Bangladesh's music industry is going global. Afrobeats, indie pop, and Baul music from Bangladesh are reaching international streaming audiences. If you earn royalties from US streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music), you need an ITIN to protect those earnings from 30% withholding.
How US Streaming Platforms Pay Bangladeshi Artists
Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, and YouTube Music pay artists through distributors (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, etc.). These distributors are US companies and are required to collect tax information from artists they pay.
When your music generates royalties from US listeners, the distributor treats this as US-source income. Without an ITIN on file, the distributor may withhold 30% from your US streaming royalties before depositing to your account.
DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby: Tax Requirements
Each major distributor handles tax reporting differently:
- DistroKid: Requests W-8BEN for international artists. Requires ITIN for the form.
- TuneCore: Has a tax interview in account settings. Requires ITIN for non-US artists.
- CD Baby: Tax information required to receive payments without withholding.
Providing your ITIN on each distributor's platform ensures your full royalty payment reaches you without US deductions.
YouTube Music: Additional Consideration
YouTube Music royalties flow through the AdSense system. Bangladeshi artists who earn from YouTube (both through their own channel and through YouTube Music) need their ITIN on Google's tax form to avoid YouTube's withholding on US ad revenue.
This is in addition to any distributor-level W-8BEN requirements for your music distribution.
ITIN Plus for Bangladeshi Musicians
From Dhaka studio artists to bedroom producers releasing on global platforms, ITIN Plus has helped Bangladeshi musicians get their ITINs. $99, 8–14 weeks, IRS Certified Acceptance Agent. Email apply@itinplus.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bangladeshi musicians need an ITIN for Spotify?
Yes. If your music is distributed on Spotify via DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby, these US distributors may withhold 30% from US streaming royalties unless you provide an ITIN via W-8BEN.
How do I submit my ITIN to DistroKid?
In DistroKid, go to the Bank & Tax Info section and complete the W-8BEN with your ITIN. DistroKid updates your withholding status and sends full royalty payments from that point forward.
How do I submit my ITIN to TuneCore?
In TuneCore, go to Account Settings → Tax Information and complete the tax interview. Enter your ITIN when prompted for your Tax Identification Number.
Does Bangladesh have a music royalty tax treaty with the US?
Bangladesh does not have a comprehensive US income tax treaty that reduces royalty withholding rates. However, submitting W-8BEN with your ITIN certifies your foreign status, which eliminates the mandatory withholding for non-US persons.
How long does it take to get an ITIN?
8–14 weeks from the IRS submission date. ITIN Plus charges $99 for the full application process.