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2 Ways to Get Back Into the Amazon Associate Program

by Andrew S
66 replies
I changed my address to my residence in Mexico yesterday after all the hoopla.

Found this nice little email in my inbox in the next morning:

I confirmed that your contact and payee addresses have been updated. Because you have changed your state of residence, your account has been reinstated. However, we want to be sure you are aware that you may be asked to provide proof of residency at your new address. If this is the case, we will contact you with instructions on what documentation to provide and the submission process for this documentation.

Now most of you I'm sure don't have a second address out of state or even out of country but you can get a second international mailing address or drop box for a relatively cheap price from a service firm like this. There's a bunch of different small businesses like this online and some will even hook you up with a street address (not a PO Box).

I know DangerBrown made a post about using an LLC in something like Delaware and then reopening an Amazon account through a new corporation. This is definitely a better solution but would be a bit more work so it's a tradeoff.
#amazon #associate #back #program #ways
  • Profile picture of the author idk007
    I had my first amazon affiliate site up and running. The day I launch the site, is the day they annouce. I think i'll stick to clickbank,cj, and my bread and butter.. adsense. I dont make enough from Im to open an LLC because i then still have to pay taxes in california even if my llc is in another state.
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  • Profile picture of the author Andrew S
    I hear you. Well it's worth it for a lot of us to go through the trouble. I make around $1,000 a month with Amazon so I pretty much crapped my pants when I got terminated. First Panda, now this...I palmfaced.

    These past few months have been pretty bad for many affiliates.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sysbase
    Interesting what are you going to do when they ask for proof of residency and you have nothing to show?
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    • Profile picture of the author Eyetrap
      Guys, this is not a big deal...it happened to me here in Arkansas.

      Here is all you need to do (and what I did):

      1) register a dba in another state ( $15 for me)
      2) get a physical address in that state (po box does not work, I used my dads house, however you can rent an office very cheap)
      3) get a bank account in that state

      No need for an llc guys.

      All I did was update my information in my amazon and cj.com accounts and I have not had any issues.
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      • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
        Originally Posted by Eyetrap View Post

        Guys, this is not a big deal...it happened to me here in Arkansas.

        Here is all you need to do (and what I did):

        1) register a dba in another state ( $15 for me)
        2) get a physical address in that state (po box does not work, I used my dads house, however you can rent an office very cheap)
        3) get a bank account in that state

        No need for an llc guys.

        All I did was update my information in my amazon and cj.com accounts and I have not had any issues.
        What about income tax issues?

        Do you report your state income as the state where you REALLY live, or the one where you PRETEND to live? If the later, do you then have to file 3 tax returns?

        Sorry, tax law isn't my thing (as you could probably tell), but I think it's a valid question...and shows that it may not be as cut-and-dry simple as you suggest.

        All the best,
        Michael
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        • Profile picture of the author Eyetrap
          Originally Posted by Michael Oksa View Post

          What about income tax issues?

          Do you report your state income as the state where you REALLY live, or the one where you PRETEND to live? If the later, do you then have to file 3 tax returns?

          Sorry, tax law isn't my thing (as you could probably tell), but I think it's a valid question...and shows that it may not be as cut-and-dry simple as you suggest.

          All the best,
          Michael
          I'll file in the business state(Missouri) because amazon will send me a 1099 for that state.
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          • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
            Originally Posted by Eyetrap View Post

            I'll file in the business state(Missouri) because amazon will send me a 1099 for that state.
            Of course! LOL. I should have known that.

            ~Michael
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          • Profile picture of the author Alan Petersen
            Amazon might let you back in but they're not the state or the feds/IRS. They call it a law for a reason. Even though it sucks.

