why is a w 8ben e required 
the w 8ben e is used for businesses unlike the w 8ben which is only for individuals the w 8ben e is required as foreign businesses are subject to the same withholding tax rate as individuals 30 however businesses like individuals may also qualify for a reduced tax rate the w 8ben e helps establish eligibility for reduced rates 8the bottom linethere are five types of irs w 8 forms these forms are used by foreign individuals or entities the forms are submitted to the payer or withholding agent and not the irs the forms vary but the key information requested includes the name of the individual or business address and tins 