Form 8288B PDF Details

When a foreign person disposes of U.S. real property interests, the process involves certain tax implications, one of which is the need for compliance with the IRS Form 8288-B. This form, titled "Application for Withholding Certificate for Dispositions by Foreign Persons of U.S. Real Property Interests," is integral in possibly reducing or eliminating the withholding requirement. It caters to individuals who are either seeking a nonrecognition treatment or claiming exemption from tax, asserting that the maximum tax liability is less than the required withholding, or applying under special installment sales rules for reduced withholding. It's a critical step for both transferors and transferees in ensuring compliance with U.S. tax laws, particularly under section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code. The form requires detailed information about the transaction, parties involved, and the property itself, along with a comprehensive understanding of applicable tax obligations and exemptions. Whether issued before or after a property transfer, the withholding certificate plays a pivotal role in the financial and legal facets of real estate transactions involving foreign entities. By detailing the proper execution and implications of Form 8288-B, individuals can navigate the complexities of real estate dispositions while adhering to U.S. tax regulations.

QuestionAnswer
Form NameForm 8288B
Form Length4 pages
Fillable?No
Fillable fields0
Avg. time to fill out1 min
Other namesform 8288b, 8288b forms, what is a withholding certificate, form application withholding

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Form

8288-B

 

Application for Withholding Certificate for Dispositions

 

(Rev. February 2016)

 

 

by Foreign Persons of U.S. Real Property Interests

OMB No. 1545-1060

 

 

 

Department of the Treasury

 

Please type or print.

 

 

 

Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

 

 

1

Name of transferor (attach additional sheets if more than one transferor)

Identification number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Street address, apt. or suite no., or rural route. Do not use a P.O. box.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City, state or province, and country (if not U.S.). Include ZIP code or postal code where appropriate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

Name of transferee (attach additional sheets if more than one transferee)

Identification number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Street address, apt. or suite no., or rural route. Do not use a P.O. box.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City, state or province, and country (if not U.S.). Include ZIP code or postal code where appropriate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

Applicant is:

Transferor

Transferee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4a

Name of withholding agent (see instructions)

b

Identification number

 

 

 

 

 

c

Name of estate, trust, or entity (if applicable)

d

Identification number

 

 

 

 

5

Address where you want withholding certificate sent (street address, apt. or suite no., P.O. box, or rural route number)

Phone number (optional)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City, state or province, and country (if not U.S.). Include ZIP code or postal code where appropriate.

 

 

 

6Description of U.S. real property transaction:

a

Date of transfer (month, day, year) (see inst.)

b Contract price

$

c

Type of interest transferred:

Real property

Associated personal property

 

 

Domestic U.S. real property holding corporation

 

d

Use of property at time of sale:

Rental or commercial

Personal

Other (attach explanation)

eAdjusted basis $

fLocation and general description of property (for a real property interest), description (for associated personal property), or the class or type and amount of the interest (for an interest in a U.S. real property holding corporation). See instructions.

gFor the 3 preceding tax years:

(1)

Were U.S. income tax returns filed relating to the U.S. real property interest?

 

If “Yes,” when and where were those returns filed?

(2)

Were U.S. income taxes paid relating to the U.S. real property interest?

 

If “Yes,” enter the amount of tax paid for each year

Yes

Yes

No

No

7Check the box to indicate the reason a withholding certificate should be issued. See the instructions for information that must be attached to Form 8288-B.

a The transferor is exempt from U.S. tax or nonrecognition treatment applies.

b The transferor’s maximum tax liability is less than the tax required to be withheld.

c The special installment sales rules described in section 7 of Rev. Proc. 2000-35 allow reduced withholding.

8

Does the transferor have any unsatisfied withholding liability under section 1445?

 

See the instructions for information required to be attached.

 

 

 

9

Is this application for a withholding certificate made under section 1445(e)?

 

If “Yes,” check the applicable box in a and the applicable box in b below.

 

 

a

Type of transaction:

1445(e)(1)

1445(e)(2)

1445(e)(3)

1445(e)(5)

1445(e)(6)

b

Applicant is:

Taxpayer

Other person required to withhold.

Specify your title (e.g., trustee)

Yes

Yes

No

No

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this application and accompanying attachments, and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, they are true, correct, and complete.

Signature

Title (if applicable)

Date

 

 

 

For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the instructions.

Cat. No. 10128Z

Form 8288-B (Rev. 2-2016)

Form 8288-B (Rev. 2-2016)

Page 2

 

 

Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise noted.

