Non-US based authors have it hard

[redsnoopy]

We non-US based authors have it hard, from what I read in the procedures, we have to fill in some lengthy tax forms and snail mail over to get some tax number to be mailed back to us before we can collect payments, and also we got 30% witholding thing deducted for every sale. Only a few foreign countries have treaties to get out of the 30% thing, but mine don't.

Any non-US based authors feel the same?

[Ted]

Most non-US based authors live in countries with tax treaties between that country and the U.S., so the 30% withholding by the IRS isn't a big deal.

Most countries in Africa or South America do not have tax treaties with the U.S. as of 2011.

Authors living in countries not having a tax treaty with the U.S. may apply for return of funds. Check the IRS web site for information on non-US based authors retrieving the 30% withholding.

[redsnoopy]

Hi Ted,

Oh I see ,thanks for the advice!

[redsnoopy]

Oh yes, by the way, could I ask, since my country doesn't have a tax treaty with US, and most likely there will no or little discount on the tax, does that mean for my convenience I can choose not fill in any of the tedious forms (W7-BEN and what not) and Smashwords can still proceed to send me my reduced payments (30% taxed payment) ?

[Ted]

Yes, as far as I know. Check the FAQ's on Smashwords for more information on Getting Paid.