Form W-8IMY: Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Flow-Through Entity, or Certain U.S. Branches for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting

Line 1: Name of organization that is acting as intermediaryRequiredThe legal name of the intermediary, flow-through entity or U.S. branch. Entering it represents that the entity is not the beneficial owner of the amounts paid (except a QDD, a QSL or a QI for certain substitute interest). A disregarded entity enters its owner's legal name here, looking through multiple disregarded entities.Where it goes wrongThe disregarded entity's business name entered on line 1 instead of the owner's legal name.Open the line in the tableLine 2: Country of incorporation or organizationRequiredA corporation enters its country of incorporation. Any other entity enters the country under whose laws it is created, organized, or governed.Open the line in the tableLine 3: Name of disregarded entity (if applicable)RequiredIf a disregarded entity with its own GIIN. Required when a disregarded entity receiving a withholdable payment (or holding an account with the FFI requesting the form) has registered and received a GIIN in its own legal name and is a reporting Model 1 FFI or reporting Model 2 FFI. A disregarded entity that is a QDD uses the name it used for the QI application. Otherwise the disregarded entity's name may be shown on line 10 instead.Where it goes wrongA disregarded entity that completes line 3 but puts its GIIN on line 9a; it goes on line 13.Open the line in the tableLine 4: Chapter 3 status (entity type)Check oneOne box: QI (including a QDD) completes Part III; nonqualified intermediary Part IV; territory financial institution Part V; U.S. branch Part VI; withholding foreign partnership or trust Part VII; nonwithholding foreign partnership, simple trust or grantor trust Part VIII. A foreign partnership or trust receiving payments for persons other than its partners, beneficiaries or owners checks QI or nonqualified intermediary instead.Where it goes wrongActing in more than one capacity on one form: the instructions call for a separate Form W-8IMY for each capacity (for example QI for one account, NQI for another).Open the line in the tableLine 5: Chapter 4 status (FATCA status)RequiredIf receiving a withholdable payment. Check one box and complete the Part named next to it (Parts IX to XXVIII); participating FFI, reporting Model 1 or 2 FFI, registered deemed-compliant FFI and direct reporting NFFE have no Part but need a GIIN on line 9a. A status is required for an intermediary or flow-through receiving a withholdable payment, a form allocating to a chapter 4 U.S. payee pool, a form an FFI requests to document chapter 4 status, and any QI (including a QDD), WP or WT. A U.S. branch that is neither treated as a U.S. person nor making the line 19c certification checks nonparticipating FFI; other U.S. branches leave line 5 blank.Where it goes wrongAn FFI in a jurisdiction treated as having an IGA in effect checking "Participating FFI" instead of "Reporting Model 1 FFI" or "Reporting Model 2 FFI."Open the line in the tableLine 6: Permanent residence addressRequiredThe address in the country where the entity is resident for that country's income tax, with city, postal code and country. No P.O. box, in-care-of address, or another financial institution's address, unless it is the registered address in the organizational documents. An entity with no tax residence uses its principal office.Where it goes wrongA P.O. box or the address of a bank or agent used as the permanent address.Open the line in the tableLine 7: Mailing address (if different from above)If applicableEnter only if the mailing address differs from line 6.Open the line in the tableLine 8: U.S. taxpayer identification number, if required (QI-EIN, WP-EIN, WT-EIN, EIN)RequiredIf QI, WP, WT, U.S. branch or other listed case. A QI (including a QDD), WP or WT checks the matching box and enters the EIN issued in that capacity. A U.S. branch, a territory financial institution treated as a U.S. person, a QSL for substitute dividends, an upper-tier partnership or trust allocated ECTI by a lower-tier partnership, and a foreign partnership or trust receiving an amount realized on a partnership interest transfer must give a U.S. TIN. An NQI or nonwithholding partnership or trust otherwise generally need not.Where it goes wrongUsing the QI-EIN, WP-EIN or WT-EIN on a form given in another capacity; the instructions call for the entity's other U.S. TIN, if any.Open the line in the tableLine 9a: GIIN (if applicable)RequiredIf the chapter 4 status needs a GIIN. Required for a participating FFI (including reporting Model 2), registered deemed-compliant FFI (including reporting Model 1 and a sponsored FFI), direct reporting NFFE (including sponsored), a foreign trustee of a trustee-documented trust, and certain nonreporting IGA FFIs. A QDD enters its GIIN if it has one; a Part XIV vehicle enters its sponsor's GIIN. "Applied for" is allowed, but the requester must receive and verify the GIIN within 90 days.Where it goes wrongA disregarded entity that completed line 3, or a branch in Part II, entering its own GIIN here instead of on line 13.Open the line in the tableLine 9b: Foreign taxpayer identification number, if requiredRequiredIf a QDD that must give an FTIN. Completed by a QDD that must provide a foreign TIN, as described under QDD withholding statement in the instructions. A QDD claiming status as the foreign beneficial owner of a payment provides its FTIN here when required.Open the line in the tableLine 10: Reference number(s)OptionalAny reference that helps the withholding agent withhold and report, for example a code linking particular Forms W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E to this form. A disregarded entity not required to complete line 3 may show its name here.Open the line in the table

