Attn. Canadians

[billg]

Wade got some songs signed by a publisher in the US and ask me if I would hit you guys up for some help . . . .what IRS form does he need, a W-8 or a W-8ben? It's something to do with foreigners being exempt from paying the IRS. Anyone know?

[hummingbird]

May 27, 2009, 10:40am, billg wrote:Wade got some songs signed by a publisher in the US and ask me if I would hit you guys up for some help . . . .what IRS form does he need, a W-8 or a W-8ben? It's something to do with foreigners being exempt from paying the IRS. Anyone know?Suggest he apply for a ITIN. He'll need to get a certified copy of his passport, and a letter from the publisher, in order to get the ITIN. Takes about 6 weeks."IRS issues ITINs to foreign nationals and others who have federal tax reporting or filing requirements and do not qualify for SSNs. A non-resident alien individual not eligible for a SSN, who is required to file a U.S. tax return only to claim a refund of tax under the provisions of a U.S. tax treaty, needs an ITIN.Examples of individuals who need ITINs include: Non-resident alien filing a U.S. tax return and not eligible for a SSN"I think, if I remember right, if you make less than $3,500 and tax is withheld @ source, you file a US tax return and get the money back. If you make over $3,500 and tax is withheld @ source, you file a US tax return and they keep the $. You then can claim any tax paid to the US as a foreign tax credit.http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/ ... 87,00.html(PS - I checked, the last time I did this (in 2008) before applying for the ITIN it was a W-9 form)

[billg]

Thanks. What a complicated mess.

[hummingbird]

May 27, 2009, 11:36am, billg wrote:Thanks. What a complicated mess.I freaked out at first too. But it ended up being really easy. I went to the passport office with my passport, and I had the certified copy within 5 days (it's free). In the meantime I filled out the ITIN application forum and got a letter from the publisher stating that they might be withholding tax on future income from music use. Mailed it in.Not happy about having to file two tax returns, though

[billg]

I wish we could all go to a system like thishttp://www.fairtax.org/site/PageServer?p....&a ... n=trueyeah, I know . . . ain't gonna happen.

[llama]

With ya on that Bill.....Wouldn't that be nice..no more filing taxes..........Read yesterday about a proposal floating around to introduce a national sales tax on top of the taxes we have now........They don't seem to get it somehow......guess that's why they're politicians and we're not......Derek