Canadian freelancers on Fiverr have a significant advantage over freelancers from most other countries: the Canada-US Tax Treaty can reduce withholding on Fiverr earnings to 0%. But this benefit only works if you have an ITIN to complete your W-8BEN with a treaty claim.
Why Canadian Fiverr Sellers Are Different
While freelancers from Nigeria, Bangladesh, and most other countries face 30% withholding on Fiverr (because their countries lack US tax treaties), Canadian freelancers can potentially achieve 0% withholding. This is because Canada has a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States.
For independent personal services (freelancing), the Canada-US Treaty generally provides for 0% US withholding when services are performed from Canada with no US permanent establishment. An ITIN is required to activate this treaty benefit on Fiverr.
Submitting Your Treaty Claim on Fiverr
In Fiverr's Seller Tax Information section:
- Select W-8BEN as your tax form type
- Enter your ITIN
- In Part III (Treaty Benefits): Enter Canada as treaty country
- Reference the applicable treaty article
- Claim 0% withholding rate
Fiverr processes the treaty claim and adjusts withholding on future payments accordingly.
How Much Do Canadian Fiverr Sellers Save?
With the Canada-US Treaty and an ITIN: $0 US withholding on Fiverr earnings from US buyers. Without ITIN: 30% withheld before payment. For a Canadian Fiverr seller earning $2,000/month from US clients, this represents $600/month saved — or $7,200/year. Your $99 ITIN is recovered in the first two weeks.
ITIN Plus for Canadian Fiverr Sellers
$99, 8–14 weeks, IRS Certified Acceptance Agent. Email apply@itinplus.com. We ensure your W-7 correctly reflects the treaty-based reason for your ITIN application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadian Fiverr sellers pay US taxes?
Canadian freelancers performing services from Canada generally do not owe US income tax on those services under the Canada-US Tax Treaty. However, Fiverr may withhold by default without a W-8BEN with treaty claim. Your ITIN enables you to claim 0% withholding.
What withholding rate applies to Canadian Fiverr sellers?
0% for independent personal services performed from Canada, under the Canada-US Tax Treaty, when you provide your ITIN and claim treaty benefits on the W-8BEN.
How do I submit my ITIN to Fiverr?
In Fiverr's Seller Tax Information section, submit a W-8BEN form with your ITIN and treaty claim (Canada, applicable article, 0% rate). Fiverr updates your withholding status within a few days.
How long does it take to get an ITIN?
8–14 weeks from the IRS submission date. Apply through ITIN Plus for $99.
Does Fiverr accept Canadian sellers?
Yes. Fiverr is available globally, including Canadian sellers. Many top-rated Fiverr sellers are Canadian. The Canada-US Treaty advantage makes it especially profitable for Canadians to earn from US buyers on Fiverr.