Hover over a line for what belongs there and where it goes wrong; click to open the line in the table below. On a touch screen, tap the line to jump to the row.

Line 11: Chapter 4 status of disregarded entity or branch receiving paymentCheck oneComplete Part II only for a disregarded entity with its own GIIN receiving a withholdable payment, or a branch in a country other than the line 2 country; not for QDD branches. Check one: branch treated as nonparticipating FFI, participating FFI, reporting Model 1 FFI, reporting Model 2 FFI, or U.S. branch. If no box applies to a disregarded entity, Part II is not needed.Where it goes wrongA branch of a reporting IGA FFI that cannot comply with the IGA or chapter 4 regulations must check branch treated as nonparticipating FFI.Open the line in the tableLine 12: Address of branchRequiredIf Part II applies. The address of the branch or disregarded entity, with city, postal code and country. No P.O. box or in-care-of address other than a registered address.Open the line in the tableLine 13: GIIN (if any) of branch or disregarded entityRequiredIf participating or reporting Model 1 or 2 FFI. The GIIN of the branch that receives the payment, or of the disregarded entity named on line 3. A U.S. branch enters no GIIN here. "Applied for" is allowed, but the requester must receive and verify the GIIN within 90 days.Where it goes wrongEntering the branch GIIN on line 9a; the instructions say not to.Open the line in the tableLine 14: All qualified intermediaries: QI certificationCheckboxIf a QI. Checked by every QI, whether or not it assumes primary withholding responsibility. It certifies the entity is a QI for the accounts on line 10 or the withholding statement (not acting for its own account, a QDD, or a QI assuming primary withholding on substitute interest) and has provided or will provide a withholding statement as required.Open the line in the tableLine 15a: Assumes primary chapter 3 and 4 withholdingCheckboxCheck if the QI has assumed primary withholding responsibility under chapters 3 and 4 for the accounts on the attached withholding statement (or all accounts if none is attached). Line 15 is for a QI not acting as a QDD. It does not cover chapter 3 withholding on a PTP distribution.Open the line in the tableLine 15b: Assumes primary section 1446(f) withholding on PTP amounts realizedCheckboxCheck if the QI has assumed primary withholding and reporting under section 1446(f) for each amount realized on a sale of a PTP interest for the identified accounts.Open the line in the tableLine 15c: Assumes primary withholding as nominee on PTP distributionsCheckboxCheck if the QI has assumed primary withholding as a nominee under Regulations section 1.1446-4(b)(3) for each PTP distribution for the identified accounts.Open the line in the tableLine 15d: QI acting as a qualified securities lender (QSL)CheckboxCheck if the QI acts as a QSL assuming primary withholding and reporting on U.S. source substitute dividends for the identified accounts, for which it is not acting as a QDD. The October 2021 instructions describe substitute dividends made in 2021 or 2022 and refer to Notice 2020-2 for when a QI may act as a QSL.Open the line in the tableLine 15e: Assumes primary withholding and Form 1099 reporting on interest and substitute interestCheckboxCheck to certify the QI assumes primary chapter 3 and 4 withholding and primary Form 1099 reporting and backup withholding for all U.S. source interest and substitute interest associated with the form, as permitted by the QI agreement.Open the line in the tableLine 15f: Assumes primary Form 1099 reporting and backup withholdingCheckboxCheck if the QI assumes primary Form 1099 reporting and backup withholding for the identified accounts, or reports specified U.S. accounts as a participating or registered deemed-compliant FFI under Regulations section 1.6049-4(c)(4)(i) or (ii). Do not also check 15g to 15i for those accounts. With 15a and 15f (or 15b or 15c and 15f) checked, no withholding statement is needed for those accounts.Open the line in the tableLine 15g: Does not assume primary Form 1099 reporting and backup withholdingCheckboxCheck if the QI has not assumed primary Form 1099 reporting and backup withholding for the identified accounts, then check 15h or 15i as applicable. The QI must then disclose its U.S. non-exempt recipients, generally by attaching their Forms W-9.Where it goes wrongChecking 15g but sending no Forms W-9 (or name, address and TIN information) for U.S. non-exempt payees.Open the line in the tableLine 15h: Chapter 4 U.S. payee pool: the QI's own account holdersCheckboxIf allocating to a U.S. payee pool. Check if the withholding statement allocates part of the payment to a chapter 4 withholding rate pool of U.S. payees for account holders of accounts the QI maintains, certifying it meets Regulations section 1.6049-4(c)(4)(iii).Where it goes wrongA payment subject to chapter 3 withholding, or that should be subject to chapter 4 withholding, cannot go into such a pool.Open the line in the tableLine 15i: Chapter 4 U.S. payee pool: account holders of another intermediary or flow-throughCheckboxIf allocating to a U.S. payee pool. Check if the pool includes account holders of another intermediary or flow-through entity, certifying the QI has obtained or will obtain documentation that the entity is a participating FFI, registered deemed-compliant FFI, or QI.Open the line in the table

