Which form is used by nonresident alien individuals to claim exemption from withholding on compensation...

Nonresident alien (NRA) individuals performing personal services within the United States are generally subject to federal income tax withholding unless a specific exemption applies. Many countries maintain income tax treaties with the U.S. that allow for reduced withholding rates or total exemptions for certain types of income. To claim such an exemption based on a treaty or the personal exemption amount, the NRA must provide their employer with a properly completed Form 8233. This form requires the individual to specify the treaty article under which they are claiming relief and provide their U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The employer is responsible for reviewing the form for accuracy and then forwarding it to the IRS for a mandatory 10-day review period before honoring the exemption. Form 1040NR is the actual tax return, while Form 2555 is for U.S. citizens abroad, making Form 8233 the correct choice for NRAs claiming treaty benefits.