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Microstock Photography Forum - General => General Stock Discussion => Topic started by: sdeva on January 01, 2017, 06:46

Title: SS tax form for EU contributors
Post by: sdeva on January 01, 2017, 06:46

Hi, anyone know how to fill the latest W8BEN E (April 2016 version) for filing to Shutterstock?  It should apply if you are not US based and operate your account through a private limited company (called AB in Sweden).

Any guidance much appreciated, thanks!

And a HAPPY NEW YEAR to all !!

Title: Re: SS tax form for EU contributors
Post by: jarih on January 01, 2017, 09:23

I think that:

1. You are not an individual, you need the EIN number
2. Order the EIN number from IRS, use the SS4 form
3. IRS get your EIN number
4. Fill your W-8BEN

Years ago I ordered my EIN number and at the time it was not possible to order via net. It had to be done by phone. Maybe it's easier these days, I don't know.

BTW.. I don't know others, but my EIN number include a hyphen "-". The Shutterstock and other stocks W-8BEN works fine but in the Adobe/Fotolia it must write without a hyphen.

Title: Re: SS tax form for EU contributors
Post by: sdeva on January 02, 2017, 13:11

Hi, thanks for the response.

I already have EIN number (mine also includes a hyphen, although on different sites it seems to work with or without hyphen as far I can remember).  However my problem is how to fill the W8BEN E form (April 2016 version) that SS now require?  This is 8-pages long although I think only few columns need to be filled out.  Do you have any idea about it?

Title: Re: SS tax form for EU contributors
Post by: jarih on January 02, 2017, 16:19

You mean those new things.. FATCA? For me I filled FATCA status is "Account is not a financial account" because it's not. And that's all new for me, for others I filled just a same than previous W-8BEN. And it was accepted.

Title: Re: SS tax form for EU contributors
Post by: sdeva on January 02, 2017, 17:34

Thanks, thats great to know :)

I feel stuck with Part III Claim of Tax Treaty Benefits. How does one respond on 14 a, b, c? And 15 Special rates and conditions?  Any comment much appreciated.

All other sections don't really seem to apply..

Title: Re: SS tax form for EU contributors
Post by: unnonimus on January 02, 2017, 22:19

The United States has a 28% withholding tax that applies to many countries in the world with the exception of a list of countries that are exempt.

If the US has a tax treaty with Sweden (which it does) that exempts it from the 28% withholding tax, then US based companies are not allowed to withhold the 28% tax.

You should check to see if Sweden is on the list (it probably is).

Title: Re: SS tax form for EU contributors
Post by: jarih on January 03, 2017, 05:13

Quote from: sdeva on January 02, 2017, 17:34

Thanks, thats great to know :)

I feel stuck with Part III Claim of Tax Treaty Benefits. How does one respond on 14 a, b, c? And 15 Special rates and conditions?  Any comment much appreciated.

All other sections don't really seem to apply..

Sweden is on the Tax Tready List, Treaty Article 12(1) and Withholding Rate 0%.

14 a = Sweden

15 Something like that:

Special rates and conditions (if applicable—see instructions): The beneficial owner is claiming the provisions of Article 12 of the treaty identified on line 9a above to claim a 0 % rate of withholding on (specify type of income): Royalty Income -Image. Explain the reasons the beneficial owner meets the terms of the treaty article: and also Royalty Income - Images/Other at 0%

Title: Re: SS tax form for EU contributors
Post by: sdeva on January 04, 2017, 07:39

Thanks very much, appreciate it greatly :)