Line 16a: Qualified derivatives dealer certificationCheckboxIf acting as a QDD. Certifies that each QDD on the form or on the QDD withholding statement meets Regulations section 1.1441-1(e)(6), is approved by the IRS to act as a QDD, and assumes primary withholding and reporting under chapters 3, 4 and 61 and section 3406 for potential section 871(m) transactions.Where it goes wrongA QDD acting as a QDD for payments other than those it receives as a principal on potential section 871(m) transactions and underlying securities; the instructions do not allow it.Open the line in the tableLine 16b: Entity classification of QDDCheck oneCheck corporation, partnership, or disregarded entity. A QDD branch that is not a separate legal entity checks the status of the Part I entity. If the form covers several QDDs with different statuses, check all that apply and give each QDD's details on the withholding statement.Open the line in the tableLine 17a: Not acting as a QI and not acting for its own accountRequired if an NQIEvery NQI checks this box, as does a QI not acting in its QI capacity for the accounts. It certifies the entity is not a QI for those accounts and is not acting for its own account.Open the line in the tableLine 17b: Transmitting withholding certificates and a withholding statementCheckboxCheck if the form transmits withholding certificates or other documentation with a withholding statement meeting chapters 3 and 4 (including section 1446(a), pooled chapter 61 information, or chapter 4 rate pools). The withholding statement is provided before payment and is covered by the Part XXIX certification. For a PTP amount realized, see the instructions' rules on withholding statements before checking.Where it goes wrongChecking 17b without giving a chapter 4 status on line 5 when one is required: the agent applies 30% chapter 4 withholding regardless.Open the line in the tableLine 17c: Permitted to provide a chapter 4 U.S. payee poolCheckboxCheck to certify the NQI meets Regulations section 1.6049-4(c)(4) for a chapter 4 withholding rate pool of U.S. payees on its withholding statement. It does not apply to a PTP distribution.Open the line in the tableLine 17d: Acting as a qualified securities lender (other than a QI)CheckboxCheck if the entity acts as a QSL assuming primary withholding and reporting for U.S. source substitute dividends associated with the form, whether it acts as intermediary or principal. A QSL must give an EIN on line 8.Open the line in the tableLine 17e: Alternative withholding statement representationOptionalAn NQI providing an alternative withholding statement under Regulations section 1.1441-1(e)(3)(iv)(C)(3) may check this box once instead of representing on each statement that the payee information has been verified against its other account information.Open the line in the tableLine 18a: Territory financial institution certificationRequiredIf a territory financial institution. Certifies the entity is a financial institution (other than an investment entity that is not also a depository institution, custodial institution, or specified insurance company) incorporated or organized under the laws of a U.S. territory.Where it goes wrongA territory flow-through entity that is not a territory financial institution using Part V; it completes Part IV or VIII.Open the line in the tableLine 18b: Agrees to be treated as a U.S. personCheck oneCheck 18b or 18c. 18b means the entity agrees to be treated as a U.S. person for chapters 3 and 4 on payments associated with the form and takes on chapter 3, chapter 4 and backup withholding and reporting. An EIN on line 8 is then required.Open the line in the tableLine 18c: Not treated as a U.S. person: transmitting documentationCheck oneThe alternative to 18b: the entity has not agreed to be treated as a U.S. person, transmits withholding certificates or other documentation for its payees, and has provided or will provide a withholding statement with the information required on an NQI withholding statement.Open the line in the tableLine 18d: Treated as a U.S. person for PTP amounts realizedCheckboxCheck if the form covers an interest in a PTP and the entity agrees to be treated as a U.S. person under Regulations section 1.1446(f)-4(a)(2)(i)(B) for amounts realized. An EIN on line 8 is then required.Open the line in the tableLine 18e: Treated as a U.S. person and nominee for PTP distributionsCheckboxCheck 18e or 18f for PTP distributions. 18e means the entity agrees to be treated as a U.S. person and as a nominee under Regulations section 1.1446-4(b)(3). An EIN on line 8 is then required.Open the line in the tableLine 18f: Not a nominee for PTP distributionsCheckboxCheck instead of 18e if the entity is not acting as a nominee for PTP distributions; it provides a withholding statement and account holder documentation for the distributions.Open the line in the tableLine 19a: U.S. branch receiving non-ECI paymentsRequired if a U.S. branchCertifies the entity is a U.S. branch receiving reportable amounts or withholdable payments that are not effectively connected income, PTP distributions, or amounts realized on PTP interests.Open the line in the tableLine 19b: Agrees to be treated as a U.S. personCheck oneCheck 19b or 19c. 19b is for a U.S. branch of a foreign bank or insurance company that agrees with the withholding agent to be treated as a U.S. person; it takes on chapter 3 and 4 withholding and reporting and is a U.S. payor for chapter 61 and backup withholding. EIN on line 8 required; no line 5 status or GIIN needed.Open the line in the tableLine 19c: Not treated as a U.S. person: transmitting documentationCheck oneThe U.S. branch has no U.S. person agreement, transmits its payees' documentation with an NQI-type withholding statement, and applies Regulations section 1.1471-4(d)(2)(iii)(C) for withholdable payments. EIN on line 8 required.Where it goes wrongA branch that cannot make this certification may not use Part VI; it checks nonparticipating FFI on line 5.Open the line in the tableLine 19d: Acting as a U.S. person for PTP amounts realizedCheckboxCheck if the form covers a PTP interest and the branch acts as a U.S. person under Regulations section 1.1446(f)-4(a)(2)(i)(B) for amounts realized. EIN on line 8 required.Open the line in the tableLine 19e: U.S. person and nominee for PTP distributionsCheckboxCheck 19e or 19f for PTP distributions. 19e means the branch acts as a nominee under Regulations section 1.1446-4(b)(3). EIN on line 8 required.Open the line in the tableLine 19f: Not a nominee for PTP distributionsCheckboxCheck instead of 19e if the branch is not acting as a nominee for PTP distributions; it provides a withholding statement and account holder documentation.Open the line in the table

