Any non-US citizens out there who have a 401k plan?

Apparently, you need a US tax number (ITIN) so that you can withdraw 100% of your 401k and not give 30% of your retirement fund to the US government.

Has anyone got this ITIN? Anyone know a US based company that can help a non-US citizen?

Unless you are actually filling a US tax return do not believe ITIN is available but believe what you want is the W-8BEN form to declare yourself a foreign national and thus not subject to backup withholding.  

https://www.google.com.sg/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjNoMvUp63RAhXFQY8KHahpCrgQFgghMAE&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fpub%2Firs-pdf%2Ffw8ben.pdf&usg=AFQjCNGekkGZqy2mTlzoCu4-bq6oPNltaw

 

Edit:  Above said do not know status of 401k or if subject to US tax or how you paid into it without an SSN or ITIN if from US earnings.  I take it you never paid US tax before?

Edited January 6, 20179 yr by lopburi3

I definitely need an ITIN and the form that has to be submitted is a W7 form. This I have already found it. ITINs are given to non-US citizens, in fact it is necessary to be able to get the money out. I've already looked into all of this. Ideally, I want a US based company that can help.

 

A friend has applied to the IRS twice but was rejected twice with no reason given. They really don't make it easy.

My wife has one which I obtained for her when it was still possible to do so independent of tax return.  And yes the W-7 form is what is used for that.  But they are normally only issued for paying tax or submitting tax forms to claim money that has already been withheld.  As a matter of fact any ITIN issued prior to 2013 expire after not being used 3 years for a tax return.  

 

The form I mentioned is what is used by foreign parties to obtain US funds without the need of withholding AFAIK.  

I also have to fill out a W8-BEN form in addition to the W7.

Anyway, have found a good agent, so this thread can be closed.

I suggest you post a copy of this in the Home Country Forum.  There are a few USA expats there that a lot of tax background and may be able to advise

Just an update on this.

 

Got my ITIN using an agent in Canada. It was US250. No ITIN, no fee.

It took approximately eight weeks.

 

Now that I have the ITIN, I can now fill out the W8-BEN form and reduce the nominal 30% with-holding tax when I withdraw my 401k.