How to resolve the TikTok US TIN requirement for creators

This is actually a tax compliance issue that many international creators face. TikTok is required by US tax law to collect TINs from creators they pay, as they must report these payments to the IRS. This isn't something you can or should try to "bypass" as that could potentially be considered tax fraud. For non-US residents, the proper approach is to apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS using Form W-7. This is specifically designed for foreign nationals who need to comply with US tax requirements but aren't eligible for a Social Security Number. As for the age issue, minors can have ITINs, but the application typically needs to be signed by a parent or guardian. The Montana LLC idea is risky - forming a business entity solely to circumvent tax requirements could create serious legal and tax complications.

After struggling with the exact same TIN issue on TikTok, I found this incredible tool that helped me understand all my options as a non-US creator. It's called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it saved me so much stress! It analyzed my specific situation and explained exactly what tax forms I needed based on my country of residence and income sources. The best part was that it walked me through the ITIN application process step by step and even explained how tax treaties between my country and the US would affect my earnings. It showed me how to properly report my TikTok income without overpaying taxes or getting in trouble with either tax authority.

I just have to share my experience! After being skeptical about taxr.ai in my comment above, I decided to give it a try anyway because I was desperate. I'm honestly blown away by how helpful it was! The tool immediately identified that I needed an ITIN as a non-US person and guided me through every step of the application process. What really impressed me was how it explained the exact tax treaty benefits that applied to my country, which meant I only had to pay 15% withholding instead of 30%! The tool generated all the necessary forms with instructions on how to fill them out. I submitted everything to TikTok last week, and they just approved my creator fund application! No more stressing about that US TIN requirement.

If you're still waiting for your ITIN and TikTok is pressuring you for immediate verification, you might want to try Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation and needed to speak directly with someone at the IRS about my pending ITIN application, but could never get through on their international line - kept being on hold for HOURS. Claimyr got me connected to an actual IRS agent in under 20 minutes! You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. The agent was able to check my application status and provide a verification letter that I could submit to TikTok temporarily while waiting for my official ITIN. This saved my creator account from being suspended during the waiting period.

I have to eat my words. After posting my skeptical comment yesterday, I was still desperate about my ITIN application status since TikTok was threatening to close my creator application. So I tried Claimyr despite my doubts. Shockingly, I got connected to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes! The agent confirmed my ITIN application was being processed and provided a reference number I could give to TikTok as proof that I've submitted everything properly. TikTok support accepted this and gave me a 45-day extension on my creator fund application while my ITIN is being processed. Never thought I'd get such quick results after weeks of failed attempts calling the international IRS line myself!

Has your cousin considered just waiting until she's 18? I know that might seem like forever, but trying to navigate international tax requirements as a minor seems incredibly complicated. Plus, using a VPN to make it look like she's in a different country might violate TikTok's terms of service and could potentially get her account banned anyway.

I'm surprised nobody mentioned this, but your cousin should be aware that even with an ITIN, she'll likely face tax withholding on her TikTok earnings. For non-US creators, platforms typically withhold 30% of earnings for US taxes unless your country has a tax treaty with the US that specifies a lower rate.

Just wanted to add another perspective here - while everyone's focused on the ITIN route (which is definitely the right legal approach), your cousin should also consider reaching out to TikTok's creator support directly to explain her situation. I've seen cases where they'll put applications on hold for a reasonable period while creators work through the ITIN process. When contacting them, she should be upfront about being a minor non-US resident who is actively pursuing an ITIN with parental consent. Many platforms have encountered this exact scenario and have internal processes to handle it. Document everything in writing so there's a clear paper trail of her good faith efforts to comply. Also, make sure her parents are fully involved in this process from the start - not just for the ITIN application signature, but for understanding the ongoing tax implications. Having proper parental oversight will make the whole process smoother and more legitimate in the eyes of both TikTok and the IRS.

I want to emphasize something that might get overlooked in all the technical discussion about ITINs and tax compliance - make sure your cousin understands that using a VPN to appear as if she's in the US when she's not could be a serious violation of TikTok's Terms of Service. This could result in her account being permanently banned, which would make all the ITIN work pointless. Before investing time and effort into the ITIN process, she should consider being transparent with TikTok about her actual location and see if there are legitimate creator monetization programs available in her home country. Many countries now have their own TikTok creator funds or partnerships that don't require US tax compliance. If she does decide to pursue the US creator fund route, the ITIN application with parental consent is definitely the only legitimate path forward. But she should also prepare her parents for the possibility that this could create ongoing US tax filing obligations depending on her earnings levels. It's worth consulting with a tax professional who understands international tax law before proceeding, especially since she's a minor.

