MicrostockGroup

Agency Based Discussion => Bigstock.com => Topic started by: StockCube on March 07, 2014, 18:08

Title: UK photogs - why is Bigstock asking for my VAT number?
Post by: 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?

Title: Re: UK photogs - why is Bigstock asking for my VAT number?
Post by: sdeva 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?  ???

Title: Re: UK photogs - why is Bigstock asking for my VAT number?
Post by: Dark_Angel on March 07, 2014, 20:49

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

Title: Re: UK photogs - why is Bigstock asking for my VAT number?
Post by: bunhill 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.

Title: Re: UK photogs - why is Bigstock asking for my VAT number?
Post by: scottbraut 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

Title: Re: UK photogs - why is Bigstock asking for my VAT number?
Post by: Red Dove 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.