As part of the application process, you are required to complete the appropriate tax form based on your business’s tax classification and location.
W-9 Form for US-based entities
US-based entities are required to complete an IRS Form W-9. The form is pre-populated based on your entity information and signed electronically within the application.
W-9 Form requirements:
Form W-9 allows US persons (individuals or entities) to provide and certify their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) [either Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN)], name, address, and exemption from backup withholding (if applicable)
For tax purposes, US individuals are citizens of the United States or persons who meet either the green card test or substantial presence test for the calendar year
For tax purposes, US entities are a business or organization created or organized under the laws of the United States, any U.S. state, or the District of Columbia
Coinbase uses the information provided on Form W-9 to accurately report taxable income to the IRS when required. Ensuring this information is correct helps prevent tax reporting issues.
W-9 Form general requirements:
Taxpayer name provided on the tax form must reflect the correct taxpayer per Form W-9 instructions (for example, for income tax purposes, an LLC with only one member is treated as an entity disregarded as separate from its owner with the single owner considered the taxpayer for U.S. tax purposes)
Name provided on the tax form should be consistent with the information in our books and records.
Federal tax classification must be consistent with the taxpayer listed on the Form W-9. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) must correspond to the taxpayer listed on the Form W-9
Signature and date are required
W-8 Form
Form W-8 allows non-US individuals or entities to indicate their non-US tax classification status.
W-8 Form general requirements:
All applicable sections of the form must be completed, and all relevant information must be provided.
Information provided on the tax form should be consistent with the information provided in Coinbase’s books and records
Signature and date are required, as well as capacity in applicable situations
Form W-8BEN: for non-US individuals
Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for US Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals)
Form W-8BEN-E: for non-US entities
Certificate of Status of Beneficial Owner for US Tax Withholding and Reporting (Entities)
Form W-8IMY: for non-US intermediaries
Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Flow-Through Entity, or Certain U.S. Branches for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting
Form W-8 ECI: for non-US persons income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business
Certificate of Foreign Person's Claim That Income Is Effectively Connected With the Conduct of a Trade or Business in the United States
Form W-8 EXP: for non-US governments, tax-exempt organizations, and international bodies
For questions about which Form W-8 applies to your tax status, please consult a qualified tax professional.