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U.S Tax exemption / dealings with U.S stores.

ShadowBladeShadowBlade
edited in General
Greetings!

So we're nearing release of Rooks Keep. Hooray! So I've been contacting distributors, etc.

Now, we've got to a stage where we need to fill out some U.S tax exemption forms, which seem to require some identity numbers obtained from the IRS (EIN, ITIN). Has anyone else had to deal with these? I could use some legal help here in how to go about filling out the forms needed (such as the W8-BEN). What is the process/steps for said dealings?

Thanks!

Comments

  • dislekciadislekcia
    You should be able to apply for an EIN online, instructions here. It's a reasonably painless process, then you use that to fill out the W8 form.
  • ShadowBladeShadowBlade
    Does that work online for us folk outside the U.S? Because I saw on this page: http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/How-to-Apply-for-an-EIN

    "The online application process is available for all entities whose principal business, office or agency, or legal residence (in the case of an individual), is located in the United States or U.S. Territories. The principal officer, general partner, grantor, owner, trustor etc. must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (Social Security Number, Employer Identification Number, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) in order to use the online application."
  • LexAquilliaLexAquillia
    edited
    Do you have a company? If so apply for a EIN, it's much easier than getting a ITIN. You should be able to do it online, EIN's can be done over the phone as well, just remember it has to be done during their office hours.
  • ShadowBladeShadowBlade
    Thanks chaps!

    @LexAquilla: We're not a registered company, yet :| I've heard tell that the EIN works for both businesses and individuals, but I'm not 100% sure. Hence the plea :P

    Just looking over the SS4-form, it wasn't exactly clear as to whether you need an ITIN or not, ugh :|

    Thanks for the help!
  • LexAquilliaLexAquillia
    EIN can work for Sole Proprietors and Partnerships as well, but whoever you're talking too (at the IRS) may get finicky.
  • AngryMooseAngryMoose
    Does that work online for us folk outside the U.S?
    Yeah, from my experience in the past, you have to call the call centre or send the form in; non-US people can't apply for EINs online...
  • ShadowBladeShadowBlade
    Right, thanks for the advice guys :)

    So the issue now then is on this form: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf
    Lines 7a and 7b are where the problem lie. I don't have an EIN or ITIN, but the 7b field appears to require one. If indeed I NEED the ITIN, I shall have to apply for that, wait 4-6 weeks and then stick that on the W8 form.

    The glamour of game-dev eh :P
  • AngryMooseAngryMoose
    AFAIK, individuals also need an EIN for the W8-BEN forms... at least, guys at Luma that I know of did :) Maybe @mattbenic or @elyaradine know more? I know they had to do it...
  • LexAquilliaLexAquillia
    The instructions for that form say you must only fill in 7a and 7b if it is applicable. Given that you are applying for a EIN you shouldn't need to fill in those sections.
  • ShadowBladeShadowBlade
    Thanks guys (reverent bowing)

    I shall wait a bit, dig around some more, and then try and fax through the SS-4 without those two. And hope :)
  • AngryMooseAngryMoose
    edited
    @LexAquillia said:
    The instructions for that form say you must only fill in 7a and 7b if it is applicable
    Spot on. the SS-4 is for obtaining your EIN, so yes, leave 7a-b alone. Just follow all instructions on the "Do I Need an EIN?" section, under the "Is a foreign person needing an EIN to comply with IRS withholding regulations" option.
  • ShadowBladeShadowBlade
    Many thanks good folk :)
  • ShadowBladeShadowBlade
    Just wanted to update you: I got the number via phone today. Didn't need to fill in the 7a-b things either.

    Thanks for the help guys :) (gracious bow)
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