How can a non-US citizen obtain a US-TIN for TikTok creator program?

9 The number you need is likely an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), which is specifically for non-US citizens who need to file US taxes but don't qualify for a Social Security Number. To get an ITIN, you'll need to complete Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and provide documentation proving your identity and foreign status. You can submit this application by mail along with your original tax return, through an IRS-authorized Certified Acceptance Agent in your country, or in person at designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers if you happen to visit the US. For TikTok specifically, they're asking because US tax law requires them to collect this information from anyone they pay - even international creators. They need to report your earnings to the IRS and potentially withhold taxes depending on your country's tax treaty with the US.

15 After struggling with this exact issue for my YouTube channel, I found this amazing service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that honestly saved me so much headache with the whole ITIN application process. They have specific guidance for content creators outside the US who need help with US tax documentation and ITIN applications. I was completely lost with all the form requirements and documentation needed, but their system walked me through everything step by step. They even helped me understand which exceptions applied to my situation on the W-7 form and how to properly submit everything to the IRS.

11 Just wanted to follow up about taxr.ai - I decided to give it a try after my initial skepticism and I'm genuinely impressed. The step-by-step guidance for my ITIN application was incredibly detailed and specific to my situation as a non-US TikTok creator. They identified that I qualified for Exception 1(d) on the W-7 form (payment of US source income subject to tax reporting/withholding) and showed me exactly how to get the proper supporting letter from TikTok. They also connected me with a Certified Acceptance Agent in my country so I didn't have to mail my original passport to the IRS. Got my ITIN about 9 weeks after applying!

18 If you need to speak directly with the IRS about your ITIN application (which I highly recommend), good luck getting through on your own. After days of trying to call them internationally and waiting on hold for hours, I used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and it was a game-changer. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c They basically handle the frustrating part of waiting on hold with the IRS and call you back when an actual human agent is on the line. I was skeptical at first, but after wasting so much time trying to get through myself from overseas (those international calling charges add up!), this saved me so much frustration. The IRS agent I spoke with answered all my specific questions about the ITIN application process for content creators.

3 I need to publicly eat my words about Claimyr. After being completely skeptical, I tried it yesterday and I ACTUALLY got through to an IRS agent to discuss my ITIN application! After months of failed attempts calling from the UK, spending a fortune on international calls just to sit on hold for nothing. The agent I spoke with was super helpful and clarified that as a content creator, I needed to request a specific letter from TikTok that states they're required to collect my TIN for tax withholding purposes. She also explained exactly which supporting documents I need to include with my W-7 form. This saved me from potentially having my application rejected and waiting months longer. I'm still shocked this service actually worked.

22 Hey! Canadian TikToker here who went through this last year. One thing nobody mentioned yet is that you may want to look into whether your country has a tax treaty with the US that could reduce withholding. In my case, instead of the standard 30% withholding, it was reduced to 10% because of the Canada-US tax treaty. You'll need to fill out a W-8BEN form in addition to getting your ITIN. This form declares your tax treaty benefits. TikTok should provide this form to you as well once you have your ITIN.

13 Has anyone here actually mailed their original passport to the IRS? The thought of doing that terrifies me! Are there other options?

Hey Diego! Great question - I went through this exact same process last year for my YouTube channel and it was definitely confusing at first. You'll need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) which you can get by filing Form W-7 with the IRS. The key thing is that you CAN apply before you actually start earning money from TikTok - you just need to include a letter from TikTok stating they require your ITIN for tax reporting purposes. A few important tips from my experience: - Don't mail your original passport! Find a Certified Acceptance Agent in Australia who can verify your documents locally - The process takes about 7-11 weeks during non-peak season, longer during tax season - Make sure you also look into the US-Australia tax treaty to reduce your withholding rate from 30% to 15% - You'll eventually need to fill out a W-8BEN form as well once you have your ITIN The whole process seems overwhelming but it's totally doable. Once you get your ITIN, you'll be all set to monetize your content. Good luck with your TikTok journey!

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who recently completed this process! I'm a non-US creator (from New Zealand) and got my ITIN sorted for multiple platforms including TikTok. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier: make sure you understand the difference between getting an ITIN for tax treaty purposes vs. just for reporting. If you're planning to claim treaty benefits (which you absolutely should as an Australian resident), you need to be extra careful about how you fill out the W-7 form and what supporting documentation you include. Also, don't just rely on TikTok's letter - I found it helpful to include a brief cover letter explaining my situation as a content creator and referencing the specific tax treaty article. This seemed to help streamline the process. The wait time is definitely real though - mine took about 10 weeks even during non-peak season. But once you have it, you're set not just for TikTok but for any other US-based monetization platforms you might want to join in the future. Worth the initial hassle!

As someone who just went through this exact process for my Instagram Reels monetization, I can confirm everything mentioned here is spot on! The ITIN application definitely seems intimidating at first, but it's totally manageable once you break it down. One additional tip I'd add: when you're gathering your supporting documents for the W-7 form, make sure everything is consistent. I initially had slight variations in how my name appeared on different documents and it caused a delay in processing. The IRS is very particular about exact matches. Also, if you're planning to scale your content creation beyond just TikTok, getting your ITIN now is definitely the right move. I've been able to monetize across multiple US platforms with the same number, and it's opened up opportunities I wouldn't have had otherwise. The waiting period is tough (mine took about 9 weeks), but once you get that letter with your ITIN, it feels amazing to finally be able to properly monetize your content. Definitely worth pushing through the paperwork!