Amazon Associates is one of the most popular affiliate programs for Bangladeshi marketers and bloggers. But without an ITIN, Amazon withholds 30% of your commission before payment. An ITIN lets you complete the W-8BEN form and eliminate this withholding, maximizing your affiliate income.
Amazon Associates and US Tax Rules
Amazon Associates is operated by Amazon.com, a US company. When you earn commissions from US buyers clicking your affiliate links, Amazon treats this as US-source income. The IRS requires Amazon to withhold 30% from non-US affiliates who don't provide a Tax ID.
This withholding applies to commissions from Amazon.com sales. If you primarily promote Amazon products to US audiences — which is common for Bangladeshi bloggers in tech, books, and home goods niches — this withholding can significantly reduce your income.
ITIN: The Solution for Bangladeshi Affiliates
With your ITIN, you complete Amazon's W-8BEN form in your Associates account settings. Amazon verifies your foreign status and stops withholding the 30%. Your commissions are paid in full.
The entire setup takes one step: go to your Amazon Associates account, update tax information, enter your ITIN, and sign the W-8BEN. Amazon processes the update and adjusts future payments automatically.
Is Amazon Associates Available in Bangladesh?
Yes. Bangladeshi content creators and bloggers can join Amazon Associates. However, Amazon has certain country-level restrictions on payment methods. Bangladeshi affiliates typically receive payments via gift cards or bank transfer to a US bank account. Many Bangladeshi Associates set up a US LLC with a Mercury bank account to receive commission payments directly.
Having a US LLC and an ITIN/EIN combination gives you access to standard bank transfer payments from Amazon Associates.
The Math: Why $99 Pays for Itself
If you earn $500/month in Amazon Associates commissions, 30% withholding costs you $150/month. Your $99 ITIN is recovered in less than one month of savings. At $1,000/month in commissions, you save $3,600/year by having your ITIN in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amazon Associates require an ITIN from Bangladeshi affiliates?
Amazon Associates requests a Tax Identification Number via their tax interview. Without an ITIN, Amazon withholds 30% of commissions from non-US affiliates. Providing your ITIN via W-8BEN eliminates this withholding.
How do I update my Amazon Associates tax information?
Log in to your Amazon Associates account, go to Account Settings → Tax Information, and complete the tax interview. Enter your ITIN and submit the W-8BEN form to stop withholding.
Can I receive Amazon Associates payments in Bangladesh directly?
Direct bank transfer from Amazon Associates may be limited in Bangladesh. Many Bangladeshi affiliates use a US business bank account (via Mercury or Relay) through a US LLC to receive commission payments reliably.
How long does it take to get an ITIN?
8–14 weeks from the IRS submission date. ITIN Plus handles the entire process for $99.
What documents do I need to apply for an ITIN?
Valid passport, a secondary government-issued ID (Bangladeshi NID), and proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement). ITIN Plus reviews all documents before submission.