Why am I being asked to submit a tax form?
Buddy Booking is a U.S.-based technology and payments platform. Under U.S. law, we are required to collect tax classification information for all businesses we facilitate payments for, including international businesses.
This requirement applies regardless of:
Where your business is located
Which currency you operate in
Where your bank account is based
This is standard practice for U.S.-based marketplaces and payment platforms.
Which tax form do I need to submit?
The form required depends on how your business is legally classified for U.S. tax purposes, not where you live day-to-day.
W-9 → If your business or the beneficial owner is considered a U.S. person
W-8BEN → If you are an individual operating a foreign business
W-8BEN-E → If your business is a foreign legal entity
Buddy does not determine your tax classification — we rely on the information you submit.
My business is registered outside the U.S. — why do I still need a U.S. tax form?
Submitting a U.S. tax form does not mean your business is being taxed by Buddy or automatically taxed in the U.S.
The form allows Buddy to:
Identify the legal tax status of your business
Meet U.S. compliance and reporting obligations
Work with payment processors such as Stripe
All U.S.-based platforms are required to collect this information.
I am a U.S. citizen, but my business is registered abroad. What should I submit?
If your business is legally registered outside the U.S., you will typically be asked to submit a W-8 form for the business, even if you personally hold U.S. citizenship.
However, the correct form ultimately depends on how your business is classified for U.S. tax purposes, including whether it is treated as a foreign entity or a disregarded entity.
Because of this:
Buddy cannot determine which form applies to your specific situation
Buddy cannot advise on how to complete the form
We strongly recommend confirming with your accountant or tax advisor before submitting
I am a U.S. citizen and a full-time resident of another country. How should I handle tax documentation?
Since you're a U.S. citizen, we'll need a completed W-9 form on file regardless of your residence.
If your payments meet IRS reporting thresholds, we may be required to issue you a 1099.
U.S. citizens are required to report global income, and the W-9 enables us to provide proper 1099-K reporting as a payment processor.
Will submitting a W-8 or W-9 affect my taxes?
Buddy does not:
Determine your tax obligations
File taxes on your behalf
Provide tax or legal advice
Submitting a tax form allows Buddy to remain compliant.
How this information affects your personal or business taxes depends on your individual circumstances and should be discussed with a licensed tax professional.
Does this mean Buddy is taxing me or withholding funds?
No.
Buddy:
Facilitates payments on the platform
Passes funds through to businesses for the services they provide
Maintains required compliance records
Buddy does not withhold taxes unless legally required to do so.
Does Buddy report my income to the U.S. government?
Buddy is required to:
Maintain accurate tax and compliance records
Report certain aggregate information if required by law
This is standard for U.S.-based platforms and does not mean Buddy is independently taxing your business.
What happens if I submit the wrong form or incorrect information?
Responsibility rests with the business submitting the form
Buddy cannot modify, correct, or advise on submitted tax information
If you are unsure how to complete the form, please consult your accountant before submitting.
Why do other platforms require the same information?
U.S.-based platforms — including:
Marketplaces
Booking platforms
Payment processors
All follow similar compliance requirements.
This is not unique to Buddy Booking.
Can Buddy waive this requirement?
No.
Tax and compliance documentation is mandatory for all businesses onboarding to the platform.
Who can help me?
Questions about which form is required → Buddy Support at [email protected]
Questions about how to complete the form or tax impact → Your accountant or tax advisor
Buddy cannot provide tax or legal advice.