            I'm checking with my CPA see what her advice is in all this. I would recommend Cali peeps due the same with an accountant or lawyer.
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    • Profile picture of the author Andrew S
      Originally Posted by Sysbase View Post

      Interesting what are you going to do when they ask for proof of residency and you have nothing to show?
      Hopefully by that time you've got your ducks in a row that you have an alternative to lean on. But judging from the game Amazon is playing, I have a good feeling that they won't.
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      • Profile picture of the author SeoVancouverWa
        Originally Posted by Andrew S View Post

        Hopefully by that time you've got your ducks in a row that you have an alternative to lean on. But judging from the game Amazon is playing, I have a good feeling that they won't.
        What needs to happen is that affiliates show their anger to the right people! Not the State of California or any other state that has taxed this. The anger should be shown to Amazon directly. They are the problem.

        People need to think with a straight head...all Amazon has to do is charge the tax and then remit that money to California. Just like any store in the State of California has to do!!

        But NO! Amazon wants to act like the big bully on the block and when they don't get their way (and they shouldn't) they dump thousands upon thousands of affiliates on their tales knowing that many of these affiliates rely on the commission checks.

        So instead of blasting California and the other states...BLAST Amazon. All they need to do is charge the tax!
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        • Profile picture of the author Ben Holmes
          Originally Posted by SeoVancouverWa View Post

          What needs to happen is that affiliates show their anger to the right people! Not the State of California or any other state that has taxed this. The anger should be shown to Amazon directly. They are the problem.

          People need to think with a straight head...all Amazon has to do is charge the tax and then remit that money to California. Just like any store in the State of California has to do!!

          But NO! Amazon wants to act like the big bully on the block and when they don't get their way (and they shouldn't) they dump thousands upon thousands of affiliates on their tales knowing that many of these affiliates rely on the commission checks.

          So instead of blasting California and the other states...BLAST Amazon. All they need to do is charge the tax!
          Amazon doesn't benefit at all from public services in California - so why should they be forced to pay taxes there? Do they get to send their employees' kids to California public schools? Do they get to use the state highway system? Do California Fire or Police respond when they have a problem?

          The "Bully" in this case is really obvious when you think about it...
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        • Profile picture of the author joolkano
          Originally Posted by SeoVancouverWa View Post

          What needs to happen is that affiliates show their anger to the right people! Not the State of California or any other state that has taxed this. The anger should be shown to Amazon directly. They are the problem.

          People need to think with a straight head...all Amazon has to do is charge the tax and then remit that money to California. Just like any store in the State of California has to do!!

          But NO! Amazon wants to act like the big bully on the block and when they don't get their way (and they shouldn't) they dump thousands upon thousands of affiliates on their tales knowing that many of these affiliates rely on the commission checks.

          So instead of blasting California and the other states...BLAST Amazon. All they need to do is charge the tax!
          You seem to be under the impression that affiliates are employees of Amazon, which is what the state of CA wants you to believe so that they can claim that Amazon has a physical presence in CA, therefore should be taxed.

          When you make money from Amazon at the end of the year they send you a (WHAT!!!) oh yes a 1099. (1099 recipient is not an employee of the business, the business is obligated only to tender the income to the contractor sans any deductions. This 1099 income is also reported to the Internal Revenue Service so it has the opportunity to track income from freelance workers. The freelancer will be obligated to make his or her own tax deductions and forward such payments to the IRS.)

          I don't blame Jeff Bezos & Amazon for doing what they did. They have no physical presence in the State so why should they be liable to pay these taxes.
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          • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
            I don't know about California, but if such a law ever passed in Florida, the mess would be Biblical in proportion.

            It goes far beyond just collecting a flat rate for state sales tax. Political/philosophical arguments aside, that would be relatively simple, I would think.

            The problem comes when, for example, you have county, city, sometimes township and school district sales taxes. If a company like amazon, with no actual physical presence, had to untangle that Gordian knot, they'd have to charge up the wazoo just for processing.

            And don't bet against those smaller government entities arguing that since the company acknowledged a tax responsibility by paying the state tax, they also have liability for the lower level taxes as well.

            Which would bring up the question of whether or not the company had to collect the tax at the buyer's location or the seller's, and which bodies to remit taxes to.

            If you have a physical store, like a Barnes & Noble, you collect the tax based on the physical location of the store. Since the actual seller does not have a physical presence in this case, do you base tax collection on the affiliate's location?

