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

8 Getting a US TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) as a non-US citizen is definitely possible! For your situation with TikTok, you'll need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), which is what the IRS issues to foreign nationals who need to file US taxes but don't qualify for a Social Security Number. You don't need to travel to the US to get this. The process involves submitting Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to the IRS along with supporting documentation that proves your identity and foreign status - usually your passport. There are three main ways to do this: mail your documents to the IRS, use an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent in your country, or visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center if you do happen to be in the US. The processing time can take 7-11 weeks, so you might want to contact TikTok and let them know you're in the process of applying for an ITIN.

12 After struggling with the exact same situation for my YouTube monetization, I finally found taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it completely saved me. The tool analyzed my specific non-resident situation and walked me through the entire ITIN application process step-by-step. What I really appreciated was that it identified the exact exception category I qualified for on the W-7 form (which was confusing the heck out of me before). It also generated all the supporting documents I needed to explain my situation to the IRS, which was a huge relief since I was really worried about making mistakes.

17 Just wanted to update everyone - I took the advice about using taxr.ai and it was seriously a game-changer! I was completely lost with all the IRS jargon and exception categories, but the system walked me through everything with really simple questions. I was able to figure out I qualified for Exception 1(d) for my situation, and it generated a perfect explanation letter to the IRS explaining why I needed the ITIN for TikTok payments. It even helped me find an Acceptance Agent in Sydney so I didn't have to mail my original passport to the US! Now just waiting for the IRS to process everything, but TikTok was fine with me providing proof that I've applied for the ITIN in the meantime.

9 If anyone's struggling with getting answers from the IRS about their ITIN application status, I highly recommend trying Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was pulling my hair out trying to reach someone at the IRS international line for weeks. After my ITIN application had been pending for 3 months with no updates, I was desperate. Claimyr got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. The agent was able to tell me exactly what was happening with my application and what additional documentation they needed.

20 I have to admit I was really skeptical about Claimyr, but after struggling for WEEKS trying to get information about my ITIN application, I gave it a shot. I'm honestly shocked at how well it worked. I was connected to an IRS agent in about 25 minutes (compared to my previous attempts where I waited over 2 hours and still got disconnected). The agent was able to tell me my application was on hold because they couldn't verify my foreign address properly. They helped me submit the correct supplementary form right there on the phone. For anyone outside the US dealing with ITIN issues, being able to actually speak to a human at the IRS makes all the difference!

5 An important tip for anyone applying for an ITIN - pay really close attention to the documentation requirements! I had my application rejected twice before getting it right. The IRS is extremely strict about what they'll accept as proof of identity. If you're using your passport, make sure it hasn't expired and that all the pages they request are included. If you're using multiple documents, make sure they're properly certified. The rules are different depending on which country you're from, so don't just follow general advice online.

11 One thing nobody mentioned yet - once you get your ITIN, make sure to submit the right form to TikTok! As a non-US person, you'll need to fill out a W-8BEN form (not a W-9 which is for US persons). This is super important because it tells TikTok you're exempt from certain withholding requirements under tax treaties. I made this mistake with another platform and had 30% withheld from my earnings when my country's tax treaty rate was actually only 10%. Took months to get that sorted out!

Just wanted to share another option for those struggling with the ITIN process - if you're in a major city, check if there are any local tax preparers who specialize in international tax issues. I found one in Melbourne who was also a Certifying Acceptance Agent, which was perfect since I didn't have to mail my original documents anywhere. The fee was about $200 AUD but honestly worth it for the peace of mind. They handled all the paperwork, made sure I had the right supporting documents, and even helped me understand what my ongoing US tax obligations would be once I start earning from TikTok. For anyone worried about the timeline - I submitted through the CAA in early March and got my ITIN letter in late April, so about 7 weeks total. TikTok was totally fine with the delay once I showed them the CAA receipt proving I'd applied.

I've been through this exact process recently as a Canadian creator, and wanted to add a few things that might help speed things up: First, if you're applying for your ITIN, make sure you clearly state on your W-7 application that it's for "third-party information reporting" related to social media monetization. This helps the IRS understand exactly why you need the ITIN and can prevent delays from them requesting additional explanations. Second, keep detailed records of all your communications with TikTok about this requirement. I had to provide proof to the IRS that I actually needed the ITIN for a legitimate business purpose, and having those emails from TikTok was crucial. Finally, once you get your ITIN, don't forget that you'll likely need to renew it if you don't file a US tax return for 3 consecutive years. Since you'll probably be filing annually once you start earning, this shouldn't be an issue, but it's good to know upfront. The whole process took about 2 months for me, but TikTok was very understanding about the wait time. Good luck with your creator journey!

Just wanted to share my recent experience as someone who successfully went through this process! I'm a UK-based creator who got into TikTok's creator program last year. The key things that made my ITIN application smooth: 1. **Use the right exception category** - For TikTok payments, you'll likely qualify under Exception 1(d) for third-party withholding. This means you don't need to submit a tax return with your W-7 form, just proof that you need the ITIN for the platform. 2. **Find a local CAA (Certifying Acceptance Agent)** - This was a game-changer! I found one in London who could verify my documents locally, so I didn't have to mail my original passport to the US. Cost about £150 but saved weeks of anxiety. 3. **Communicate with TikTok early** - As soon as you submit your ITIN application, let TikTok know. They're used to this process and will typically give you 60-90 days to provide the number. Send them your CAA receipt as proof you've applied. 4. **Prepare for ongoing obligations** - Once you start earning, you'll need to file Form 1040NR annually and submit a W-8BEN to TikTok (not W-9!) to claim treaty benefits. My timeline was: Applied in February, received ITIN in early April (about 8 weeks). The wait was nerve-wracking but totally worth it - my TikTok earnings have been a significant boost to my business! Happy to answer any specific questions about the UK process!