Author Topic: UK photogs - why is Bigstock asking for my VAT number? (Read 3471 times)

StockCube · « **on:** March 07, 2014, 18:08 »

I just logged into BigStock and saw for the first time a banner across the top of the page that said 'Please input your VAT number - if you don't we will have to start deducting VAT from your income' (or words to that affect).

This is a nonsense - I am not required to collect VAT unless my income is over £1000 a week (rough guide) and mine (in total) is nowhere near that. Not even remotely close. So I don't have a VAT number to give them.

Anyone else seeing this message?

sdeva · « **Reply #1 on:** March 07, 2014, 18:59 »

Yes I am too! And dont understand why it appears as a large banner right above the website. Is this a serious request or a gimmick of some sort? If its a serious request why haven't they sent out an email or a more descriptive communication to contributors?

Dark_Angel · « **Reply #2 on:** March 07, 2014, 20:49 »

I don't have one either... I don't need it or get it at my income level.

bunhill · « **Reply #3 on:** March 07, 2014, 22:20 »

it seems to me as if they are trying to treat you as if you were the vendor - as if BS were simply a marketplace.

On the plus side - if this redefines BS as a marketplace then the point of sale is presumably where the artist lives ... in which case witholding tax should no longer be an issue for anyone.

Long story short - IMO they are currently the vendor and they
pay you a royalty from what they earn when they make a sale. In which case any VAT liability is with them. Deducting it from your royalty would be outrageous.

scottbraut · « **Reply #4 on:** March 07, 2014, 22:31 »

Hi guys,

Sorry for the confusion. I'm looking into this, but based on some internal discussions, the team meant for this to be a customer-facing message (there shouldn't be anything about "income").

I'm clarifying this with the team, but this message isn't meant for contributors.

Best,

Scott
VP of Content
Shutterstock

Red Dove · « **Reply #5 on:** March 08, 2014, 05:29 »

In my inbox this morning from their Help Centre:

"A VAT number is only required for customers on our site, as you are a contributor you only need to fill out the Tax Profile and Tax Form on our Tax Center."

So, if you have already completed all the gubbins with your W8-BEN when you joined as a contributor, which will be confirmed in green on your Tax Centre page, no further action is required. Kushti.

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Author Topic: UK photogs - why is Bigstock asking for my VAT number? (Read 3471 times)

StockCube

sdeva

Dark_Angel

bunhill

scottbraut

Red Dove

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