Do non US residents pay tax on stocks?
John Hall
Updated on March 11, 2026
Nonresident aliens are subject to no U.S. capital gains tax, but capital gains taxes will likely be paid in your country of origin. Nonresident aliens are subject to a dividend tax rate of 30% on dividends paid out by U.S. companies.
Does selling stock count as earned income?
If you sell stock for more than you originally paid for it, then you may have to pay taxes on your profits, which are considered a form of income in the eyes of the IRS. Specifically, profits resulting from the sale of stock are a type of income known as capital gains, which have unique tax implications.
What is US source income for nonresident alien?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers all services performed entirely outside of the U.S. by a Nonresident Alien (NRA) to be Non-U.S. Source Income. Nonresident aliens, for tax purposes, unlike U.S. citizens and residents, are only subject to tax on income that is considered U.S.-source income.
Can a foreigner open an investment account in the US?
Foreigners can invest in U.S. stocks by opening a U.S.-based brokerage account. Be aware of tax documentation that may be required for an international brokerage account.
Should I buy US stocks in TFSA?
Despite the withholding tax, holding some US stocks in a TFSA could significantly increase the expected returns of your portfolio. While minimizing the taxes on your investments is vital, it is also important to build a well-diversified low-cost portfolio that reflects your financial goals.
What is the dividend tax rate for non resident aliens?
Dividends. In terms of dividends, nonresident aliens do face a dividend tax rate of 30% on dividends paid out by U.S. companies. However, they are excluded from this tax if the dividends are paid by foreign companies or are interest-related dividends or short-term capital gain dividends. This 30% rate can also be lower depending on…
How to determine nonresident aliens source of income?
The general rules for determining U.S. source income that apply to most nonresident aliens are shown below: See Chapter Two of Publication 519, U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens for additional details.
Is there flat tax on capital gains of nonresident alien?
A flat tax of 30 percent was imposed on U.S. source capital gains in the hands of nonresident alien individuals physically present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year. This 183-day rule bears no relation to the 183-day rule under the substantial presence test of IRC section 7701 (b) (3).
Can a nonresident alien file the same taxes as a US citizen?
Resident aliens are subject to the same tax rules as US citizens, using the same tax forms. Nonresident aliens are subject to special rules and must file Form 1040 NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return to report their income. Resident or Nonresident Alien? Green Card or Substantial Presence Test