Line 20: Withholding foreign partnership or trust certificationRequired if a WP or WTCheck if the entity is a WP or WT receiving the payment for its partners, beneficiaries or owners and compliant with its agreement. It assumes primary chapter 3 and 4 withholding and reporting, so no partner allocation is needed. It cannot assume this for sections 1445, 1446(a), 1446(f) or PTP distributions.Where it goes wrongPayments for persons other than its partners, beneficiaries or owners need a separate Form W-8IMY.Open the line in the tableLine 21a: Nonwithholding partnership or trust: non-ECI paymentsCheckboxCheck if a foreign partnership or foreign simple or grantor trust that is not a WP or WT provides the form for payments not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, and transmits documentation with a withholding statement for chapters 3 and 4.Where it goes wrongA hybrid entity claiming treaty benefits uses Form W-8BEN-E, and ECI the entity may exempt goes on Form W-8ECI.Open the line in the tableLine 21b: Partner in a lower-tier partnership, section 1446(a)CheckboxCheck if a foreign partnership or foreign grantor trust is a partner in a lower-tier partnership and provides the form for section 1446(a). Check both 21a and 21b if both apply. A U.S. TIN is required on line 8.Open the line in the tableLine 21c: Amount realized on transfer of a partnership interest, section 1446(f)CheckboxCheck if a foreign partnership is a transferor receiving an amount realized from the transfer of a partnership interest. A U.S. TIN is required on line 8.Open the line in the tableLine 21d: Withholding statement for a modified amount realizedCheckboxIf 21c is checked and applicable. Check only with 21c, when providing a withholding statement for a modified amount realized. The statement allocates the gain to each partner seeking a lower rate, with each partner's withholding certificate.Where it goes wrongUsing a statement that only allocates reportable amounts or withholdable payments; it must allocate the gain from the transfer.Open the line in the tableLine 21e: Foreign grantor trust allocating amount realized to grantorsCheckboxCheck if a foreign grantor trust provides the form for each grantor or owner under Regulations section 1.1446(f)-1(c)(2)(vii), transmitting withholding certificates and a withholding statement allocating the amount realized.Open the line in the tableLine 21f: Alternative withholding statement representationOptionalAn entity providing an alternative withholding statement under Regulations section 1.1441-1(e)(3)(iv)(C)(3) may check this box once instead of making the representation on each statement.Open the line in the tableLine 22: Nonparticipating FFI transmitting exempt beneficial owner documentationCheckboxOnly for a nonparticipating FFI providing documentation for exempt beneficial owners. The withholding statement gives each exempt beneficial owner's name, address, TIN (if any), entity type, chapter 4 status and allocated amount, and allocates the rest of the payment to the FFI.Open the line in the tableLine 23a: Name of sponsoring entityRequiredIf a sponsored FFI. The sponsoring entity that agreed to meet the FFI's chapter 4 due diligence, reporting and withholding obligations. The sponsored FFI gives its GIIN on line 9.Open the line in the tableLine 23b: Sponsored investment entityCheck oneCheck 23b or 23c. 23b: an investment entity that is not a QI, WP (except as the WP agreement permits) or WT, with a sponsor that is not a nonparticipating FFI.Open the line in the tableLine 23c: Sponsored controlled foreign corporationCheck one23c: a controlled foreign corporation under section 957(a), not a QI, WP or WT, wholly owned by the sponsoring U.S. financial institution and sharing its electronic account system.Open the line in the tableLine 24a: Owner-documented FFI requirementsRequiredIf an owner-documented FFI. Certifies the FFI is not an intermediary, deposit-taker, custodian or insurer, is not affiliated with one, and keeps no account for a nonparticipating FFI. The status applies only if the U.S. financial institution or FFI receiving the form has agreed to treat it as owner-documented, and it uses W-8IMY only as a flow-through.Where it goes wrongAn owner-documented FFI may not act as an intermediary for a withholdable payment.Open the line in the table

