Income Tax Information
As a publisher in our network we are required to collect tax information to pay you for your commissions earned. Regardless of which country you are based in, you must select one of the forms.
- US publishers are required to select the W-9 form.
- Non-US publishers can select either a W-9 form if they are liable for paying taxes in the United States, or a W-8 form if they are not liable. More non-US publisher income tax form information is available.
Your tax information can be added or updated in the publisher dashboard, go to Account in the navigation header and click Account Details. This takes you to the Account page General tab, scroll down to the Tax declaration section.
Warning
If you need help choosing the appropriate form, please consult a tax expert or the IRS. You should contact a tax, legal, or professional adviser to understand the impact of form W-8 reporting on your business. Information herein does not constitute tax, legal, or other professional advice and must not be used as such.
Backup Withholding
Backup withholding requires a payer to withhold tax from payments not otherwise subject to withholding and is not applicable to a publisher who has the proper documentation that proves they are not taxed as a US-based company. This documentation is a form W-8 of any kind. Backup withholding is only relevant to a US-taxable entity.
Note
You do not need to mail or upload a tax form to Rakuten Affiliate. During the registration process, we ask you to enter your company name and income tax identification information (social security number or employer identification number in the US) so that you do not have to submit a physical document.
Paying Taxes
It is the responsibility of each publisher to understand and follow the appropriate tax laws. We are required by US tax laws to collect certain tax-related information from our publishers. However, we are not able to provide you with tax advice. You should always consult a tax adviser to help answer specific questions regarding how tax laws apply to you and your business.
Comments
How do I send my W-8BEN signed form in?
Gerald, as mentioned in the article, you do not need to upload your tax form to us. During the registration process, we ask you to enter your company name and income tax identification information (social security number or employer identification number in the US) so that you do not have to submit a physical document.
If you have further questions, please contact Customer Support by email at pubsupport@rakuten.com or using the Support icon at the lower right so they can understand your individual situation and personally assist you.
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