Paperwork Update

If writing novels is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration, then selling them is 10% marketing and 90% utter confusion.

Call me old fashioned, but I'm used to doing things in a set order.

If I want to sell a product, I figure I should do it thusly:
1. Make Product
2. Get Taxes/Paperwork In Order so it's all official
3. Sell Product

Not so in the USA. In the USA, my experience is I need to swap 3 & 2 around.

The lovely tax expert I've been dealing with in Canada (which is a tautology because all Canadians are lovely. You're welcome,) advised me that until I have an active account with Amazon (ie, selling my ebooks to readers in the US) the IRS will reject my ITIN application.

This kind of logic makes me feel like I have to sell the books first, then apply to the IRS for the ITIN, which means the company paying me money (in this case, Amazon) can pay me the full amount without having to withhold tax.

Oh yes, and the IRS can take between 6 - 8 weeks to process the application. Then they may reject it. I've heard from writer friends that they can and do reject applications, sometimes without giving any reason.

I need to eat another curry pie to soothe my nerves.

I Will (Survive) Still Need an ITIN

An ITIN is an Individual Taxation Identification Number that you get from the IRS, which stands for Inland Revenue Service. That's the USA's tax department.

 If you earn money in the USA but are a non-resident (ie, you live in 'The rest of the world' and you don't have a social security number) you will most likely need an ITIN. I will need one.

Here's a page about ITINs from the IRS with frequently asked questions. Make yourself a cuppa and read it.
OK, two cuppas. Here's the page of updated 2013 FAQs.
And a Tim Tam.

If you are planning on earning income from the US, (ie, selling ebooks on amazon, perchance) you don't want the hassle of the IRS withholding money . . . or auditing you.

Reading through the FAQs, I discover I am a 'non-resident alien'. Oh the LOLZ!

Off to make another cuppa.