            And if the company owes CA sales tax, should it not also owe tax where it DOES have a physical presence?

            I understand the Cali affiliates being pissed off, but the solution isn't as easy as "just collect the damn tax."
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            • Profile picture of the author myob
              It is indeed far more than just collecting the sales tax. What could happen is that these states will require Amazon to cough up all past due taxes from every sale that was ever made. This happened in Texas, for example, when Amazon was billed for something like $269 million. The governor then backed down when Amazon threatened to shut down its huge distribution center and move it to Tennessee. A similar court case is going on in New York. If they lose, they will be liable for hundreds of millions of dollars in past sales taxes. It's a whole lot easier just to sever ties with these silly dufuses than to pay debilitating and unconstitutional fees.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sonomacats
    Actually, you don't need to get a bank account there. It doesn't matter where you bank. I mentioned to my bank that I might be moving and they told me I didn't need to change banks as there are credit unions all over the country that can act as a shared branch just as if I banked there.

    And, from what I can tell, most banks either have branches elsewhere or similar arrangements.

    At best, Amazon will mail you something at the Private Mailbox in whatever state you have "moved" to. Private Mailbox companies don't show a PO Box - they show a street address so all you have to do is show Amazon or whoever some mail you got at your private mailbox and you're done.

    Some places might ask you to send them a copy of a utility statement or the like, but that's not hard to beat.

    Worst case scenario is to rent a small office for a month and then dump it once you've taken care of the situation.

    The important thing is to do the "move" so you don't lose out on your income or hard work.
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  • Profile picture of the author hopelin
    Originally Posted by Andrew S View Post

    I changed my address to my residence in Mexico yesterday after all the hoopla.

    Found this nice little email in my inbox in the next morning:
    Andrew,
    Did you just send an email to Amazon Customer Service for address change? or you have to call them to get them re-activate your account while giving them the new address? What's the phone # to call?
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    • Profile picture of the author Andrew S
      Originally Posted by hopelin View Post

      Andrew,
      Did you just send an email to Amazon Customer Service for address change? or you have to call them to get them re-activate your account while giving them the new address? What's the phone # to call?
      Hi hopelin,

      In the pre termination email there were some instructions. I went into my account, changed my address, and submitted a ticket through support. If i remember correctly the ticket system is through the affiliate backend, select the Account Maintenence dropdown.

      Let me know if you need more help, Im on my ipad atm and cant check my aff accountd
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      • Profile picture of the author hopelin
        I also went into my account, changed my address, and submitted a ticket through support. and selected the Account Maintenence dropdown and wrote to them that I just updated my address to XXXX, Oregon and ask them to re-activate my account.

        Do you know how fast they actually reply back to your request?

        I even called 1-800-372-8066 (Amazon Associate Program phone line, I think), but they are off for the weekend.
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        • Profile picture of the author Seth Stewart
          Originally Posted by hopelin View Post

          I also went into my account, changed my address, and submitted a ticket through support. and selected the Account Maintenence dropdown and wrote to them that I just updated my address to XXXX, Oregon and ask them to re-activate my account...
          Hey hopelin or Sonomacats, where do you find Support>Account Maintenence dropdown on our Associates site?

          If I click the "you can manage the details of your Associates account here" in the termination email, it takes me to my Change Your Contact Information age so I can change to my new Oregon address.

          But I don't see a Support tab or an Account Maintenence dropdown anywhere.

          If I click on the "contact us for reinstatement" also in the termination email, it takes me to a "Contact Customer Associates" page to fill out a different form and send an email. Is that what you guys are using, or this Account Maintenence dropdown?
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          • Profile picture of the author Sonomacats
            Originally Posted by Seth Stewart View Post

            Hey hopelin or Sonomacats, where do you find Support>Account Maintenence dropdown on our Associates site?

            If I click the "you can manage the details of your Associates account here" in the termination email, it takes me to my Change Your Contact Information age so I can change to my new Oregon address.

            But I don't see a Support tab or an Account Maintenence dropdown anywhere.

