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Redeeming Epinions Royalties: Is It Worth It?Jan 16 '07 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line This reviewer's experience might give other non-US-resident writers cause for reflection.
A few months ago I decided to redeem the $300 or so I had painstakingly accumulated over the past 5-6 years. To my surprise I discovered it ain't that simple. After checking on the Eps website I found I needed to fill in an IRS form to obtain a Taxpayer ID number or TIN. For that I would have to provide ID (passport, drivers' licence, etc.) Since I had no intention of sending my passport or licence overseas, the only other way to do it was via the local Consulate. My passport would be viewed and notarised by a US notary public (at a cost) or certified by the 'issuing agency' (our Department of Immigration and Foreign Affairs). This meant taking time off work to go into the city and stand in a queue for ages. Once I had completed the form, I had to send it (with attachments) to the US and wait 4-6 weeks for my number. This number would be used on yet another document relating to an Oz-US tax treaty which exempts foreigners from paying tax on (in this case pitiful) royalties. It too had to be mailed to the States. When it was returned I would then have to download the Eps royalties redemption form, post that off with relevant paperwork, and wait for payment. Since October, I have not had the energy, inclination or time to go through all these manoeuvres. The process seems designed to deter foreigners from claiming their dues and certainly puts me off writing future reviews. Had I known this when I started back in 2001, would I have joined the site I wonder? And now, do I really want to continue when it seems like such hard yakka? Other "foreign" writers might be interested to learn what's involved if they haven't already attempted to redeem their royalties.  |
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