Identity and W-8BEN Made Easy
What is a W-8BEN?
The W-8BEN is for Non-US persons in order to reduce the tax they pay on US sourced income i.e.
Dividends. By filing a W-8BEN form non-US persons can claim the relevant treaty tax rate of their
country.
What is a W-9 Form?
This is a form for a U.S. person to verify his or her Taxpayer Identification Number. This is not to be
used in conjunction with the UK approved SIP Plan unless you are a US Citizen.
What is Identity?
Identity is an online system for collecting and maintaining W-8BEN and W-9 Forms.
You can access the Identity site by clicking this link or by visiting www.cisustax.com.
When I receive an email from Identity why does it not look the same as the emails I usually
receive regarding my plan?
Identity is owned by Thomson Reuters, and it is licensed to Computershare the administrator of the
Halliburton UK SIP. As such, it is not branded by Halliburton.
How Do I Join Identity?
Computershare will create your account on Identity when you choose to join the plan and will contact
you via email to provide you with your User ID and Password.
So is it as easy as filling in a form online?
Yes, these forms allow you to state your permanent residence for tax treaty purposes. This means that
if your country of residence has a tax treaty with the U.S. you will be deducted a lower level of tax.
How will I know if my completed form is correct?
The form self-checks itself as you are completing it and will not let you submit it if all relevant sections
are not completed. You should check the status of your form once completed by logging in to your
Identity account.
How can the form be valid? I haven’t actually signed anything?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) accepts an electronic signature in place of a written one when a
form is completed online. By agreeing to the terms and conditions and completing the online form you
are also agreeing to use an electronic signature. The site is approved by the IRS.
What do I need to do if I am a Mobile Employee?
Whilst a member of the Halliburton UK SIP if you have worked in more than one jurisdiction, it is your
responsibility to pay over and/or report appropriate tax liabilities in those jurisdictions.
What happens if I do not fill in a W-8BEN FORM?
You will be automatically deducted a higher rate of tax, currently 30%.
How long will my completed W-8BEN form last?
Your W-8BEN expires on 31st December, three (3) years from the year the form is lodged. W9 forms do
not expire.
How will I know to renew my W-8BEN Form?
Computershare will contact you a few months before the expiry date, prompting you to complete a new
W-8BEN Form.
If I am stuck who can I call?
Our helpline is available Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm GMT on: +44 (0)117 378 5170.