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Microstock Photography Forum - General => Newbie Discussion => Topic started by: spaceofgrace on December 31, 2016, 12:20

Title: Non-US contributor - do I need an Itin? Submit a US tax return?
Post by: spaceofgrace on December 31, 2016, 12:20

I'm finding it really hard to determine if I need to apply for a US ITIN number from Canada. All agencies have allowed me to submit tax forms without it but not iStock. What have others done? And do you have to submit a US tax return? I'm not making that much money yet. I'd like to avoid it.
Thanks.

Title: Re: Non-US contributor - do I need an Itin? Submit a US tax return?
Post by: spaceofgrace on December 31, 2016, 12:46

Ok I see per older posts that an ITIN is not needed. Does that also mean no US tax return?

Title: Re: Non-US contributor - do I need an Itin? Submit a US tax return?
Post by: SpaceStockFootage on December 31, 2016, 12:56

You use your foreign tax ID. When it comes to US withholding tax, there's no earnings threshold unfortunately... you owe from day one. You might be able to get away without using your tax ID, but you'll usually need to add it to benefit from the tax treaty.

Title: Re: Non-US contributor - do I need an Itin? Submit a US tax return?
Post by: sharpshot on December 31, 2016, 14:37

I would suggest not starting with istock.  They just aren't worth the effort for non-exclusives any more.  There are lots of other sites to use.  They used to rival Shutterstock in the earnings poll here, they are sinking fast and it's only going to get worse.

Title: Re: Non-US contributor - do I need an Itin? Submit a US tax return?
Post by: spaceofgrace on January 01, 2017, 09:17

Thanks. I don't have a foreign tax ID. Ugh. So much effort for 25 cent royalties.
I am noticing that iStock is a pain. Reviews take about a month, it's difficult to see where the earnings are coming from and DLs are pathetic compared to other agencies. I always thought they were supposed to be big. What happened?