05/02/2013 – The IRS and the elusive ITIN

I spent the day figuring out how to obtain an International Tax Identification Number (ITIN) from the US Treasury Department. I need this in order to apply for Double Taxation Relief and avoid paying 30% withholding tax in the U.S on the royalties I’ll be receiving for The Vampire Code. The good thing is, I found all the information I needed online on the IRS website, including very detailed instructions on how to fill in the various application forms. I was amazed to note that the instructions even tell you how long it will take you to fill in the application forms!!!

Was very disappointed to learn that it will take the IRS 8 to 10 weeks to issue me with my ITIN. Crap!

I also looked into protecting The Vampire Code under US copyright law. I wasn’t surprised to confirm that “original works of authorship” that are fixed in a tangible form of expression are automatically protected by copyright laws. No need to register your manuscript anywhere. You’re protected even if you’re not yet published. So why register at all? The main advantage of registering one’s original work is that for 35 dollars you have concrete proof that the work was your original creation. There are other advantages but they come into play when you actually file an infrigement suit – things to do with being able to claim your attorney’s fees besides damages. I think paying 35 dollars for peace of mind is a fair price. Non?