When you invest in US-listed stocks or ETFs through CUSP, certain US tax forms automatically apply. One of them is the W-8BEN form — a standard document that lets US tax authorities know you’re a non-US investor so the correct withholding tax is applied to your dividends.
What is a W-8BEN form?
The W-8BEN form is a US tax document filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It confirms that you are not a US taxpayer and ensures that dividends from US companies are taxed correctly.
How it works with CUSP
You don’t need to fill out or submit this form yourself — everything is handled automatically when you open your CUSP account.
Account creation
When you sign up and complete KYC, your verified details (name, address, nationality, and ID) are securely shared with our US brokerage partner, Alpaca Securities LLC.Form generation
Alpaca automatically generates your W-8BEN form using this information and files it with the IRS to confirm your non-US status.Tax application
Any dividends you earn from US investments are subject to a 30% US withholding tax, automatically deducted before the funds reach your account.Accessing your form
If you’d like a copy of your W-8BEN form for your records, you can request it anytime through CUSP Support.
Important to know
The W-8BEN only applies to US-source dividend income.
You don’t need to file a US tax return — withholding is handled automatically by Alpaca.
CUSP does not require any further action from your side.