Line 24b: FFI owner reporting statementCheck oneCheck 24b or 24c. 24b: the FFI provides an owner reporting statement giving name, address, TIN, chapter 4 status and documentation type for each individual and specified U.S. person owning equity, or debt over $50,000.Open the line in the tableLine 24c: Auditor's letterCheck one24c: instead of the 24b information, an auditor's letter signed no more than 4 years before the payment by an independent accounting firm or legal representative with a U.S. location, plus the owner reporting statement and Forms W-9 with waivers.Open the line in the tableLine 25: Nonregistering local bank certificationRequired if this statusCertifies a licensed local bank or credit union with no business outside its country, no more than $175 million in assets (group no more than $500 million), and no FFI affiliates outside its country.Open the line in the tableLine 26: Low-value accounts certificationRequired if this statusCertifies the FFI is not primarily an investment business, no account in its group exceeds $50,000, and neither the FFI nor its group has more than $50 million in assets at the end of its last accounting year.Open the line in the tableLine 27a: Name of sponsoring entityRequired if this statusThe sponsor that agreed to meet the vehicle's chapter 4 due diligence, reporting and withholding obligations. The sponsor's GIIN goes on line 9.Open the line in the tableLine 27b: Sponsored closely held investment vehicle certificationRequired if this statusCertifies an investment entity under Regulations section 1.1471-5(e)(4) that is not a QI, WP or WT, whose obligations are met by the line 27a sponsor, and whose debt and equity are owned by 20 or fewer individuals.Open the line in the tableLine 28: Limited life debt investment entity certificationRequired if this statusCertifies the entity existed on January 17, 2013, issued all its interests by then under a trust indenture or similar agreement, and meets Regulations section 1.1471-5(f)(2)(iv).Open the line in the table

