which IRS tax form do I submit as a contributor from outside of the US?

[John Jovic]

This question is aimed at those photogs who are NOT based in the US but work for US magazines or business' and are NOT US citizens. I'm based in Australia and am trying to find out which Tax forms I need to complete so that I can work for US magazines, considering that they have specific tax requirements which they need to adhere to. The IRS has not been as helpfull as I had hoped, having already spoken with them. Any real world experiences would be much appreciated.

I'm just trying to figure out which forms I need to give to the magazine, eg W-8BEN or similar.

Thanks in advance.
JJ

[Dennis Murray]

Are you an employee of the magazine, or a contractor-type contributor?

[John Jovic]

I’m an Australian citizen, working on Australian soil, never entering the US, working as a contributor, and only intermittently at that. Not sure it's worth all the trouble, especially considering that I might be required to lodge both US and Aus Tax returns, but I'm committed to a shoot for Hot Rod.

Interestingly, I am being offered a very wide range of advice (from outside of this forum), from tragically complex to laughingly simple. Surely I am not the first person in the world to sell something to a US business?

JJ

[Dennis Murray]

It sounds like you would be a contractor or what's called a 1099 employee. There's no withholding on 1099 payments from employers - you are responsible for reporting your income and paying taxes on it.

I'm pretty sure you would have to file a tax return, but it would probably be a pretty simple return.

You might look for an accountant specializing in US taxes for foreign citizens.

[John Jovic]

You might look for an accountant specializing in US taxes for foreign citizens.

Yeah, I think that's my only option. The US embassy in Oz has a list of recommened local accountants, I think I need to make contact with some of them.

JJ