Definition:
An intermediary is a custodian, broker, nominee, middleman,or any other person that acts as an agent for another person. A non-US (foreign) intermediary is either a qualified intermediary or a nonqualified intermediary. The intermediary stands between the person making the payment and the person ultimately receiving the payment who will report the income on his or her tax return. Generally, a foreign intermediary would provide a payor or withholding agent with a Form W-8IMY, which would certify whether the intermediary is a Qualifieid Intermediary or Nonqualified Intermediary. Helpful resource: Publication 515