Future Developments

For the latest information about developments related to Form 8288 and its instructions, such as legislation enacted after they were published, go to www.irs.gov/form8288.

General Instructions

Purpose of form. Use Form 8288-B to apply for a withholding certificate to reduce or eliminate withholding on dispositions of U.S. real property interests by foreign persons, but only if the application is based on:

1.A claim that the transferor is entitled to nonrecognition treatment or is exempt from tax,

2.A claim solely on a calculation that

shows the transferor’s maximum tax liability is less than the tax otherwise required to be withheld, or

3.A claim that the special installment sales rules described in section 7 of Rev. Proc. 2000-35 allowed reduced withholding.

Do not use this form for applications:

Based on an agreement for the payment of tax with conforming security,

For blanket withholding certificates under Rev. Proc. 2000-35, or

Other than the three types described above.

See Regulations sections 1.1445-3 and 1.1445-6 and Rev. Proc. 2000-35 for information and procedures for applying for a withholding certificate.

Who can apply for a withholding certificate. Either the transferee or the transferor (or other authorized person) can file this application.

Withholding certificate. The IRS can issue a withholding certificate to reduce or eliminate withholding under section 1445. A certificate issued before the transfer notifies the transferee that reduced withholding or no withholding is required. A certificate issued after the transfer may authorize an early or a normal refund. If, on the date of transfer, an application for a withholding certificate is or has been submitted to the IRS, the applicable withholding is not required to be paid over to the IRS until the 20th day after the day that the IRS mails the withholding certificate or notice of denial. A transferor that applies for a withholding certificate must notify the transferee in writing that the certificate has been applied for on the day of or prior to the transfer.

The IRS will normally act on an application within 90 days of receipt of all information necessary to make a proper determination. The IRS will determine whether withholding should be reduced or eliminated or whether a withholding certificate should not be issued.

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. The U.S.

taxpayer identification number (TIN) of all parties to the transaction must be on the application for a withholding certificate. For U.S. individuals, the TIN is a social security number (SSN). For all other entities, it is an employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have an EIN, you can apply for one online at www.irs.gov/smallbiz or by telephone at 1-800-829-4933. Also, you can file Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, by fax or mail.

If you are a nonresident alien individual who is required to have a TIN, but is not eligible to obtain an SSN, you must apply for an IRS individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). If you do not have a TIN and are eligible for an ITIN, you can apply for an ITIN by attaching the completed Form

8288-B to a completed Form W-7 and forwarding the package to the IRS at the address given in the Form W-7 instructions. Get Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, for more information.

Any withholding certificate issued by the IRS applies only for the limited purpose of determining the withholding obligation under section 1445 and does not apply to any substantive issue that may arise in connection with the transfer. The acceptance by the IRS of any evidence submitted in connection with this application is not binding on the IRS for any purpose other than issuing the withholding certificate. The information submitted in support of the application may be subject to verification by the IRS prior to issuance of a withholding certificate.

If you receive a withholding certificate from the IRS and withholding is still required, a copy of the withholding certificate must be attached to Form 8288, U.S. Withholding Tax Return for Dispositions by Foreign Persons of U.S. Real Property Interests.

Installment sales. A transferee is required to withhold on the full sales price regardless of the amount of the payment. However, if the transferor is not a dealer and will report gain using the installment method under section 453, a withholding certificate allowing reduced withholding may be obtained. Any withholding certificate based on the installment sale method will provide for payment of interest on the deferred tax liability under section 453A(c) when applicable.

For installment sales subject to withholding under section 1445(a) or (e), the IRS will consider applications for a withholding certificate based on the transferee’s (or entity’s or fiduciary’s) agreement to all of the following:

1.Withhold and pay over 15% or lower amount determined by the IRS (or the amount the IRS determines to be appropriate under section 1445(e)) of the down payment. The amount of the down payment includes any liabilities of the transferor (entity in the case of section 1445(e)) assumed by the transferee, or liabilities to which the U.S. real property interest was subject immediately before and after the transfer.

2.Withhold 15% or lower amount determined by the IRS (or the amount the IRS determines to be appropriate under section 1445(e)) of each subsequent payment and the interest on the deferred tax liability.

3.Use Forms 8288 and 8288-A (relating to withholding on dispositions by foreign persons of U.S. real property interests) to pay over all amounts withheld. The identification number of the transferor (or interest holder subject to withholding under section 1445(e)) must be included on Forms 8288 and 8288-A.

4.Notify the IRS before the disposition or encumbrance of the U.S. real property interest (of the installment obligation under section 1445(e)), and when it occurs, pay over the remaining amount to be withheld.

