MS App Hub/Marketplace Tax issues

[pixsta]

Hi,

AFAIK Nokia will be using the Microsoft App Hub/Marketplace for its WP 7 phones. Now there is a huge "problem" with App-Hub for non-US developers: the tax registration process. If you read through different WP 7 related discussion boards you see dozens of complaints from non-US developers because the tax process is really cumbersome (smallest errors lead to problems with forms; the whole process is unclear). Although MS staff tries to help, the problem has not been aleviated in the past.

With Nokia joining the WP 7 community, will there be a simplification of this process? For an european publisher providing a simple VAT (resp. higher taxes for individuals without a VAT id) should be sufficient...

Regards,

[Maveric]

Hi there, pixsta!

I have issued an internal query for this and awaiting answer. Please keep tuned, I will post here when I have more information available.

Best,
Marko

[wizard_hu_]

Last week an MS guy at Nokia World said the issue was addressed and perhaps solved already (he meant filling a cryptic US form about taxation would not be necessary either that time or in the near future).

[pixsta]

That would be great news. At the moment at least the Marketplace website still asks for the filled out form.

[tamhanna]

Getting it can be done per phone. The trick is that you must apply for an EIN rather than an ITIN. As said, THIS CAN BE DONE ON THE PHONE!!!

The EIN can then be used to fill out the W8 BEN!

[pixsta]

It is indeed possible to get paid w/o the tax form but then 30% taxes are deducted, which is of course unacceptable.

tamhanna, thanks for the hint. I will try this.