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A signed letter or document for the IRS?

I'd like to create an iTunes Connect account to publish iBooks in your store, after creating them with iBooks Author. You've specified that, in order to create such an iTunes Connect account, I need a U.S. Tax ID. In order to request one from the IRS, I've been requested (by the IRS) to supply, and I quote, "A signed letter or document from the withholding agent, on official letterhead, showing your name and verifying that an ITIN is required to make distributions to you during the current tax year that are subject to IRS information reporting or federal tax withholding."


I'd like to request such a signed letter or document from Apple, but with no luck. What may I do?

MacBook Air, Mac OS X (10.7.2), Late 2010

Posted on Feb 7, 2012 11:01 AM

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16 replies

Feb 7, 2012 12:40 PM in response to Juxel

I did read that, and many other, threads. However, your specific thread is about the App Store which contains other application rules than the iBooks Store, especially regarding to financial requirements. I'm sure that I need an ITIN and claim my tax treaty benefit. In order to do the latter, I've been requested to supply, and I quote, "A signed letter or document from the withholding agent, on official letterhead, showing your name and verifying that an ITIN is required to make distributions to you during the current tax year that are subject to IRS information reporting or federal tax withholding."


I'd like to request such a signed letter or document from Apple, but with no luck. What may I do?

Feb 23, 2012 8:37 AM in response to Nijntje

I visited the IRS office in the American Embassy in London today to be told exactly the same i.e. that I needed a signed letter from Apple. The rule she quoted comes from the instructions for Form W-7 page 6 in the table headed third party withholding on Passive Income ... Documentation you must submit section 1(d).

I am as puzzled as Nijntje on how to proceed. The lady at the desk did say that they have did receive letters from people selling on Amazon and selling Apps. If it is difficult to get a letter from Apple it might be easier to get a letter from Amazon, given that in future I would envisage selling eBooks through Amazon also.

Any other ideas would be very welcome, particularly from Apple.

Feb 23, 2012 9:57 AM in response to Nijntje

Thanks for joining me. I've sent tons of e-mails to iTunes support, Apple's tax e-mail address, all of which got ignored for weeks (no reply at all). Also, Apple Care wasn't able to help me out.


A few days ago I sent my application to the IRS with some screenshots of the application process and iBooks Author's FAQ accompanied with a clarifying note by myself. Will take max 2 weeks for delivery to and from the USA and 6 weeks for processing my application. Curious how they will respond withouth the official letter.

Feb 29, 2012 7:08 AM in response to Nijntje

I'm going to send off my W7 with the letter provided by Amazon with a link And full details provided on this website


https://kdp.amazon.com/self-publishing/help?topicId=A1VDYJ32T5D3U4


Maybe as Amazon have been at this for so long they have dealt with all the hurdles involved. Maybe someone from Apple should have taken a look at this information.


I've been so disappointed with the support from Apple, that I will publish my first book, written without the use of iBooks Author on Amazon.

A signed letter or document for the IRS?

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