The W-8BEN Form is issued by the US tax authorities (Internal Revenue Service (IRS)) and documents that an investor is a non-US person, thereby allowing the investor to benefit from a reduced rate of taxation (based on the double tax treaty signed with Belgium) on dividends and coupons paid by US companies. If you wish to invest in US securities, you will have to provide us with a signed W-8BEN Form. The W-8BEN Form is valid for three calendar years after the year in which it was signed. A new form must be submitted when the existing one expires, and MeDirect will inform you in advance of its expiration. MeDirect recommends that you seek professional tax advice from a Tax advisor if you have any questions about the tax treatment of your investment