Important: This information is for guidance only. It is not legal or tax advice. Please consult with a qualified tax professional for questions related to your specific situation.

After filling out your personal information, you will be asked to select the appropriate form.

Form W-9: For U.S.-Based Payees

Who needs to fill this out?

• U.S. citizens or U.S. residents for tax purposes (individuals).

• U.S. entities, including:

  • Sole proprietorships (owned by a U.S. citizen/resident)

  • Single-Member LLCs (classified as disregarded entities)

  • Partnerships, LLCs, S-Corporations, and C-Corporations formed in the U.S.

What is it?
The Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (W-9) is an IRS form used to collect your correct name, address, and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). For individuals, this is your Social Security Number (SSN). For entities, this is your Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Why is it required?
This form certifies that you are a U.S. person and provides Challengermode with the information needed to generate your Form 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC at the end of the year if your total earnings meet the IRS reporting threshold ($600 or more). It also confirms you are not subject to "backup withholding."

What do I need to provide?

• Legal name or business name

• Business classification (e.g., Individual/Sole proprietor, Corporation)

• Address

• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN/SSN/EIN)

👉 Action: If you are a U.S.-based payee, you will be prompted to complete a digital W-9 during onboarding.

Form W-8BEN: For International Individuals

Who needs to fill this out?

• Non-U.S. individuals (nonresident aliens for tax purposes).

• This includes international freelancers, individual competitors, and content creators residing outside the United States.

What is it?
The Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner (W-8BEN) is an IRS form for foreign individuals to declare they are not a U.S. person. This allows you to claim benefits under a tax treaty between your country of residence and the United States, which may reduce the standard U.S. withholding tax rate.

Why is it required?
Without this form, payments from a U.S. company like Challengermode are subject to a default 30% U.S. withholding tax. By submitting a valid W-8BEN, you can potentially reduce this withholding rate (often to 0% or a lower treaty rate) on your income.

What do I need to provide?

• Name, country of residence, and address

• Foreign Tax Identification Number

• Date of birth

• Claiming treaty benefits (Article and applicable rate)

👉 Action: If you are an international individual, you will be prompted to complete a digital W-8BEN during onboarding. You must keep this form updated every three years.

Form W-8BEN-E: For International Entities

Who needs to fill this out?

• Non-U.S. entities receiving payment.

• This includes foreign corporations, partnerships, trusts, and non-profit organizations.

• Example: An esports team registered as a corporation in Sweden receiving prize money on behalf of its players.

What is it?
The Certificate of Status of Beneficial Owner for Foreign Entities (W-8BEN-E) is the entity version of the W-8BEN. It is used by foreign entities to declare their non-U.S. status and to claim any applicable tax treaty benefits.

Why is it required?
It provides the necessary documentation to prove the entity is not a U.S. entity, preventing the default 30% U.S. withholding tax. It allows the entity to receive payments at a reduced treaty rate.

What do I need to provide?

• Legal name of the entity

• Country of organization/incorporation

• Type of entity (e.g., Corporation, Partnership)

• Foreign Tax Identification Number

• Claiming treaty benefits (Article and applicable rate)

👉 Action: If you are registering as a business or organization based outside the U.S., you will be prompted to complete a digital W-8BEN-E during onboarding. This form must also be updated every three years.