I thought I would bring this up, because it is a complex issue and I have made a point of getting Udemy courses on how to deal with Ingram Sparks and the whole paperwork thing was totally ignored! To tell you the truth, it has all become even more complex than when I uploaded a few years ago on CreateSpace. It used to be you needed a tax number and so I called the IRS and had sent out my EIN number, then they made it easier for Canadians because you could use your Social Insurance Number. So great, this is much easier. I don't want to pay taxes twice (in Canada and the US) and so I can just let them know I want to use the whole tax treaty we have. Well, just received news, NEW HITCH...now you have to have a GST number. I have been trying to find out IF I have that number, I have to remit GST however it used to be anything above $30,000 you had to remit, however for online businesses, I think now I was reading that didn't count. Oh joy, oh bliss, what happiness! I used to have a business and GST/HST remittance was a pain in the ass. Not because I didn't do it or do it right, but they would loose what I sent in (always even before time!) and then threaten me and yes, if you don't submit, even if you have zero to claim, you shall get fined, and it is no just a few dollars. So many people I know who have small businesses and are struggling, spend a good portion of the time they should be putting into advertising and making their business work, into filing GST either quarterly (a total pain!) or annually and HST also sometimes. For an online business, what are you going to claim, the table top space for your computer? It is about finding ways to make sure no one makes any money they don't know about. Sigh. There is the paper work for each state in the US (and likely Canada however I think that is different if you sell in Canada, something else to think about!) if you plan on selling in Brick and Mortar shops to deal with ( a few don't - yahoo!) and there is tons of info and forms to wade through. I am hoping, since I haven't done them all ( well I did, but they seem to have disappeared when uploaded) and if you did them before 2014 for Ingram Sparks, better check, you likely have to do them again. I was told and read when you do upload and start getting money (have to keep records for 6 years), then screenshot your bank statements, that is the most reliable, of what goes into your account and have an account of course, just for this. You can use Paypal, however TWICE I have had money go missing, they are NOT what they are cracked up to be! Be Aware, just get a bank account and avoid Paypal if you can. There is a reason they are in the news where folks can't access their account and so on. I am currently in another country, and I am not going to lie, so I am not going to apply for anything until back in Canada which is when I will likely do my taxes although the rules for that and residency is different and not as complex. Which means I won't be uploading to sell, have to make revisions and a few more books anyhow, I can wait. So do your paperwork. On the dashboard, under your account on the right hand side, there is a drop-down menu. One of them says "paperwork" and another says "tax info.". The upload paperwork I have found, how to download, well let's say, that has not happened yet. I have emailed back and forth with someone who keeps telling me to come back, and I have yet to find it so good luck. I can't do much without the GST number so screw it, I am going to finish two children's books while here at least and deal with it back in Canada all at once. So do the tax info before you think about uploading, don't put the cart before the horse or you will regret it later when you have taxes for BOTH Canada and US coming out of your payment. Good luck!
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June 2024
AuthorArtist, Buddhist, Educator, Traveller, Cabinet Maker, kayaker, etc and now writer! |