            If I click on the "contact us for reinstatement" also in the termination email, it takes me to a "Contact Customer Associates" page to fill out a different form and send an email. Is that what you guys are using, or this Account Maintenence dropdown?
            The "Contact Customer Associates" is the right page. As I recall, there's a choice for "other" or something like that.

            I then just sent them an eMail telling them that I moved to Oregon 3 months ago and could they reinstate my account. I actually did move 3 months ago and, although I hadn't actually physically moved to Oregon yet, I'm in transition and can really say that I live wherever I want. A friend is letting me use their address, so for now I'm a resident of Oregon.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sonomacats
    I changed my address yesterday and submitted the ticket through Account Maintenance.

    They reinstated me last night. So it's fast.
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  • Profile picture of the author theimdude
    I am amazed how you openly discussing way to duck & dive Amazon on a public forum that get indexed so fast
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    • Profile picture of the author Andrew S
      Originally Posted by theimdude View Post

      I am amazed how you openly discussing way to duck & dive Amazon on a public forum that get indexed so fast
      I have been living in Mexico for the last 4 years.

      And I cringe at the thought that people have to stop earning because of tax laws...Politicians and the ultra rich use loops, so dont feel too bad about not taking one to the face for smiley glad hands.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sonomacats
    Also, as long as you're not trying to commit fraud, there's nothing wrong with changing your residence address.

    It's not hurting Amazon and I'm still paying correct taxes.

    I'm tired of being a victim and I hate seeing other people victimized by clueless idiots in the legislature (in whatever state). I think it's important to let people know what they can do so they don't get screwed.

    Too often people just lie down and let the system steam-roller over them. Well, you don't have to. They only get away with it if you let them.
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    • Profile picture of the author hopelin
      Originally Posted by Sonomacats View Post

      Also, as long as you're not trying to commit fraud, there's nothing wrong with changing your residence address.

      It's not hurting Amazon and I'm still paying correct taxes.

      I'm tired of being a victim and I hate seeing other people victimized by clueless idiots in the legislature (in whatever state). I think it's important to let people know what they can do so they don't get screwed.

      Too often people just lie down and let the system steam-roller over them. Well, you don't have to. They only get away with it if you let them.
      Well said, Sonomacats ! If we can help each other in any way, (not trying to commit fraud), it's a good thing to share what we know.
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  • Profile picture of the author timpears
    Should I set up a mail forwarding service for Amazon associates? Charge everyone $5 or $10 a month, so I make a few bucks, and give them my address? Each one would have a different suite number.

    I am in Washington so I can't see them dropping people in their home state. They would still need to pay their own states income tax, and there is no chance of them owning Washington state any income tax as we don't have one. They tried to legislate one, but the voters stopped it in the last election.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sonomacats
      Originally Posted by timpears View Post

      Should I set up a mail forwarding service for Amazon associates? Charge everyone $5 or $10 a month, so I make a few bucks, and give them my address? Each one would have a different suite number.

      I am in Washington so I can't see them dropping people in their home state. They would still need to pay their own states income tax, and there is no chance of them owning Washington state any income tax as we don't have one. They tried to legislate one, but the voters stopped it in the last election.
      You could. I know I've considered doing it once I'm not physically visiting in California any more.

      You'd have to make it clear that you're only making the address available for online affiliate activities to show an address in your state. This makes it unlikely you'd actually get any mail. In that case, $5 per month would be extremely reasonable.

      Otherwise, if you have a lot of customers, you will have to make people fill out the form that private mailbox companies are required to get from their customers. Then you'd want to charge $10 per month because there's more involved.

