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Form W-8ECI

Certificate of Foreign Person's Claim That Income Is Effectively Connected With the Conduct of a Trade or Business in the United States

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Tax laws change frequently — always verify with the CRA and IRS or consult a qualified cross-border tax accountant before making decisions.

Filing deadline

Provided to the withholding agent before the first rental payment; renewed every 3 years

Who must file

Non-resident alien landlords who have made (or intend to make) a Section 871(d) election to treat US rental income as ECI

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What is Form W-8ECI?

Canadian landlords who elect to treat US rental income as Effectively Connected Income (ECI) under IRC Section 871(d) must provide Form W-8ECI to their US tenants or property managers. This exempts the rent from the default 30% flat withholding tax and allows the landlord to file Form 1040-NR with full expense deductions instead.

Who Needs to File Form W-8ECI?

Non-resident alien landlords who have made (or intend to make) a Section 871(d) election to treat US rental income as ECI

Filing Deadline

Provided to the withholding agent before the first rental payment; renewed every 3 years

Related Forms

W-8ECIeffectively connected incomeECISection 871(d)withholding exemptionnon-resident

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