ITIN for Amazon KDP Authors in Saudi Arabia: Publish & Earn in USD

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a powerful way for Saudi Arabia authors — writing in Arabic, English, or both — to publish books and earn royalty income in USD from readers worldwide. But Amazon KDP's US payment system requires you to submit tax information. Without an ITIN, Amazon KDP withholds up to 30% of every royalty payment you earn.

⚠️ No US-Saudi Arabia Tax Treaty:

Saudi Arabia has no comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States. US payers must withhold 30% of payments to Saudi residents who cannot certify their foreign status via Form W-8BEN with a valid ITIN.

What is Amazon KDP and Why Do Saudi Authors Need an ITIN?

KDP is Amazon's self-publishing platform that pays authors royalties of 35% or 70% of book sales. When you publish on KDP from Saudi Arabia, your royalties are classified as US-source income. Amazon is required by the IRS to withhold tax from undocumented foreign authors. An ITIN is your proof of foreign status that protects your royalties.

🚀 Vision 2030 & USD Income:

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is creating a new generation of digital entrepreneurs. Earning in USD from US platforms gives you global purchasing power — but you need an ITIN to receive your full income without 30% US withholding cutting into your earnings.

KDP Royalty Rates with and without ITIN

Without ITIN: Amazon withholds up to 30% of all royalties — you receive only 70% of what you earned
With ITIN (W-8BEN submitted): Amazon certifies your foreign status — since Saudi Arabia has no treaty, 30% still applies on US-sourced royalties, BUT submitting W-8BEN prevents BACKUP withholding (which can be even higher) and allows you to file 1040-NR to reclaim any over-withheld amounts

Types of KDP Publishing for Saudi Authors

Kindle eBooks — Digital books sold on Amazon.com (US store)
Kindle Unlimited (KENP) — Per-page-read royalties from US KU subscribers
Paperback (Print on Demand) — Physical books sold via CreateSpace/KDP Print
Hardcover — New KDP format available to all authors
Audiobook (ACX) — Audio versions through Audible

How to Add Your ITIN to Amazon KDP

Receive your ITIN from ITIN Plus ($99, 8–14 weeks)
Log in to KDP → Account → Getting Paid → Tax Information
Select "Individual" and choose "Outside the US"
Complete Form W-8BEN with your ITIN and Saudi Arabia address
Submit — KDP confirms and updates your tax status immediately

Arabic Content Opportunity: Saudi Arabia authors writing Arabic-language content have a significant advantage on KDP — Arabic books on Amazon.com reach millions of Arabic-speaking readers globally. An ITIN lets you receive your full royalties from this large market without withholding eating into your income.

Get Your ITIN from Saudi Arabia — $99 Flat Fee

IRS-authorized Certified Acceptance Agent. No US travel required. Fixed $99 fee, 8–14 week processing.

Apply Now — $99

📞 +1 (305) 216-6992 | ✉️ apply@itinplus.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Amazon KDP authors in Saudi Arabia need an ITIN?

Yes. Amazon KDP pays royalties through its US entity, classifying them as US-source income. Saudi Arabia authors must submit Form W-8BEN with an ITIN to certify their foreign status. Without an ITIN, KDP withholds up to 30% of all royalty payments.

How do I set up tax information on Amazon KDP from Saudi Arabia?

Log into your KDP account → Account → Getting Paid → Tax Information. Select 'Individual, Outside the US' and complete Form W-8BEN with your ITIN and Saudi Arabia address. KDP verifies and updates your account immediately.

Does publishing in Arabic on Amazon KDP still require an ITIN?

Yes. Regardless of the language your book is written in, if you publish on Amazon.com (US store) and receive royalties through KDP's US payment system, your income is US-source. Saudi Arabia Arabic-language authors need an ITIN exactly like English-language authors.

What royalty rate does Amazon KDP withhold without an ITIN?

Amazon KDP withholds up to 30% of royalties from Saudi Arabia authors who haven't submitted a valid W-8BEN with ITIN. This applies to both 35% and 70% royalty rate books. Getting your ITIN for $99 protects your full royalty income.

How long does ITIN take for Amazon KDP authors in Saudi Arabia?

The IRS processes ITIN applications in 8 to 14 weeks. ITIN Plus prepares and submits your W-7 as a CAA, ensuring your application is complete and error-free on first submission.

Can I use my national ID instead of ITIN on Amazon KDP?

No. Amazon KDP requires a US tax identification number (ITIN or SSN) on Form W-8BEN for non-US individuals. A Saudi national ID or Iqama number is not accepted by the IRS or Amazon for this purpose. You need a valid ITIN from the IRS.