      However, if people are getting their commissions direct deposited to their bank or Paypal account, then you won't need to worry about that form or registering with the Post Office.
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  • Profile picture of the author nohype
    I wanted to thank everyone for your ideas and suggestions in this thread. I was also slapped by this, right at the wrong time of course. I dont earn a whole heck of a lot right now with Amazon. But, have invested a HUGE amount of time/energy/money in amazon plugins, software and courses. The REAL issue is being missed, here IMO. Do states/feds have the right to tax the internet? If yes, how exactly would that happen since there is no physical location. The issue should really be that amazon should only charge a "sales tax" (which is what this is) for the states in which Amazon, and its affiliates are located. As stated above. We all collectively, as affiliates are Independent Contracters and therefore, individually liable for paying taxes in our respective states. Not amazon. This is a political move on the part of Govnr Brown (here in Calif) to put more revenue into the state. He cut numerous other (non-elitist) programs as well. Thanks again, for the hints here!
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    • Profile picture of the author hopelin
      I just got my account reopened with the change of address to "no sales tax" state! I even see I made a sale during the shut down period and Amazon gave me a credit for that sale. Nice sale !!! Back to work now!!!
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      • Profile picture of the author Sonomacats
        Originally Posted by hopelin View Post

        I just got my account reopened with the change of address to "no sales tax" state! I even see I made a sale during the shut down period and Amazon gave me a credit for that sale. Nice sale !!! Back to work now!!!
        Congratulations! That is so excellent!

        And good for you for taking action.
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        • Profile picture of the author hopelin
          Thanks very much, Sonomacats. You share a lot of info on the forum on this particular topic. That's why I learned about how to get what I need to do and not to get screwed by the Governor!
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      • Profile picture of the author Andrew S
        Originally Posted by hopelin View Post

        I just got my account reopened with the change of address to "no sales tax" state! I even see I made a sale during the shut down period and Amazon gave me a credit for that sale. Nice sale !!! Back to work now!!!
        good for you hopelin, now we can get back to working
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    • Profile picture of the author timpears
      Originally Posted by nohype View Post

      The issue should really be that amazon should only charge a "sales tax" (which is what this is) for the states in which Amazon, and its affiliates are located.
      That is what they are doing, but the taxing of sales in the affiliates states is the problem that Amazon doesn't want to deal with.

      The 1992 Supreme Court decision held that this was too difficult of a process to impose on companies. Therefore they decided it was not legal. I don't have the link handy but I posted it in another thread on this subject. Do a Google search on it and I am sure you will find it.

      For the time being, we don't have to worry about the feds taxing it as they don't have a sales tax. They want the income tax, and that is going down due to the affiliates getting dropped. And the states are going to have the same problem. No winners here, just losers.
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  • Profile picture of the author simplewealthmaker
    I live in North Carolina and Amazon dropped us about a year ago when our gov decided to make them pay taxes. I just switched to Barns and Noble and have been doing fine. They pay on time, have basically the same products as Amazon and don't care what state you are in because they have a store in all states, so they already collect taxes.
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  • Profile picture of the author Desz
    Great advice!
    My only question is; how do you deal with income tax at the end of the year? With relatives in Arizona, changing address is no big deal -- but how does the end of the year taxes work? Once they send me the 1099, would I have to actually report the taxes for the state of Arizona? Anybody have experience with this?
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    • Profile picture of the author myob
      Originally Posted by Desz View Post

      Great advice!
      My only question is; how do you deal with income tax at the end of the year? With relatives in Arizona, changing address is no big deal -- but how does the end of the year taxes work? Once they send me the 1099, would I have to actually report the taxes for the state of Arizona? Anybody have experience with this?
      This is the end game for which many will be headed using this method. It is only the beginning of the headaches and compounded grief, especially if your income turns out to be significant. You need to get competent legal advice, because the California tax boys won't treat you kindly for using this illegal trick.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sonomacats
      Originally Posted by Desz View Post

      My only question is; how do you deal with income tax at the end of the year? With relatives in Arizona, changing address is no big deal -- but how does the end of the year taxes work? Once they send me the 1099, would I have to actually report the taxes for the state of Arizona? Anybody have experience with this?
      You have a couple of choices here. If you don't work a full time job where a W-2 is involved, then you can pay taxes in Arizona as if you're a full-time resident no matter how long you're "visiting" in California.

      If a W-2 is involved, then file CA income taxes as a non-resident on that income and regular taxes in Arizona as an Arizona resident.

