CJ.com VAT number? :s

VAT - leave the box for VAT info blank - unless you are registered for VAT and you have your VAT number from Her Magesty's Revenue and Customs, this section of CJ's form does not apply.

Incidentally, you don't have to be a limited company to apply to be registered for VAT. Once your turnover reaches the current threshhold, you will HAVE to register for VAT - as sole trader (proprietor) or incorporated company, whether you wish to or not.

US Tax Withholding - US companies are required by law to withhold 30% tax from non-US individuals, proprietors and companies unless they complete a W-8BEN form and provide an EIN (Employer Identification Number) or TIN (Tax Identification Number) to exempt them from a double wammy (tax in the UK AND the US).

You get one or other of those numbers from the US IRS. EIN is for proprietors and limited companies and TIN is for individuals.

Here's what you do to get your number within minutes and on the telephone (it's free):

1- Download a W-8BEN form from the IRS site - it's a pdf. Print it off
2 - Complete it - its very simple (barely half a dozen brief entries). As a sole trader, proprietor, you'll need an EIN (employer Identification Number). As someone pointed out, you are running an affiliate business
3 - Then ring up the IRS (contact details on their site for non-US enquiries).
4 - Tell the very helpful person who answers the call that you are based in the UK and wish to apply for an EIN to avoid tax withholding from US companies to which you are affiliated
5 - They'll ask you a few questions - the answers will be on your completed form.
6 - Seconds later, they'll give you an EIN while you wait.
7 - Make a note of it on the completed W-8BEN form - (you'll also get a mailed letter with the number within two weeks)
8 - Now login to your CJ account and enter the EIN into the appropriate box

You can use this EIN for each and every affiliate network where they request the information - don't send or give your EIN to anyone unless they are reputable companies (after all, you wouldn't dish out your NI number to all and sundry). If you have more than one limited company, you'd need a separate EIN number for each company.

One or two networks may well ask you to post or fax the completed and signed W-8BEN form to them. Each network will need a separate W-8BEN form for their records.

Clickbank leaves the responsibility of your taxes to you so no US taxes will be deducted (withheld) before you receive your affiliate commissions.

Hope this helps to clarify the matter.

James