How non-US investors actually access US markets in 2026 - brokers, taxes, and what nobody tells you

Been doing this for a few years from outside the US. A lot of people ask the same questions so here's the honest breakdown: Which broker? eToro is the easiest entry point — available in most countries, simple interface, no minimum deposit. Good for getting started with US stocks and ETFs. For more advanced trading (options, leveraged ETFs like TQQQ, lower FX fees) Interactive Brokers is the gold standard. More paperwork to open but worth it long term. The tax thing everyone misses: File Form W-8