International US shares & W-8BEN-E form - claim of 'tax treaty benefits' - query

Discussion in 'Shares & Funds' started by KayTea, 9th Jan, 2017.

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  1. KayTea

    KayTea Well-Known Member

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    A while back, my SMSF purchased some ETF shares, specifically ensuring that they were ex-US ones, as I didn't want the headache of filling in all the related paperwork with the US tax department etc. However, come dividend payment time, I've still been hit with the non-resident withholding tax of 30%, as it appears that shares are traded through the US share market and paid/valued using $US. Grrrrr……

    So, I'm now in the process of filling in the W-8BEN-E form (while I decide whether or not I want to keep these shares, or unload them while only have lost a small amount of possible increased portfolio value in tax). While the ETF provider has included a very useful guide on how to fill in this lovely piece of paperwork, I'm really stuck at 'Part III Claim of Tax Treaty Benefits.' Do I tick the boxes 14a and 14b?

    Has anyone filled this form in for an Australian SMSF, and can provide any guidance?

    TIA,
    KayTea
     
  2. Cadbury99

    Cadbury99 Well-Known Member

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    When I filled in for my SMSF I ticked 14a and 14b and wrote AUSTRALIA in the box next to 14a.
    Seems to have worked for me.
     
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  3. KayTea

    KayTea Well-Known Member

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    Thanks so much @Cadbury99 - I thought that was the case, but it's always good to check.
     
  4. Bran

    Bran Well-Known Member

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    What was the quesiton? I did mine not too long ago - vaguely recall doing what Cadbury said
     
  5. Hodor

    Hodor Well-Known Member

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    For anyone that is interested it is where the ETF is domiciled that matters. Usually this is clearly stated.

    Lazy people (me) would get VGS rather than VTS and/or VEU for example.
     
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  6. KayTea

    KayTea Well-Known Member

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    I'll know better next time - hopefully. I was trying to be lazy - figured a Aust firm, with ex-US ETF, would not have an US-ties. Silly me.
     
  7. Francesco

    Francesco Well-Known Member

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    For anyone daunted by the paperwork of having to fill in form W-8BEN-E to deal with US tax a handy comprehensive guide is available. It covers all investment entities. But do your own diligence and treat below as a guide:

    https://www.morganstanley.com.au/resources/docs/Guide_to_completing_your_W8-BEN-E.pdf
     
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