> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.fellows.polymathlabs.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Tax Info for Polymath Fellows

Polymath does **not** withhold or deduct taxes from your payments. As an independent contractor, you are fully responsible for reporting your Polymath earnings and paying any income, self-employment, or local taxes owed in your jurisdiction.

<Note>
  Polymath cannot provide legal or tax advice. The information below is general guidance only. For anything specific to your situation, please consult a qualified tax professional in your country.
</Note>

## When you accept your Fellow offer

<Steps>
  <Step title="If you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident">
    You'll complete a **W-9** through Stripe to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). If your Polymath earnings for the year exceed **\$600**, you'll receive a **1099-NEC** in the following January or February.
  </Step>

  <Step title="If you're based outside the U.S.">
    You'll complete a **W-8BEN** through Stripe to certify your foreign status and, where applicable, claim benefits under a U.S. tax treaty. You will **not** receive a 1099-NEC from Polymath.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Understanding the forms

### W-9 (U.S. Fellows)

The W-9 is used by U.S. citizens and permanent residents. It collects your SSN or Employer Identification Number (EIN) so that Polymath (via Stripe) can issue a 1099-NEC at year-end if you cross the reporting threshold. You'll fill this out in Stripe during onboarding.

A few things to double-check when submitting your W-9:

* Your **Stripe profile country must be set to United States**, even if you happen to be living abroad. If you select a non-U.S. country, Stripe will treat you as a non-U.S. person and no 1099 will be generated.
* Enter your **SSN or EIN carefully**. A single incorrect digit can cause IRS reporting issues.
* The **legal name on your Stripe account must match your W-9 exactly** (including middle names or suffixes).

### W-8BEN (non-U.S. Fellows)

The W-8BEN certifies that you are not a U.S. person and, where a tax treaty exists between the U.S. and your country of residence, allows you to reduce or eliminate U.S. withholding on your Polymath payments.

The form has **two separate country fields**, and both are free-text. You can enter either the full country name or the 3-letter ISO code (for example, `India` or `IND`; `United Kingdom` or `GBR`):

* **Country of citizenship** — your nationality.
* **Country** under *Permanent residence address* — where you actually live today.

Please make sure both fields reflect your **real** country of citizenship and residence. Mismatched information can hold up your payments or invalidate any treaty benefits you're entitled to.

## At the end of the tax year

### If you filed a W-9: 1099-NEC

If you submitted a W-9 and earned **more than \$600** from Polymath during the calendar year, Stripe will issue you a **1099-NEC** by the end of January or early February.

* The form is delivered to the email address and mailing address on your Stripe account, so keep both current.
* If your total Polymath earnings were **\$600 or less** for the year, no 1099 will be issued (though you are still responsible for reporting the income).
* The 1099-NEC is for **independent contractors** — Polymath Fellows are not W-2 employees.

<Warning>
  If you completed a W-9 but haven't received your 1099, the most common cause is that your **Stripe profile country is not set to United States**. Selecting a non-U.S. country (even accidentally) causes Stripe to treat you as a non-U.S. person and skip issuing the 1099. Your physical location does **not** override your W-9 status.
</Warning>

### If you filed a W-8BEN: no U.S. form issued

If you submitted a W-8BEN, Polymath will not issue you any U.S. tax form. You are responsible for declaring your Polymath income in your country of tax residence and paying whatever income, self-employment, or GST/VAT taxes apply locally.

We strongly recommend working with a local accountant or tax advisor to make sure you're handling self-employed income correctly and taking advantage of any tax-treaty benefits you're entitled to.

## Frequently asked questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I contract with Polymath through my company or LLC instead of as an individual?">
    Not currently. Under the structure of our Consulting Agreement, we're required to compensate you as an **individual independent contractor**.

    * Please complete your W-9 or W-8BEN under your **personal legal name**.
    * We're unable to accept a **W-8BEN-E** or other entity-level tax forms at this time.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Will Polymath withhold taxes from my payments?">
    No. Polymath does not withhold income tax, self-employment tax, GST, VAT, or any other taxes from your payouts. You're responsible for calculating and remitting your own taxes, including any **quarterly estimated tax payments** that your jurisdiction requires.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I've moved. How do I update my address or tax information?">
    Update your address, email, and banking details directly in your **Stripe account**. If your country of residence or citizenship has changed, you may also need to submit a **new W-9 or W-8BEN** — Stripe will normally prompt you when this is required. If you're unsure, email [support@polymathlabs.ai](mailto:support@polymathlabs.ai) and we'll help walk you through it.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I have dual citizenship. Which tax form should I submit?">
    This depends on where you're a tax resident and whether you hold U.S. citizenship or a green card. Please email [support@polymathlabs.ai](mailto:support@polymathlabs.ai) with the specifics of your situation and we'll help point you in the right direction. We also recommend confirming the answer with a qualified tax professional.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can Polymath advise on my tax obligations?">
    Polymath does not provide tax or legal advice. If you have questions about your Consulting Agreement, self-employment taxes, treaty benefits, or how to report Polymath income, please consult a qualified tax professional in your jurisdiction.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Country-specific guidance

For details tailored to your country of residence, see the country guides in the sidebar. More countries will be added over time.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="India" icon="flag" href="/countries/india">
    FEMA and RBI considerations, income tax filing, GST thresholds, and completing the W-8BEN under the U.S.–India tax treaty.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Supported countries" icon="globe" href="/countries/supported-countries">
    The full list of countries where Polymath can pay Fellows through Stripe Connect.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>