Banking : W-8 form

[MsZ 6]

Has anyone submitted a W-8 form in order to open an bank account w/their foreign spouse? I must admit that reading the docs is confusing. What does this form mean in practical terms?

Thanks,

Donna

[YuAndDan 153]

Simplest thing to do is wait until foreign spouse is here, apply for EAD, use the EAD to get SSN, and then add spouse to your account using the SSN.

[Dakine 26]

Has anyone submitted a W-8 form in order to open an bank account w/their foreign spouse? I must admit that reading the docs is confusing. What does this form mean in practical terms?

Thanks,

Donna

I opened a ITF [in Trust For] savings account at my bank here when my wife was still in the Philippines. Helps for proof of bonafide marriage and was great for getting money to her.

ATM card came with the account and she only had to go to a ATM machine to get pesos.

Cost is $5 a $100.

Wife left it with sis and we still use it for getting money to our family in the Philippines.

[MsZ 6]

Simplest thing to do is wait until foreign spouse is here, apply for EAD, use the EAD to get SSN, and then add spouse to your account using the SSN.

That's true but I'd like him on my accounts now.

As I understand it, to avoid getting dinged for more taxes than necessary and to be able to have access to my assets should heaven forbid, something happen to me, he'll need a tax ID well before he is here and can get a SSN. That will happen come tax time. But in the mean time, I need a way to add him to my checking and savings accts. and was told that the W-8 is necessary.

Donna

[Kez/JWolf 6]

I had to do a W8 form when I opened a bank account as I was not married and did not have a SSN... I used my address in the UK and had to show my passport but nothing more...

Once I was married and had my SSN I just updated the bank with the details and was no longer classed as a foreign investor (non-resident).

Kez

[mendeleev 68]

So you need to fill out a W-8. You might even need to express mail it back and forth before you can add the beneficiary onto the account. That is what my current bank required. But filling out the W-8 isn't that bad -- and that is what the bank is there to help you do. Find a bank that gives you service and reward them with your business.