Line 29: Investment entity that does not maintain financial accountsRequired if this statusCertifies the entity is a financial institution only because it is an investment entity under Regulations section 1.1471-5(e)(4)(i)(A) and maintains no financial accounts.Open the line in the tableLine 30a: Restricted distributor requirementsRequired if this statusAll restricted distributors check here. Certifies at least 30 unrelated customers, AML due diligence in a FATF-compliant country, operations only in its home country, no more than $175 million under management and $7 million gross revenue (group $500 million and $20 million), and no sales to specified U.S. persons, passive NFFEs with substantial U.S. owners or nonparticipating FFIs.Open the line in the tableLine 30b: Distribution agreement: prohibition throughoutCheck oneCheck 30b or 30c for sales after December 31, 2011. 30b: always bound by an agreement prohibiting sales to U.S. entities and residents, and now one prohibiting sales to specified U.S. persons, passive NFFEs with substantial U.S. owners and nonparticipating FFIs.Open the line in the tableLine 30c: Distribution agreement: prohibition added later, accounts reviewedCheck one30c: now bound by such a prohibition and, for earlier sales, has reviewed the accounts under Regulations section 1.1471-4(c) and redeemed, retired or will transfer any securities sold to prohibited persons.Open the line in the tableLine 31: Foreign central bank of issue certificationRequired if this statusCertifies a foreign central bank of issue acting as intermediary that is treated as beneficial owner for chapter 4 under Regulations section 1.1471-6(d)(4).Where it goes wrongNot available for a payment connected with a commercial activity under Regulations section 1.1471-6(h)(1).Open the line in the tableLine 32: Nonreporting IGA FFI certificationRequired if this statusEnter the IGA jurisdiction, check Model 1 or Model 2, and state the Annex II category in its most specific wording (or the regulation section for a deemed-compliant status). A trustee-documented trust or sponsored entity names the trustee or sponsor and checks U.S. or foreign trustee.Where it goes wrongAn owner-documented FFI under an IGA checking this status; it must use Part XI.Open the line in the tableLine 33a: Treaty-country pension fundCheck oneCheck one of 33a to 33f. 33a: a fund established in a treaty country, operated principally for pension or retirement benefits, and entitled to treaty benefits as a resident meeting any limitation on benefits test.Where it goes wrongA plan that is not a flow-through or intermediary should not use W-8IMY; it uses W-8EXP or W-8BEN-E.Open the line in the tableLine 33b: Broad participation retirement fundCheck one33b: a regulated fund for former employees where no beneficiary has a right to more than 5% of assets, that reports annually to its tax authority and meets one of conditions (i) to (iv) on the form.Open the line in the table

