Eeek!

So I got the recent email saying that a W-8 form is now required for Non-US creators (despite me already agreeing to the 30% Withholding option).
I filled W-8BEN in, had it checked by a financial advisor, sent it.

Now I've received an email saying...

"The relevant non-US resident tax forms have been received by our payment provider but some of the details on the forms are incorrect.

The reason(s) are as follows:

• Missing ITIN/EIN

In order to get paid for money generated for your games the relevant W-8 forms
need to be completed and sent to the following address:

Microsoft Community Games Payment Processing
Attn: Finance Dept,
29011 Commerce center dr,
Valencia, CA - 91355
USA

Thanks again for making our community great!!

The XNA Team"

What's going on here?  The FAQ says I should only need an ITIN if I don't agree to the 30% withholding.

Now I'm totally confused, so can someone please clear this up for me.  I suspect it's an error on the payment provider's part.

I'd also like to add it's really frustrating that there is no contact email given so I can query/dispute this, so I'm forced to resort to the forums!

I suggest emailing the team - creators@microsoft.com

Did they solved the thing?

I incurred in the same issue (non US creator - 30% accepted - W8 form sent - same mail received)

kittie:

Did they solved the thing?

I incurred in the same issue (non US creator - 30% accepted - W8 form sent - same mail received)

Yes, I got mine sorted. Was my error though, but an easy mistake.

I had 9a ticked - seemed harmless enough at the time, but then I noticed it's part of the section titled "Claim of Tax Treaty Benefits (if applicable)".
If you don't have an ITIN, you musn't tick ANYTHING in that section, or they'll see it as you claiming tax treaty benefits which instantly requires an ITIN.

I resubmitted with it unticked, and was all good.

OMG!

i don't recall if I had the check ticked on my form... but I didn't received any mail (yet), so I hope everything's fine

Sharky NZ:

kittie:

Did they solved the thing?

I incurred in the same issue (non US creator - 30% accepted - W8 form sent - same mail received)

Yes, I got mine sorted. Was my error though, but an easy mistake.

I had 9a ticked - seemed harmless enough at the time, but then I noticed it's part of the section titled "Claim of Tax Treaty Benefits (if applicable)".
If you don't have an ITIN, you musn't tick ANYTHING in that section, or they'll see it as you claiming tax treaty benefits which instantly requires an ITIN.

I resubmitted with it unticked, and was all good.

I wrote to the team to ask, but it is possible I checked that 9a. If I have to resend the form which is the nearest deadline to send the form? If I miss this I have to wait another quarter to get payed.

kittie:

I wrote to the team to ask, but it is possible I checked that 9a. If I have to resend the form which is the nearest deadline to send the form? If I miss this I have to wait another quarter to get payed.

Given that it's the 11th and the deadline is the 15th I'd say you'll have to wait until next quarter to get paid

Pheel:

kittie:

I wrote to the team to ask, but it is possible I checked that 9a. If I have to resend the form which is the nearest deadline to send the form? If I miss this I have to wait another quarter to get payed.

Given that it's the 11th and the deadline is the 15th I'd say you'll have to wait until next quarter to get paid

Sigh! Sob! Another quarter... (I missed the first deadline 3 months ago)

ok, let's see the bright side... maybe dollar vs euro ratio gets better in 3 months so I get more real money (today $1.47 = €1 *_*)

its simple, dont fill anything in part 2 of the form

just place your name and address in part 1 and the type of beneficial owner(individual recommended) then check the box at part 3 and sign in part 4

just avoid anything related to itin or organizations , just use individual

im not set up in indie games, because my country is not included(mexico), but i have done this before with a couple of 3d model stores in the past, it is quite easy to do , just confusing at first

hope this helps

Just curious, now that you've cleared this up, are you still required to pay 30% in taxes or is it reduced (for filling out the W8BEN)?

johnthecash:

Just curious, now that you've cleared this up, are you still required to pay 30% in taxes or is it reduced (for filling out the W8BEN)?

It would depend on the tax treaty with the IRS for your country. The FAQ includes more details