and Form 1099 reporting.
Foreign independent contractors must submit IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E to certify their foreign status and claim any applicable tax treaty benefits. The US company may also need to file Form 1099-NEC if certain conditions are met, though this is more common for domestic contractors.