      Your Federal income tax return doesn't care where you live as long as you account for all of your income that's shown up as a result of 1099's or W-2s. However, I would suggest using your Arizona address as the address that shows up on your 1040 form just to keep things clean.
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  • Profile picture of the author WebPen
    Im not huge into Amazon yet, and probably won't be until I move out of Cali, but this is still a great find- thanks man.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bruce NewMedia
    I started out reading this thread and saw this as a possibility...now I'm not so sure.
    Seems it adds more risks and uncertainties.
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  • Profile picture of the author billspaced
    This started as a "how to be an amazon associate if you live in CA" but it kind of took a turn on the right vs wrong issue.

    Businesses that sell to CA are technically required to collect sales tax and remit to CA. They aren't being taxed--the consumer is being taxed.

    Right now, consumers are effectively paying lower prices for the stuff they buy from Amazon and other "mail order / internet" businesses which does put Amazon's competitors (Wal-Mart for one) at a distinct competitive disadvantage.

    But don't think that Amazon would have to pay sales tax. They just "pass it on."

    I think both the state of CA and Amazon screwed this up. Time will tell if other states follow (others preceded, the snowball is picking up steam)...and drive Amazon all the way out of the States or not.

    As for getting your Associates account reinstated, I have no actual experience with changing your physical address, but I do like the idea of getting one of those mailboxes in another state. I imagine for the bulk of affiliates whose accounts were terminated that it would be cost-prohibitive (they make pennies per month). But, as in anything, there are undoubtedly a few affiliates who make a ton of money with Amazon and have now been shut off--time to check on those out-of-state mailboxes!
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  • Profile picture of the author Seth Stewart
    Thanks for the response. I just got my Oregon address yesterday, any chance Amazon checks to see how long you've been at that address or other residential proof?

    'Cause I'm happy to say I've already been there 3 months, like you did, but only if they won't check. Otherwise I probably just say I moved there "recently," if that's enough for it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sonomacats
      Originally Posted by Seth Stewart View Post

      Thanks for the response. I just got my Oregon address yesterday, any chance Amazon checks to see how long you've been at that address or other residential proof?

      'Cause I'm happy to say I've already been there 3 months, like you did, but only if they won't check. Otherwise I probably just say I moved there "recently," if that's enough for it.
      I only used the 3 month thing because I actually did move 3 months ago. But saying you moved there "recently" is just fine. Whatever works for you.

      Technically there is a possibility that they will ask you to send something in to show you actually live there. But it's highly unlikely. And if you have an address there, it's not that difficult to accept some sort of mail and provide them with a copy of the envelope.

      I have not received anything from Amazon requesting proof. If worse comes to worst, I can always pop on up to Oregon (or wherever) and get a new drivers license there if I have to. But I suspect that won't be necessary.
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      • Profile picture of the author antfer
        Well, what I did was change the owner of the account to my trusted relative who lives in the Philippines. But the contact person listed is still me, same account, same affiliate links.

        Amazon reinstated the account in one day.

        Now of course, he has to file taxes there for the checks he will receive there.
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        • Profile picture of the author JoshTara
          Is there a good site to follow these tax laws that are being passed state by state. Kind of wondering how many have fell to this horrible crap, and which ones are considering it. Michigan usually jumps on things like this, hopefully our Gov. keeps it out for now.
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  • Profile picture of the author Blakers
    I'm in an affected state as well. I have parents in Florida who will open a new account in their name and take on the tax burden. Is it better to do this (open a brand new account) or adjust my existing account to reflect my parents name, address, SSN, etc? Of course, with the former I will have to adjust all my affiliate code. But with the latter, will adjusting the account details (especially SSN) throw up a flag with Amazon?

    Thanks.
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    • Profile picture of the author antfer
      Originally Posted by Blakers View Post

      I'm in an affected state as well. I have parents in Florida who will open a new account in their name and take on the tax burden. Is it better to do this (open a brand new account) or adjust my existing account to reflect my parents name, address, SSN, etc? Of course, with the former I will have to adjust all my affiliate code. But with the latter, will adjusting the account details (especially SSN) throw up a flag with Amazon?