I've been following this thread and wanted to share some additional insights from my experience helping international creators navigate US tax requirements. While the ITIN route is absolutely the correct legal approach, there are a few practical considerations that haven't been fully addressed yet. First, regarding the timeline - while ITIN applications typically take 7-11 weeks, I've seen cases where international applications from certain countries take longer due to additional verification requirements. Your cousin should factor this into her expectations and communication with TikTok. Second, even with an ITIN, she'll need to understand the difference between having the number and being compliant with ongoing obligations. The ITIN allows her to receive payments, but depending on her total annual earnings and her home country's tax treaty with the US, she may need to file Form 1040NR (US tax return for nonresident aliens) annually. Most importantly, I'd strongly recommend having her parents consult with a tax professional who specializes in international tax law before proceeding. The intersection of minor status, international earnings, and US tax compliance creates a unique situation that generic advice might not fully address. The upfront cost of professional guidance could save significant complications down the road. The tools and services mentioned in this thread (like taxr.ai and Claimyr) might be helpful for understanding the process, but nothing replaces proper professional advice for her specific situation.

I wanted to add one more crucial point that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure your cousin's parents fully understand that they may become personally responsible for ensuring proper tax compliance since she's a minor. When a minor receives US-sourced income, the parents typically become responsible for including it on their own tax returns in their home country, and potentially for any US filing obligations as well. This means her parents should review their own country's tax laws regarding foreign income earned by dependent children. Some countries require parents to report their minor children's foreign earnings on their own tax returns, which could affect their overall tax liability. They should definitely consult with a local tax professional in their home country before proceeding, in addition to understanding the US requirements. Also, I'd recommend having a frank conversation with TikTok support about the VPN usage from the beginning. Being proactive and transparent about past actions while demonstrating current efforts to comply properly might work in her favor, rather than having this discovered later during their verification process. Many platforms appreciate creators who come forward voluntarily to correct compliance issues rather than trying to hide them. The ITIN route is definitely correct, but make sure everyone involved - your cousin and her parents - fully understands the broader implications before committing to this path.

I want to add some perspective as someone who works in tax compliance - while everyone's providing great advice about the ITIN process, I think it's worth emphasizing that your cousin's situation highlights why platforms like TikTok have these requirements in the first place. The US has strict reporting requirements for payments to foreign nationals, and TikTok is legally required to collect this information. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that even after getting an ITIN and becoming compliant, your cousin should be prepared for ongoing record-keeping requirements. She'll need to track all payments received from TikTok throughout the year, as this will be reported to the IRS and may need to be included on US tax filings depending on the amounts and her home country's tax treaty provisions. Also, given her age and the international complexity, I'd strongly suggest setting up a separate bank account specifically for her creator earnings once she gets approved. This will make it much easier to track the income for tax purposes and demonstrate to both US and home country tax authorities that she's handling this professionally. The most important thing is to approach this systematically - get the ITIN application started with proper parental involvement, maintain transparent communication with TikTok about the timeline, and get professional tax advice that covers both US and home country implications. Taking shortcuts or trying to work around the system will only create bigger problems down the road.

As someone who's been through a similar situation with international creator monetization, I want to emphasize how important it is to get this right from the start. The advice about the ITIN application is spot on - that's definitely the only legitimate path forward for your cousin. One thing I'd add is that she should document everything throughout this process. Keep copies of all communications with TikTok, the ITIN application materials, any correspondence with tax professionals, and definitely any responses from the IRS. This documentation trail will be invaluable if any questions come up later during tax filings or platform verification processes. Also, while waiting for the ITIN to process, your cousin might want to use this time productively by researching her home country's tax obligations for foreign income. Some countries have specific reporting requirements or tax treaties with the US that could significantly impact how much she actually owes in taxes. Understanding both sides of the equation will help her make more informed decisions about whether the potential earnings justify the complexity. The transparency approach with TikTok about the VPN usage is crucial too. Platform algorithms are getting increasingly sophisticated at detecting location inconsistencies, so being proactive about addressing this could prevent account issues down the road. Better to have an awkward conversation now than lose years of content and followers later.

I've been following this discussion and wanted to add some practical guidance based on helping several international creators navigate similar situations. The advice about getting an ITIN is absolutely correct - it's the only legitimate path forward for your cousin. One thing I'd strongly recommend is having her parents contact a tax professional who specializes in international digital creator income BEFORE starting the ITIN application. The reason is that some tax treaties between countries have specific provisions for "artistic or entertainment income" that could significantly impact her tax obligations. Understanding these nuances upfront could save thousands in taxes later. Also, regarding the TikTok communication strategy - when reaching out to their support, have her parents be the primary contacts since she's a minor. This shows TikTok that there's proper adult supervision and makes the whole process more legitimate. They should explain that they're actively pursuing ITIN compliance and request a specific timeline extension (like 90 days) rather than just asking for "more time." Finally, consider this waiting period an opportunity. She can focus on content quality, audience engagement, and building her brand while the paperwork processes. Many creators rush into monetization and then struggle with the business side - having this forced pause might actually benefit her long-term success. The VPN issue definitely needs to be addressed transparently with TikTok, but framing it as "learning about proper compliance as a young creator" rather than trying to hide it will likely get a much better response.

