How do I trade US shares?
Please note, if you are looking to invest in U.S. markets for the first time you will need to complete and return a W8-BEN form (PDF) and the NYSE Subscriber Agreement (PDF).
- Completing and returning a NYSE subscriber agreement:
You can use our Web Chat service once you’re signed in, or you can call us on 0345 606 11 88 to agree over the phone. Or you can return it by post using the below address.
- Completing and returning a W8-BEN form:
You can email a form to us, or you can return it by post to the below address.
Posting your W8-BEN or NYSE Subscriber Agreement?
Please send your completed forms to:
Customer Services Department
Bank of Scotland Share Dealing Limited
Lovell Park Road
Leeds
LS1 1NS
Why do you need to complete a US tax form and NYSE subscriber agreement?
We have a duty to the US tax authority for customers holding US shares and receiving income from the US. We must request and receive documents to comply.
To access live prices from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) online, you are required to declare your status as either a non-professional or a professional subscriber.
Completing the appropriate tax form
It is your responsibility to make sure you complete the right form for your circumstances. If you are completing a W-8BEN form, please refer to the ‘How to’ guide first. Further help can be found at www.irs.gov under ‘Forms & Instructions’.
W-8BEN form
A non-US individual such as a UK resident would ordinarily complete a W-8BEN:
The W-8BEN form is valid for three calendar years following the year in which you sign it, unless your personal circumstances change. Please let us know within 30 days if this happens. We will contact you when your form is due to expire.
What is Withholding Tax?
When dividends, interest payments or some other types of corporate settlement are made by foreign corporations or governments, Withholding Tax will usually be deducted at the point of payment and paid to the government of the country initiating that payment. The amount of Withholding Tax deducted can differ from country to country and will affect the value of the returns.
If you receive foreign payments from trading international securities through us, the amount of Withholding Tax you have paid will appear on your consolidated tax certificate, which can be viewed online. If you are not registered online we post this certificate to you at the end of the tax year.
UK listed shares paying US sourced dividends
Ordinarily if you complete a W-8BEN form you will only pay the 15% Withholding Tax rate instead of 30% on US listed shares paying US sourced dividends. For UK listed shares paying US sourced dividends a 30% Withholding Tax rate is applied even if you have a W-8BEN form in place.
For example, you would receive $70 on a $100 dividend.
W-9 form
A US person would ordinarily complete a W-9:
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