Line 33c: Narrow participation retirement fundCheck one33c: a regulated fund with fewer than 50 participants, sponsored by employers that are not investment entities or passive NFFEs, with contributions tied to earned income and nonresident participants entitled to no more than 20% of assets.Open the line in the tableLine 33d: Section 401(a)-type planCheck one33d: formed under a pension plan that would meet section 401(a) except that it is not funded by a trust created or organized in the United States.Open the line in the tableLine 33e: Investment entity for retirement fundsCheck one33e: established exclusively to earn income for retirement funds or accounts described in this part, an applicable IGA, or Regulations section 1.1471-5(b)(2)(i)(A).Open the line in the tableLine 33f: Plan sponsored by an exempt beneficial ownerCheck one33f: established and sponsored by a foreign government, international organization, central bank of issue, U.S. possession government, or IGA exempt beneficial owner to provide benefits for current or former employees or for personal services to the sponsor.Open the line in the tableLine 34: Excepted nonfinancial group entity certificationRequired if this statusCertifies a holding company, treasury center or captive finance company in a nonfinancial group, not a depository or custodial institution, and not functioning as an investment fund.Open the line in the tableLine 35: Excepted nonfinancial start-up company certificationRequired if this statusEnter the formation date (or board resolution date for a new line of business), which must be less than 24 months before the payment. Certifies the entity is not yet operating and not an investment fund.Where it goes wrongA missing date; the instructions require it.Open the line in the tableLine 36: Excepted nonfinancial entity in liquidation or bankruptcyRequired if this statusEnter the date the plan of liquidation, plan of reorganization or bankruptcy petition was filed. Certifies no financial institution or passive NFFE business in the past 5 years, and documentary evidence if the status lasts more than 3 years.Where it goes wrongA missing filing date; the instructions require it.Open the line in the table

Line 37a: Publicly traded NFFECheck oneCheck 37a or 37b. 37a: a foreign corporation that is not a financial institution and whose stock is regularly traded; enter the name of a securities exchange where it trades.Open the line in the tableLine 37b: NFFE affiliate of a publicly traded corporationCheck one37b: a non-financial foreign corporation in the same expanded affiliated group as a publicly traded entity; enter that entity's name and the securities market where its stock trades.Open the line in the tableLine 38: Excepted territory NFFE certificationRequired if this statusCertifies an entity organized in a U.S. possession, owned entirely by bona fide residents of that possession, that does not take deposits, hold financial assets for others as a substantial business, or act as an insurer issuing financial accounts.Open the line in the tableLine 39: Active NFFE certificationRequired if this statusCertifies a foreign entity that is not a financial institution, with less than 50% passive gross income for the preceding calendar year and less than 50% passive assets (quarterly weighted average).Open the line in the tableLine 40: Passive NFFE certificationRequired if this statusCertifies a foreign entity that is not a financial institution (other than a possession investment entity) and that has provided a withholding statement to the extent required.Where it goes wrongAn entity managed by certain financial institutions is a financial institution, not a passive NFFE (Regulations section 1.1471-5(e)(4)(i)(B)).Open the line in the tableLine 41: Name of sponsoring entityRequired if this statusThe name of the entity sponsoring the direct reporting NFFE.Open the line in the tableLine 42: Sponsored direct reporting NFFE certificationRequired if this statusCertifies a direct reporting NFFE sponsored by the line 41 entity that is not a financial institution and meets the requirements. A GIIN goes on line 9a.Open the line in the tablePart XXIX: Certification under penalties of perjuryRequiredDeclares the form is true, correct and complete, and authorizes it to be given to any withholding agent with control, receipt or custody of, or able to pay, the amounts. It also covers any withholding statement, which is an integral part of the form. The signer agrees to submit a new form within 30 days if a certification becomes incorrect.Where it goes wrongNo new form within 30 days after a change in circumstances.Open the line in the tableSignature: Signature of authorized official, print name, date (MM-DD-YYYY)RequiredSigned and dated by a person authorized to sign under penalties of perjury for the entity on line 1. A withholding agent may accept an electronic signature that shows it was signed by an authorized person, for example with a time and date stamp and a statement.Where it goes wrong"Simply typing your name into the signature line is not an electronic signature."Open the line in the table

