Will PayPal accept W8ben and 1042-S forms to confirm taxpayer status instead of SSN?
Hi everybody,
I have a couple years old PayPal account which was used mostly for shopping until two months ago. I have over $50K spent using this account, buying things for my friends and myself. About two months ago I started receiving payments from friends and family ranging mostly from $10 to $40 (around 50 transactions), with 2 or 3 of exceptions ($400-$900). I also received 3-4 payments for goods and services (total $1K) and couple of payments earned on a gaming platform of a reputable company ($500).
When first payments started I received the first limitation, only the closing of the account was blocked, everything else was allowed. PayPal requested photo ID, proof of address and SSN. Couple of days later I noticed that photo ID requirement was completed, without me uploading any document (strange?!).
I ignored the limitation and continued receiving payments. A week ago I received the second limitation – “We noticed that you've been receiving, sending or withdrawing large amount of funds…”.
This time they blocked withdrawing, sending, paying, refunding…, only receiving and couple of other things were allowed. They requested proof of address, bank statement, SSN and information on account activity for 5 transactions ($10-20$).
I explained that the transactions were from gaming friends as an act of gratitude (it was completed immediately), provided bank statement, and used the same statement as a proof for the address (I don’t know if the latter will work). Both address and the bank statement are under review.
Since I don’t have an SSN how is the best to proceed? I have a W8ben form which I submitted to my bank to confirm that I am not a U.S. taxpayer. The bank also issued to me 1042-S form for the Federal tax withheld on my income related to my Dividend Deposit.
Will PayPal accept W8ben and 1042-S forms to confirm my taxpayer status instead of SSN? Is there an option for me to apply for an ITIN maybe and go that way?
Are there any other options? I would greatly appreciate your advice.
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