Have you recently become a Twitch Affiliate? Congratulations! But before you complete your Twitch tax interview, make sure you read this first to save you from potentially making costly mistakes!
What is a Twitch tax interview and why do I need to complete one?
In order to comply with US tax reporting regulations, all Twitch providers need to provide their taxpayer information via the ‘Amazon Tax Information Interview’. You have to do this whether US-based or outside the US. This interview (online form) collects this information so that the IRS can establish your identity and determine if your Twitch payments are subject to reporting.
Once you get your Twitch Affiliate status, it is important that you complete the form before you receive any payments. Otherwise, you could find that the IRS withhold tax of up to 30% of your payments!
What information do I need to provide?
- Your name: either your full name as an individual or organisation that will report the income on an income tax return. For organisations, you will need to complete it either as a Trust, Partnership, Corporation or Other. Note: you are not classed as a Partnership just because you are a Twitch Partner!
- Date of birth
- Address
- Information about your stream
- TIN: A US Tax Identification Number (TIN) is issued by the IRS. A TIN is not required unless you wish to claim a reduced rate of withholding tax. For UK based individuals, your TIN will be your UTR for either yourself or your company, depending on how your business is structured.
- Electronic signature: if you consent to an electronic signature you can submit your form electronically and Twitch can process your information immediately. If you do not consent you will need to print and sign the hard copy in ink and send in the post. This route will naturally take longer – up to ten business days to process on receipt of the form).
As a UK resident, you may also need to complete a W-8 or IRS form 8233 to get verified. This helps you avoid an automatic 30% tax withholding on income earned from Twitch.
It is important that you complete your Twitch tax interview correctly. Not doing so could cost you thousands of pounds to get any withheld tax back from the IRS!
Get some help
If you have any questions or need help completing the form, please get in touch with our team.