If you need to certify or recertify your tax status, a To Do item is displayed on the Benefits OnLine website's home page. On the app, the message will appear on your dashboard. Select the link to Certify your tax status.

This screen displays your Form W-8BEN status. Select Get started.

Tip: Look for the  along the way for helpful information and guidance.

Your name, date of birth and country of citizenship are pre-populated on this screen based on information you have on file with Merrill. This information cannot be changed here. If updates are needed, call Merrill at your plan’s number for assistance. Select Next.

Your permanent residence address is pre-populated based on information you have on file with Merrill. This is the address you claim for tax purposes. If any information is incorrect or missing, you can update it on this screen. Enter your full address, including province if applicable. Your permanent address cannot include a Post Office Box (P.O. Box), your employer’s address, a corporate or office address, or an address in “care of” (c/o) another individual.

If your mailing address is different from your permanent address, select yes and enter your alternate mailing address here.

Select Save & continue. If you added or changed personal information, you will be prompted to enter an authorization code delivered to your email address on file with Merrill. If there is no email address on file or if your email address has changed, you will be prompted to call Merrill for assistance.

Under tax treaties, non-U.S. residents can receive a reduced rate or exemption for U.S. federal income taxes on dividend income. If there is a tax treaty between your country of residence and the U.S., you’ll be able to select it from the list available on this screen. If your country is not listed, select Do not wish to claim tax treaty benefits.

If you have a Foreign Tax Identification Number (FTIN), enter it here. This number is issued by your country of residence for local taxes and governmental benefits. Depending on your country, your FTIN may appear on your government-issued ID or insurance card. If your country of tax residency does not issue FTINs, select Not legally required in my country. Select Next.

If you don’t have an FTIN, you’ll be prompted to enter a valid government ID, such as a passport number or driver’s license number, to complete your certification. A pop up screen will provide additional instructions, if required. Enter the information and select Next.

Select the arrow to review the terms and conditions of your Merrill Limited Individual Investor Account.

The information on this screen is only available in English. Review the terms and conditions and check the box to accept.

Select the arrow next to Substitute Form W-8BEN Certification.

Review and check the box to provide your electronic signature and certify that your entries on the online Substitute Form W-8BEN are true and correct. Select Submit to submit your certification request.

You’ll receive a confirmation that your W-8BEN certification was submitted and is pending approval by Merrill. Status updates will be sent to you via email. The status of your W-8BEN certification may include “pending,” “approved,” or “rejected.” If your certification is rejected, Merrill will provide you with additional instructions.

You can also check the status of your W-8BEN certification on Benefits OnLine by going to Activity Center > Alerts (it can take up to three business days for status updates to display).

Important: You cannot sell shares of your company’s stock on Benefits OnLine prior to the approval of your certification. If you sell shares using Merrill’s call center, proceeds may be subject to U.S. federal income tax backup withholding.