The second most stressful 'moment' I've experienced since receiving a contract for my novel, was writing the Blurb. I kid you not! :) The most stressful was the tax form I had to fill out.
I spent a couple of days trying to find out whether or not I, an Aussie, needed to apply for an American tax number. During my state of frustration, I joined the Aussie site MyGov and, while on that site, I linked my profile to Medicare but I didn't pass the ID test and needed to prove to them who I am, so I rang them. While we were working everything out, I said to the helpful and polite woman on the other end of the line, "While I have you here, could you help me with the W-8 BEN form?' and she informed me that I only had to add my Australian Tax File Number. I did not need an American one. Oh, the relief! I was sooo grateful for the site needing proof of who I am. Had it not, I would never have made that call. It was an answer to prayer, I tell ya. So, long story short: Add your Australian Tax File Number to the form. The following is a replica of the form I received; and how I filled it out prior to sending it back to my publisher.
Note: The form I was sent is a replica of this one, dated 2006. While writing this blog, I noticed one dated 2014... I assume the TFN would be the same deal. Also, if there ever comes a time when I need to adjust anything on this form, or any other form concerning tax, I will return to correct this and add a new blog.
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Donna Keevers DriverMy writing journey - and a few things I learned along the way. Archives
May 2016
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