Toptal is a premium freelancing network that connects top developers, designers, and finance experts with US clients. As a Bangladeshi Toptal freelancer, you may be required to submit a W-8BEN form to Toptal's payment system. An ITIN is required to validate this form and prevent US tax withholding on your earnings.
Why Toptal Requires a Tax ID
Toptal operates under US tax law and may treat payments to foreign freelancers as US-source income. To avoid IRS-mandated withholding of 30%, Toptal requires you to submit a W-8BEN form certifying your non-US status. This form requires a foreign Tax Identification Number — your ITIN.
Without an ITIN, Toptal may withhold 30% of your earnings before releasing payment. This can significantly reduce your income, especially given Toptal's high hourly rates (often $60–$200+/hour).
ITIN Application for Bangladeshi Freelancers
As an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), ITIN Plus handles your entire ITIN application remotely. You do not need to travel to the US or visit a US embassy. The process takes 8–14 weeks for IRS processing after submission.
- Send us your passport, national ID, and address proof
- We prepare Form W-7 and submit it directly to the IRS
- IRS mails your ITIN to your Bangladesh address
- You submit your ITIN on Toptal's W-8BEN and eliminate withholding
How Much Can You Save?
If you earn $3,000/month on Toptal and 30% is withheld, you lose $900 every month — $10,800 per year. Your $99 ITIN is recovered in days. Once your ITIN is in place, you keep 100% of your Toptal earnings (subject only to Bangladeshi income tax, which is your local obligation).
Toptal + US LLC: The Power Combination
Many senior Bangladeshi Toptal freelancers eventually form a US LLC (Delaware or Wyoming) to invoice Toptal as a business entity. This gives you access to US business banking, Stripe, and stronger payment infrastructure. An ITIN is required to set up the LLC and file the annual Form 5472. ITIN Plus can guide you through both your ITIN and EIN needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Toptal require an ITIN from Bangladeshi freelancers?
Toptal may require a W-8BEN form to process payments to non-US freelancers. This form needs your ITIN (Tax Identification Number). Without it, 30% withholding may apply to your US-source earnings.
Can I get my ITIN without going to the US?
Yes. ITIN Plus is an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent. We verify your documents and submit your Form W-7 directly to the IRS. You stay in Bangladesh throughout the process.
How long does ITIN processing take?
8–14 weeks from the date of IRS submission. ITIN Plus submits your application promptly after document verification.
What if I also need an EIN for a US LLC?
ITIN Plus can also help you obtain an EIN for your US LLC. The ITIN ($99) and EIN are applied separately. Contact us at apply@itinplus.com for combined service.
What documents are required?
Valid passport, a secondary government-issued ID (Bangladeshi NID or birth certificate), and proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement dated within 3 months).