      Thanks.
      Blakers, look at my post above yours. I did the latter option (change the owner's name and address) and kept myself as contact person, same phone number, same email. I did not even put my relative's phone number, I put mine instead. Then put it again under contact person with my name as contact.

      No need to change multiple affliate links.

      Just tell Amazon the account is under a new owner and to please reinstate the account.

      They reinstated "my" account right away.
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      • Profile picture of the author Blakers
        Originally Posted by antfer View Post

        Blakers, look at my post above yours. I did the latter option (change the owner's name and address) and kept myself as contact person, same phone number, same email. I did not even put my relative's phone number, I put mine instead. Then put it again under contact person with my name as contact.

        No need to change multiple affliate links.

        Just tell Amazon the account is under a new owner and to please reinstate the account.

        They reinstated "my" account right away.
        Thanks Antfer. That's the direction I'm going go, keeping the contact info (email) with me. That means you also changed the SSN in the account details too so the 1099-MISC that Amazon sends to your trusted Filipino friend will be in his name and thus he is responsible for the taxes?
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        • Profile picture of the author Kay King
          Because you have changed your state of residence, your account has been reinstated.
          IANAL - but I think with that line Amazon covered itself quite well. They have "proof" you told them you changed your state of residence. Keeps Amazon on the right side of the law - but how about you?

          It may work if you own a second residence in another country - don't know. I do know that 1099 forms have your social security number and copies of 1099s go to the IRS.

          There are also tax laws that govern money US citizens earn outside the U.S. If you don't claim the money on your state tax - how do you claim it on your federal tax? If you don't show it on your IRS forms - uh oh.

          Just saying - anyone who is trying to get past Amazon should remember they might also have some 'splainin to do if the state tax people catch it. Wouldn't be surprised if they are looking closely in the next year or two.

          Think, people. Make sure the great ideas you are learning about how to get your Amazon accounts back don't put you in hotter water.

          kay
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        • Profile picture of the author antfer
          Originally Posted by Blakers View Post

          Thanks Antfer. That's the direction I'm going go, keeping the contact info (email) with me. That means you also changed the SSN in the account details too so the 1099-MISC that Amazon sends to your trusted Filipino friend will be in his name and thus he is responsible for the taxes?
          Hello Blakers,

          There is no SSN or 1099's for non-US persons. He will file taxes in the Philippines, not USA.

          But in your case, yes, it will literally become your parents' account, you still get all the emails but they will receive the income from Amazon and file taxes on it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mr Money Maker
    I think Amazons a very fair company, just go through the motions of what they want or need from you.

    I love amazon, but I must say, I am not an affiliate, but a recording artist, and amazon has been selling my music world wide for years.
    Out of all the stores world wide and all the internet music companies also, amazon is my favorite.
    I trust them.....so if they want a little info...why not?
    Thanks GW Williams
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  • Profile picture of the author Maddmula
    I am a beginner affiliate and was planning to join the Amazon Associate Program, then of course everything happened. So currently I'm not an associate, but yesterday because of some suggestions on WF I opened a bank account in South Meadows, Nevada (I guess Nevada's a business friendly state?) Because I am a teen, I had to open up one checking and one savings account, each given a $100 to activate the accounts.

    Since I have not applied for the Amazon Associate Program yet, does that mean I'm pretty much safe? Or do I still need to verify that I live in my PRETEND address in South Meadows, Nevada? Thanks
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    • Profile picture of the author myob
      @ Maddmula

      There is nothing wrong with just having out of state bank accounts. But your "pretend" Nevada address will have serious legal and tax ramifications as a California resident. This is considered fraud by several state and federal agencies, especially if you are doing it to establish Nevada residence and/or avoiding paying California state income tax. Don't get caught up in all the silliness of this and similar threads.
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      • Profile picture of the author Maddmula
        Originally Posted by myob View Post

        @ Maddmula

        Your "pretend" Nevada address will have serious legal and tax ramifications as a California resident. This is considered fraud by several state and federal agencies, especially if you are doing it to establish Nevada residence and/or avoiding paying California state income tax. Don't get caught up in all the silliness of this and similar threads.
        Thanks for the enlightenment, so I guess I should just forget about Amazon...
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        • Profile picture of the author myob
          Originally Posted by Maddmula View Post

