Harvard is required to indicate the “location of activity”, particularly when paying income to foreign individuals and foreign entities, to comply with IRS tax withholding and reporting regulations. A clear indication of the location of the activity (such as the country) is necessary on all supporting documentation for the payment to be correctly classified for tax purposes. This applies to both service and non-service income.
There are 3 forms Harvard is able to accept from a foreign entity to be set-up to receive payments as a supplier (W-8 BEN-E, W-8 EXP, or W-8 ECI). Information on the various forms can be found on the Foreign Entities and W-8 Forms page. We are unable to advise on which form should be used, as this is a individual business decision a supplier must make based on their legal structure, and in consultation with a professional tax advisor if necessary.