W-8BEN
Definition
A W-8BEN is the form a non-US individual gives a US payer to certify foreign status and, where a tax treaty applies, claim a reduced withholding rate. Steam applies a default withholding without a treaty rate, and does not refund amounts withheld before a rate changes.
Last reviewed By the Cashcade editorial team1 source
Also called Form W-8BEN
On this page
What W-8BEN means
Steam's tax guide says the default withholding on a revenue share payment without a treaty is 30 percent, and the range runs from 0 to 30 percent depending on the tax interview. A foreign or US taxpayer identification number is needed to claim treaty benefits.[1]
Why it matters
Because withheld amounts are not refunded when a rate later changes, finishing the tax interview correctly the first time is worth the effort. This is general information, not tax advice.[1]
Sources
Every number on this page comes from a source below or is labelled an estimate. Each page was read on the date shown.
- [1]Tax FAQ (opens in a new tab)
Steamworks Documentation · Official · Read October 15, 2026
Tax forms and default withholding
How this page was made
Researched by the Cashcade team from the sources listed above, with drafting aids used for structure. Spotted an error? Write to hello@playcashcade.com and a correction is published with its date.