Who completes it and who asks for it

Form W-8IMY is completed by a qualified intermediary (QI, a foreign financial institution with a QI agreement, which may or may not assume primary withholding responsibility), a nonqualified intermediary (NQI), a withholding foreign partnership or trust (which has agreed to withhold on its own partners or beneficiaries), a nonwithholding foreign partnership, simple trust or grantor trust (which passes the documentation of its owners up to the agent), a territory financial institution, and certain U.S. branches of foreign banks and insurance companies. A qualified derivatives dealer (QDD) is not a separate role: it checks the single "QI (including a QDD)" box and completes Part III. The beneficial owners behind it document themselves on W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or W-9, and those forms, or a pooled withholding statement, travel with the W-8IMY.

The withholding agent requesting it is the payer of income to an account held in the intermediary's name: an issuer or paying agent, a U.S. broker with a foreign correspondent, a company paying a foreign partnership. When the recipient is a U.S. nonexempt person behind an NQI or flow-through, the agent files a 1099 to that person with "IMY" and the intermediary's name on the second name line; if the recipient cannot be identified, the 1099 goes to "unknown recipient" with the NQI's EIN.

Line by line

What the withholding agent relies on

The W-8IMY tells the agent whether it can pay the intermediary gross and let the intermediary withhold (a QI assuming primary responsibility, a WP or WT) or must withhold itself, payee by payee, according to the withholding statement that allocates the payment among the underlying owners and their documentation. The agent reports on Forms 1042-S by recipient (pooled for a QI, by beneficial owner for an NQI) and on Forms 1099 for U.S. nonexempt recipients an NQI or flow-through discloses. A W-8IMY itself is valid indefinitely absent a change in circumstances. That does not extend to a QDD's attachment claiming treaty benefits, which is treated as a beneficial owner certificate that is not valid indefinitely (Regulations 1.1441-1(e)(4)(ii)(A)(1)), and the underlying W-8BENs and documentary evidence expire on their own schedules, and the withholding statement must be kept current; an agent may not rely on a statement it knows is stale.

Where these go wrong

• The missing statement. A W-8IMY from an NQI without a withholding statement and payee documentation is not enough to avoid presuming every payment is to an undocumented payee.
• Flow-throughs paid as if beneficial owners. A foreign partnership paid consulting fees for U.S. work is a flow-through; withholding is determined partner by partner, and a W-8BEN-E from the partnership is the wrong form unless it is the beneficial owner under the treaty (a hybrid).
• Two-name-line 1099s. U.S. persons disclosed by an NQI get a 1099 in their own name with "IMY" and the intermediary's name on line 2; dropping the second line, or reporting under the intermediary's name, is a name/TIN mismatch.

Questions people ask about Form W-8IMY

The other certification forms

W-9 · W-9S · W-8BEN · W-8BEN-E · W-8ECI · W-8EXP · W-8CE · 8233 · Comparison table

Sources: Form W-8IMY and instructions (Rev. October 2021); Instructions for the Requester of Forms W-8 (Rev. June 2022); Pub 1099 (2026) part S; Publication 515; Regulations 1.1441-1(e)(3), 1.1441-5.