5.Continue to withhold under a reduced withholding certificate until an amended certificate is issued, even if the transferor pledges the installment obligation in exchange for all or part of the proceeds due on the obligation and includes in gross income under section 453A(d) the net proceeds of the secured indebtedness.

Where to send applications for a withholding certificate. Form 8288-B and other applications for a withholding certificate must be sent to Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 409101, Ogden, UT 84409.

Specific Instructions

Complete all information for each line. An application that is not substantially complete when submitted will be rejected. For example, an application without a specific or estimated date of transfer will not be considered to be substantially complete.

Line 1. Enter the name, street address, and identification number of the transferor. If there are multiple transferors, attach additional sheets giving the required information about each one. For a transaction under section 1445(e), enter the required information for each foreign person for whom you are requesting reduced withholding.

Line 2. Enter the name, street address, and identification number of the transferee. If there are multiple transferees, attach additional sheets giving the required information about each one.

Line 4a. The withholding agent will normally be the buyer or other transferee as described in section 1445(d)(4). For distributions under section 1445(e), the withholding agent also includes a trustee, executor, or other authorized person.

Line 4b. If you are not applying for this withholding certificate in your personal capacity, enter your SSN or ITIN (see Identification number on this page for more information).

Form 8288-B (Rev. 2-2016)

Page 3

 

 

Line 4c. If you are acting on behalf of an estate or trust, or are signing as an authorized person for an entity other than an individual (for example, a corporation, qualified investment entity, or partnership), enter the name of the estate, trust, or entity.

Line 4d. Enter the EIN of the estate, trust, or entity.

Line 5. Enter the address you want the IRS to use for purposes of returning the withholding certificate.

Line 6a. Enter the year as a four-digit number (for example, “2013”).

Line 6c. “Associated personal property” means property (for example, furniture) sold with a building. See Regulations section 1.897-1.

Line 6d. Check “Other” if the property was used for both personal and rental use and attach an explanation.

Line 6f. Enter the address and description of the property (for example, “10-story,

100-unit luxury apartment building”). For a real estate holding corporation interest transferred, enter the class or type and amount of the interest (for example, “10,000 shares Class A Preferred Stock XYZ Corporation”). You may attach additional sheets. Be sure to include your name and TIN on each sheet you attach.

Line 6g. A U.S. income tax return includes Forms 1040NR, and 1120-F.

Line 7a. If you checked 7a, attach:

1.A brief description of the transfer,

2.A summary of the law,

3.Facts supporting the claim of exemption or nonrecognition,

4.Evidence that the transferor has no unsatisfied withholding liability, and

5.The most recent assessed value for state or local property tax purposes of the interest to be transferred, or other estimate of its fair market value. You need not submit supporting evidence of the value of the property.

A nonresident alien or foreign corporation must also attach a statement of the adjusted basis of the property immediately before the distribution or transfer.

Line 7b. If you checked 7b, attach a calculation of the maximum tax that can be imposed on the disposition. You must also include a statement signed by the transferor under penalties of perjury that the calculation and all supporting evidence is true and correct to the best knowledge of the transferor.

The calculation of the maximum tax that can be imposed must include:

1.Evidence of the amount to be realized by the transferor, such as a copy of the signed contract of transfer;

2.Evidence of the adjusted basis of the property, such as closing statements, invoices for improvements, and depreciation schedules, or if no depreciation schedules are submitted, a statement of the nature of the use of the property and why depreciation was not allowed;

3.Amounts to be recaptured for depreciation, investment credit, or other items subject to recapture;

4.The maximum capital gain and/or ordinary income tax rates applicable to the transfer;

5.The tentative tax owed; and

6.Evidence showing the amount of any increase or reduction of tax to which the transferor is subject, including any reduction to which the transferor is entitled under a U.S. income tax treaty.

If you have a net operating loss, see Rev. Proc. 2000-35, section 4.06, for special rules about the maximum tax calculation.

If the purchase price includes personal property not subject to tax under section 897, for the calculation of maximum tax, the transferor must also include a statement listing each such item of personal property transferred and the fair market value attributable to each item. The fair market value claimed should be supported by an independent appraisal or other similar documentation.

Line 7c. If you checked 7c, see Installment sales, earlier.

Line 8. You must provide a calculation of the transferor’s unsatisfied withholding liability or evidence that it does not exist. This liability is the amount of any tax the transferor was required to, but did not, withhold and pay over under section 1445 when the U.S. real property interest now being transferred was acquired, or upon a prior acquisition. The transferor’s unsatisfied withholding liability is included in the calculation of maximum tax liability so that it can be satisfied by the withholding on the current transfer.

