# Form W-8 and Affidavit of Unchanged Status

Non-U.S. individuals and businesses generally use a Form W-8 to confirm they aren’t a U.S. Person and aren’t subject to U.S. taxation. There are different variations of the form based on the filer and purpose.
To simplify the process, Stripe offers a substitute Form W-8 for you to confirm your tax residency. Follow the prompts in the [Stripe Dashboard](https://dashboard.stripe.com/) to complete your submission. After you submit, you can download a PDF version of the form in the [**Compliance and documents** section](https://dashboard.stripe.com/settings/documents) of your Dashboard.
Learn more about different W-8 forms on the IRS website:
* [Form W-8BEN](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw8ben.pdf) for individuals and [instructions](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw8ben.pdf) to complete the form
* [Form W-8BEN-E](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw8bene.pdf) for entities and [instructions](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw8bene.pdf)
* [Form W-8ECI](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw8eci.pdf) for earned income that is effectively connected to the U.S. and [instructions](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw8eci.pdf)
### Why is Stripe requesting a W-8?
Stripe uses Form W-8s to confirm your tax residency information, per IRS requirements. Stripe may request a Form W-8 when you change account information like your bank account or address, even if you’ve previously submitted a W-8.
Form W-8s generally expire after three years, so we may also request a new form if your W-8 expires soon.
### Why is Stripe also asking for additional documentation?
When you change certain account details, such as your name, address, tax ID, or business type, Stripe may request additional documentation to verify the change. See our list of acceptable documents.
### What if I'm not a U.S. citizen or U.S. tax resident?
You can use a Form W-8 to certify that you aren’t a U.S. citizen or U.S. tax resident and don’t have a distinct U.S. legal entity for your business. [Learn more about US tax classification on the IRS website](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/classification-of-taxpayers-for-us-tax-purposes).
We recommend confirming your choice with your tax or legal advisor.
### Why are my payouts paused?
Payouts may be paused if we are missing required information about your tax status or if you have other outstanding on your account. Your account may continue to receive payments while payouts are paused, but you cannot transfer the funds to your bank account, debit card, or any other external source.
To resume payouts, submit your W-8 and complete any other outstanding requirements on your account.
### Why can't I add business information for my single-member LLC?
If your company is a single-member limited liability company that has not elected to be treated as a corporation, the [IRS requires](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/single-member-limited-liability-companies) you to enter the information of the single owner of the single-member LLC.
## Affidavit of Unchanged Status collected by Stripe
An Affidavit of Unchanged Status is a non-standardized document that confirms the information provided on a Form W-8 was accurate for a time period before the signature date on the form. Since a Form W-8 is used starting on the date you signed it, Stripe sometimes requires an Affidavit of Unchanged Status to certify information from an earlier period.
An Affidavit of Unchanged Status isn't always required. Most Stripe account holders only need to complete a Form W8.
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_This article is neither legal advice nor tax advice. We recommend that you speak to your lawyer or accounting firm with any questions or concerns around tax reporting._