This thread has been incredibly helpful - thank you everyone for the detailed guidance! As someone who works with international tax compliance for digital creators, I want to emphasize a few key points that will be crucial for your cousin's success. First, the ITIN application process with parental involvement is absolutely the only legitimate path forward. Make sure her parents understand they're not just signing a form - they're potentially taking on ongoing tax compliance responsibilities that could affect their own tax situation in their home country. Second, I'd strongly recommend getting professional tax advice from someone who specializes in both US international tax law AND her home country's tax treatment of foreign income earned by minors. This dual expertise is crucial because the interaction between the two tax systems can be complex and country-specific. Third, regarding timing - while the ITIN process is happening, have her parents proactively reach out to TikTok Creator Support with a clear timeline and documentation showing they're actively pursuing compliance. Request a specific 90-day extension rather than indefinite delays. This demonstrates good faith effort and professionalism. Finally, about the VPN usage - transparency is absolutely essential here. Frame it as "we realized we made a mistake and are now working to ensure full compliance" rather than trying to hide it. Platform algorithms are sophisticated and will likely detect the inconsistency anyway, so being proactive about addressing it shows integrity. The complexity here is significant, but taking the proper legal route will protect her long-term and set up sustainable creator income. Better to do it right from the start than deal with complications later!

As a tax professional who's helped numerous international creators navigate US compliance requirements, I want to add some practical insights to this excellent discussion. The ITIN route everyone's recommending is absolutely correct - it's the only legitimate path for your cousin. However, I'd emphasize one critical point that hasn't been fully addressed: the timing of when to disclose the VPN usage to TikTok is crucial. Don't wait for them to discover it during their verification process. I'd recommend having her parents draft a proactive email to TikTok Creator Support explaining the situation: "Our 16-year-old daughter mistakenly used location services that didn't reflect her actual residence when setting up her account. We've since learned about proper compliance requirements and are actively pursuing an ITIN application with full parental involvement. We're requesting a 90-day extension to complete this process and provide all required documentation." This approach shows accountability, parental oversight, and good faith effort toward compliance. In my experience, platforms respond much more favorably to creators who self-report issues rather than having compliance problems discovered later. Also, make sure her parents understand that even with proper US compliance, they may need to report her earnings on their home country tax returns. The interaction between tax systems can be complex, so getting professional guidance that covers both jurisdictions is essential before proceeding. The foundation you're building now with proper compliance will serve her well throughout her creator career!

Welcome to the community! As someone who's been helping creators navigate international tax compliance, I wanted to address your excellent questions about the documentation and timeline aspects. Regarding the initial communication with TikTok, I'd recommend keeping it simple at first - mentioning that they're working with tax professionals shows seriousness, but don't overwhelm them with documentation upfront. TikTok will likely have specific requirements for what they need to see, so it's better to let them guide that process. For the timeline, 90 days is actually on the conservative side for ITIN applications. Current processing times are typically 7-11 weeks, but I've seen international applications take up to 16 weeks during peak periods. A 90-day request gives some buffer while still showing they're taking it seriously. One thing I'd add to the earlier advice - when her parents do contact TikTok, they should ask specifically about their "pending compliance review" process. Many platforms have internal procedures for creators who are actively working toward compliance, which can provide additional protections during the waiting period. The approach everyone's outlined here really is the gold standard for handling these situations. Your cousin is fortunate to have family support in navigating this properly - I've seen too many young creators try to handle complex international tax issues on their own and run into serious problems. Taking the time to do it right from the beginning will set her up for long-term success!

This has been such an incredibly comprehensive and helpful discussion! As someone new to this community, I'm amazed by the depth of legitimate guidance being shared here. I wanted to add one more consideration that might be relevant for your cousin's situation - since she's built up a following while using a VPN, she should be prepared for potential questions from TikTok about her content creation patterns and audience demographics during the verification process. Platform analytics might show inconsistencies between her stated location and her actual audience engagement patterns. When her parents communicate with TikTok about the compliance process, it might be worth mentioning that they're happy to provide additional verification of her actual residence (like utility bills, school enrollment records, etc.) to help resolve any location-related questions that might come up during their review. The systematic approach everyone has outlined - ITIN application with parental involvement, transparent communication with TikTok, professional tax guidance covering both jurisdictions - really is the gold standard for handling these situations. Your cousin is so fortunate to have family support in navigating this properly rather than trying to find shortcuts. One final thought: this waiting period could actually be a blessing in disguise. She can use this time to really focus on content quality and audience building, so when the monetization does get approved, she'll be in an even stronger position to succeed. Sometimes being forced to slow down and do things the right way leads to much better long-term outcomes!