          Thanks for the enlightenment, so I guess I should just forget about Amazon...
          Considering what it would take to legally operate as an Amazon affiliate in states such as California, yes I would say for you that would be your best option ... for now. If you have an opportunity to actually relocate in Nevada in the future it is still quite possible, however. Otherwise, consider similar affiliate programs such as Walmart, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, etc. These and others are not affected by the nexus tax issue like Amazon.
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  • Profile picture of the author dagaul101
    If all else fails changing address works a threat, hopefully a solution will be found where such drastic measures are not needed
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  • Profile picture of the author tomsyler
    Yes amazon is good for sellers but for an affiliate they really have too many boundation I too like to stick with adsense and clickbank for making online part time money.
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  • Profile picture of the author mekus@mekus.com
    In the news today....

    Amazon Seeks To Let Voters Decide On California Tax Issue
    Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - by Jennifer Johnson
    A few weeks ago, Amazon.com dropped associates in California due to a new sales tax law. Needless to say, this action made many loyal Amazon users and sellers unhappy. Many people blamed the state of California while others placed blame on Amazon. Regardless of which party you chose to blame, the fact is, the accounts for Amazon associates in California have been terminated.

    Now, Amazon.com is seeking a ballot initiative that could repeal the California law that requires online retailers such as Amazon to collect sales tax. The California attorney general's office received a petition on Friday. Next, the attorney general's office will prepare a title and summary for the initiative. The initiative will require nearly 434,000 voters' signatures in order to qualify for the ballot.

    California isn't the only state who is seeking a new source of revenue in the form of collecting taxes from online retail transactions. In fact, Amazon has discontinued affiliate programs in Illinois, Colorado, North Carolina, and other states due to similar legislation. The California law is expected to generate $200 million in revenue for the state.

    The earliest voters would be able to vote on the initiative is February 2012.

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  • Profile picture of the author moneyten
    I am affected by this Nexus law as well. Hopefully voters will be able to repeal this law.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sonomacats
    The voters aren't going to do anything about it. Most of them don't know about what happened (it was barely a blip on the news) and most of them don't care.

    And anyone who pays any attention to this initiative will see the $200 million revenue potential and won't look past how much money the state will lose as a result.

    If you want to work with Amazon, then it's up to you to do what is necessary to make it work.
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  • Profile picture of the author moneyten
    I'm already in the process of setting up out of state entities.

    Thanks.
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  • Profile picture of the author AndrewChen
    Looks like Amazon is indeed sending out requests for proof of residency! Unfortunately I just got mine today. Anyone who has gone thru this verification process can share experience, please? My Amazon Associates account is under my out of state C Corp, so most of the items listed on this page affiliate-program.amazon.com/gp/associates/help/t53 don't really apply.

    Q1. Is this really as easy as sending myself a letter to show that I can receive mails at the out of state address, like Sonomacats said? This isn't on Amazon's list of acceptable documents.

    Q2. Andrew S mentioned moving to a foreign country. Anybody knows what foreign documents Amazon accepts, and do they need to be translated/certified?

    Really appreciate any advice!
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  • Profile picture of the author tbg
    i'm curious how long after changing your address with them are they making the requests for proof of residency? just wondering if they wait until people hit a certain earnings threshold or targeting people who have already earned a certain amount or what. or maybe it's just random.

    is it likely they are not bothering with accounts who don't even meet the 1099 reporting requirements yet?

    isn't $600.00 the amount that would have to be earned before amazon would generate a 1099 form, or is this not the case for associate accounts?
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  • Profile picture of the author 3BORZOI
    I am in Colorado and have been denied an amazon affiliate account.
    Was sent this thread but things do not sound so good here as I am fairly experienced with taxes after having a mfg business for 21 years and shipping worldwide.
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  • Profile picture of the author chrislangley
    Changing the address seems to work a charm, but ofcourse you can always be traced if you are stuck with the same bank details
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