Payments to Foreign Entertainers
Directive Statement
This directive establishes the proper methods of making payments to foreign entertainers or athletes.
Reason for Directive
Payments made to foreign entertainers and athletes are subject to federal withholding taxes of 30 percent and must be reported to the IRS on Form 1042-S. U.S. agents of foreign entertainers may enter into Central Withholding Agreements with the IRS to reduce their withholding tax liability. Information concerning the withholding taxes and requesting a Central Withholding Agreement with the IRS may be found on their website.
Who must comply?
All departments processing a payment to a foreign entertainer or athlete.
Procedures
- Before processing a payment, the department and the professional entertainer or athlete will complete the Professional Entertainer or Athlete Payment Form
- Department will submit the completed form to Payroll Services along with the following documentation:
- Itinerary of dates and locations of all local events scheduled
- Official letter of activity by hosting unit
- Copy of Central Withholding Agreement (if applicable)
- IRS Form W-8BEN
- Supplier Tax Information Form
- Copies of Immigration Documentation
- Payroll Services will review the form and approve prior to issuing the payment
Last Reviewed
Last reviewed on 06/28/2024
Resources
IRS FAQ s about Central Withholding Agreements
IRS Information about Form W-8BEN
Contacts
Payroll Services: (352) 392-1231
Disbursements: (352)392-1241
Procurement: (352)392-1331