Evidence that there is no unsatisfied withholding liability includes any of the following:

1.Evidence that the transferor acquired the subject or prior real property interest before 1985;

2.A copy of Form 8288 filed and proof of payment;

3.A copy of a withholding certificate issued by the IRS plus a copy of Form

8288 and proof of payment of any amount required by that certificate;

4.A copy of the nonforeign certificate furnished by the person from whom the U.S. real property interest was acquired (the certificate must be executed at the time of acquisition);

5.Evidence that the transferor purchased the subject or prior real property interest for $300,000 or less and a statement, signed by the transferor under penalties of perjury, that the transferor purchased the property for use as a residence within the meaning of Regulations section 1.1445-2(d)(1);

6.Evidence that the person from whom the transferor acquired the subject or prior U.S. real property interest fully paid any tax imposed on that transaction under section 897;

7.A copy of a notice of nonrecognition treatment provided to the transferor under Regulations section 1.1445-2(d)(2) by the person from whom the transferor acquired the subject or prior U.S. real property interest; or

8.A statement, signed by the transferor under penalties of perjury, explaining why the transferor was not required to withhold under section 1445(a) with regard to the transferor’s acquisition of the subject or prior real property interest.

Line 9a. If the transaction is subject to withholding under section 1445(e), check the box to indicate which provision of section 1445(e) applies.

Line 9b. Indicate whether the applicant is the taxpayer or the person required to withhold, and in what capacity that person is required to withhold.

Signature. The application must be signed by an individual, a responsible corporate officer, a general partner of a partnership, or a trustee, executor, or other fiduciary of a trust or estate. The application may also be signed by an authorized agent with a power of attorney. Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, can be used for this purpose.

Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice. We ask for the information on this form to carry out the Internal Revenue laws of the United States. Section 1445 generally imposes a withholding obligation on the buyer or other transferee (withholding agent) when a U.S. real property interest is acquired from a foreign person. Section

1445 also imposes a withholding obligation on certain foreign and domestic corporations, qualified investment entities, and the fiduciary of certain trusts and estates. This form is used to apply for a withholding certificate to reduce or eliminate withholding on dispositions of U.S. real property interests by foreign persons if certain conditions apply.

You are required to provide this information. Section 6109 requires you to provide your identification number. We need this information to ensure that you are complying with the Internal Revenue laws and to allow us to figure and collect the right amount of tax. Failure to provide this information in a timely manner, or providing false information, may subject you to penalties. Routine uses of this information include giving it to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation, and to cities, states, the District of Columbia, and to U.S. commonwealths and possessions for use in the administration of their tax laws. We may also disclose this information to other countries under a tax treaty, to federal and state agencies to enforce federal nontax criminal laws, or to federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism.

Form 8288-B (Rev. 2-2016)

Page 4

 

 

You are not required to provide the information requested on a form that is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act unless the form displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a form or its instructions must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any Internal Revenue law. Generally, tax returns and return information are confidential, as required by section 6103.

The time needed to complete and file this form will vary depending on individual circumstances. The estimated average time is:

Recordkeeping . . .

.

.

2 hr., 4 min.

Learning about the

 

 

 

law or the form . . .

.

.

2 hr., 7 min.

Preparing the form .

.

.

1 hr., 7 min.

Copying, assembling,

 

 

 

and sending the form

 

 

 

to the IRS . . . .

.

.

. 20 min.

If you have comments concerning the accuracy of these time estimates or suggestions for making this form simpler, we would be happy to hear from you. You can send your comments to the Internal Revenue Service, Tax Forms and Publications, SE:W:CAR:MP:TFP, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW, IR-6526, Washington, DC 20224. Do not send this form to this office. Instead, see Where to send applications for a withholding certificate, earlier.

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Filling out segment 1 of 8288b forms

2. Soon after performing the last step, go on to the next part and complete the necessary particulars in these blanks - d Use of property at time of sale, the class or type and amount of, g For the preceding tax years, Were US income tax returns filed, If Yes when and where were those, Were US income taxes paid, If Yes enter the amount of tax, Yes, Yes, Check the box to indicate the, be attached to Form B, a b c, The transferor is exempt from US, Does the transferor have any, and See the instructions for.

The transferor is exempt from US, Check the box to indicate the, and Were US income taxes paid in 8288b forms

Always be really mindful while filling out The transferor is exempt from US and Check the box to indicate the, because this is where a lot of people make some mistakes.

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