Some ReverbNation royalty payments may be subject to Singapore withholding tax.
This guide explains what withholding tax is, why it may apply to your earnings, and how it affects the amount you receive.
What is Singapore withholding tax?
Withholding tax is a tax deducted from certain payments before the recipient receives the money.
Under Singapore tax regulations, certain qualifying royalty payments to recipients outside Singapore may be subject to withholding tax.
When withholding tax applies, the relevant amount is withheld and accounted for with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).
Withholding tax is not an additional service fee retained by ReverbNation.
Why am I seeing withholding tax on ReverbNation V2?
Following the transition to ReverbNation V2, Singapore withholding tax may be applied to qualifying royalty payments.
If you previously received royalties through the Legacy platform, you may notice deductions that did not appear in your previous payout experience.
We understand that these changes may be unfamiliar, and we're continuing to improve how earnings, taxes, and fees are displayed.
Withholding tax is applied where required by applicable tax rules. It is not a charge introduced simply for using Tipalti.
How much withholding tax applies to my royalties?
Singapore applies a 10% withholding rate to certain qualifying royalty payments made to non-residents.
However, not all royalty payments are treated the same way. The applicable rate and calculation depend on the nature of the royalties, the recipient's circumstances, and any applicable relief.
For example, IRAS has separate tax rules for certain payments made to authors and composers.
For official information about withholding tax rates, please visit:
IRAS: Types of Payment and Withholding Tax Rates
If you have a question about a deduction on your ReverbNation account, please contact Support so we can review the payment.
I'm based in the United States. Why am I being charged Singapore tax?
Singapore withholding tax and U.S. withholding tax are separate tax requirements.
Being based in the United States does not automatically exempt you from Singapore withholding tax on qualifying royalty payments.
The applicable treatment depends on the type of payment and the relevant tax regulations.
Our earlier announcement about changes to U.S. withholding tax in 2022 referred to U.S. tax rules. It did not mean that all future royalties would be exempt from taxes in other jurisdictions.
For more information, see our U.S. Tax Withholding and Reporting Policy FAQs .
Is withholding tax the same as a distribution or payout fee?
No. These are different deductions.
- Withholding tax: Tax deducted where required under applicable regulations.
- Distribution-related fees: Applicable fees associated with distributing music and collecting royalties.
- Payment-provider fees: Fees for transferring money through your selected payment method.
The amount you receive may be lower than your gross earnings after applicable deductions.
For information about payment methods and processing fees, see Getting Paid on ReverbNation .
Where can I see the tax deducted from my earnings?
Your Earnings Balance may show amounts before taxes, fees, and final payout approval.
Your Payout History reflects amounts processed for payment after applicable deductions.
We're continuing to improve the earnings breakdown in ReverbNation V2 to make taxes, fees, and net payments easier to understand.
If you need clarification about a specific deduction, please contact ReverbNation Support.
Can I request documentation for the tax withheld?
If you need supporting information about withholding tax deducted from your royalties, please contact ReverbNation Support.
Our team can review your payout records and advise what documentation is available for the relevant payment.
IRAS issues withholding tax payment confirmations where applicable. The availability of documentation for an individual artist's payment may vary.
You can learn more from IRAS: Confirmation of Payment .
Can I claim a tax refund or credit?
Whether withholding tax can be claimed as a refund, credit, or other tax relief depends on the applicable laws and your individual circumstances.
A tax withheld in Singapore is not automatically refundable or creditable against taxes in your country of residence.
We recommend consulting a qualified tax professional for advice on your personal tax situation.
Do I need to file a Singapore tax return?
Your filing requirements depend on your individual tax circumstances and the nature of the income received.
Having withholding tax deducted from a royalty payment does not, by itself, establish whether you must file a separate Singapore tax return.
Please consult a qualified tax professional for guidance.
Important
This article provides general information about Singapore withholding tax and does not constitute individual tax advice.
For official guidance, please visit the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) or consult a qualified tax professional.
Comments
Article is closed for comments.