Lori Meadows
As an international student, you may be eligible to join ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) or BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.), two of the largest performing rights organizations in the US. These organizations help to protect your musical works and ensure you receive royalties for their use. To join, you may need to fill out specific forms, such as the W-8BEN or W-7, and provide a Tax Identification Number (TIN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). It's important to note that the requirements and processes may vary for each organization, and seeking legal advice is recommended.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Requirements | W-8BEN form, TIN or Tax Identification Number |
| Application Process | Online |
| Affiliation Fee | BMI: $75 for writers |
| Direct Deposit | BMI: Requires a dollar account issued by a PH bank |
| Application Experience | BMI: Helpful and friendly, ASCAP: Unfriendly and unhelpful |
| Application Time | ASCAP: 6 weeks |
| ITIN Number | Required for BMI |
| Withholding Tax | 30% |
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What You'll Learn
Differences between ASCAP and BMI
To sign up for ASCAP or BMI as an international student, you will need to fill out a W-8BEN form and provide a Tax Identification Number (TIN) or National Insurance Number. There is a \$75 affiliation fee for writers signing up for BMI, while ASCAP is free for writers.
ASCAP and BMI are US-based performance rights organizations (PROs) that help songwriters, composers, and artists collect royalties from their music. Both organizations have global partnerships, providing wider coverage and more money for their members.
ASCAP
- ASCAP has a license that authorizes the public performance of its entire repertory and that of over 90 foreign societies, including digital performances.
- ASCAP has a \$50 application fee that is waived if you register as both a writer and a publisher.
- ASCAP has been described as more artist-focused.
- ASCAP has been described as having less helpful customer service.
- ASCAP pays the same amount for vocal and instrumental tracks.
BMI
- BMI has been described as more sync-focused.
- BMI has conventions that are informative and great for networking.
- BMI pays more for vocal tracks.
- BMI has been described as having helpful customer service.
- BMI has a \$75 affiliation fee for writers.
Both ASCAP and BMI collect royalties from a variety of establishments, including retail stores, TV networks, video game companies, and restaurant chains. They use cue sheets and digital monitoring to track the use of music and calculate royalties.
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International student requirements
International students looking to register with ASCAP or BMI may need to follow a different process than US citizens. While there are some similarities, there are some key differences to be aware of.
Firstly, it is important to understand that both ASCAP and BMI require certain tax forms to be completed as part of the registration process. International students will need to provide a foreign tax identification number or TIN. This number is used in place of a US ITIN (Taxpayer Identification Number). The specific tax form required may vary depending on the country of residence and the existence of tax treaties with the US. For example, in some cases, a W-8BEN form may need to be completed, which involves withholding tax. It is recommended to consult with a tax specialist or accountant to ensure the correct forms are completed and to understand the specific tax implications for your country.
When registering with ASCAP, international students may need to contact specific offices, such as the NYC office, as customer service experiences may vary. ASCAP also offers an online application process, where the required forms can be filled out and submitted. ASCAP does not charge a fee for writers to join.
For BMI registration, international students should contact the BMI office directly via email or phone. BMI has been described as being accommodating and helpful to non-US citizens. BMI does charge a $75 affiliation fee for writers, which is an additional cost to consider.
It is worth noting that some international students may have the option to join other organizations, such as GEMA in Germany, depending on their specific circumstances and preferences. However, it is important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option before making a decision.
Overall, while there may be some additional steps and considerations for international students when registering with ASCAP or BMI, it is possible to complete the process successfully by following the required procedures and staying informed about the specific requirements for your country.
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Application process
To apply for ASCAP or BMI as an international student, you will need to follow a few key steps. Firstly, determine if you are eligible for membership by reviewing the requirements for each organisation. For instance, as an international student, you may need to consider tax implications and whether you require a Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). It is important to note that the application process and requirements may vary depending on your country of residence and citizenship.
Once you have confirmed your eligibility, you can initiate the application process by visiting the ASCAP or BMI website. On the ASCAP website, you can navigate to the "Join ASCAP" section to begin your application. Here, you will need to provide your personal information, including your name, contact details, and other relevant details. You may also be required to submit documentation, such as proof of your student status and any relevant musical works or compositions.
For BMI, the application process may involve submitting an online application form. Similar to ASCAP, you will need to provide personal information and may be required to submit additional documentation. It is recommended to have your TIN or Tax Identification Number handy during the application process. Additionally, BMI may require you to fill out specific tax forms, such as the W-8BEN form, and there may be an affiliation fee for writers.
It is worth noting that some individuals have reported challenges with the ASCAP application process, mentioning unfriendly customer service. However, others have shared positive experiences with prompt responses and efficient processing times of around six weeks. Therefore, it may be beneficial to explore the experiences of other international students who have gone through the application process for further insights.
In addition to the online application, you may need to contact the ASCAP or BMI offices directly. Both organisations have offices in Los Angeles (LA) and New York City (NYC), and reaching out to them can provide further guidance and clarity on the application process. It is also important to carefully review the requirements and eligibility criteria for each organisation to ensure you meet their respective definitions of an international student.
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Tax implications
As an international student, there are a few tax implications to consider when joining ASCAP or BMI. Firstly, you will need a Tax Identification Number (TIN) to fill out the W-8BEN form, which is required for both ASCAP and BMI applications. The withholding percentage will depend on your country's treaty benefits with the US. If there are no treaty benefits, the withholding tax is typically 30%, which can be used as a credit against your local taxes.
For ASCAP, there is no application fee for writers, but there is a one-time $50 application fee for publishers. These fees can be tax-deductible if your business is set up correctly and you have a good tax professional. ASCAP also offers various benefits to its members, such as hotel discounts, medical insurance, gear insurance, and gear discounts, which may have tax implications depending on your country's tax laws.
For BMI, there is a $75 affiliation fee for writers. BMI will prompt you to fill out the W-7 form and then the W-8BEN form. BMI handles the submission of the W-7 form to the IRS. You may need to open a dollar account to receive royalty payments, as some banks may not accept royalty checks from BMI.
It is important to note that the information provided is based on the experiences of individuals and may not cover all tax implications. It is always best to consult with a tax professional or accountant to understand the specific tax consequences of joining ASCAP or BMI as an international student.
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Customer service experiences
As an international student, you may be eligible to join either ASCAP or BMI, but the process and requirements can vary, and some have reported difficulties with unhelpful customer service representatives.
ASCAP and BMI are two of the largest performance rights organizations (PROs) in the US. They offer licenses that allow the public performance of music from their repertories. To join ASCAP or BMI as an international student, you may need to provide certain tax identification information. For ASCAP, you may need an ITIN (Tax Identification Number) or, if you are a US resident for tax purposes, a Social Security Number. For BMI, you will need to fill out a W-8BEN form and provide your TIN. If you are a US resident for tax purposes, you may also need to provide a W-9 tax form and your Social Security Number.
Some international students have reported challenges when trying to join ASCAP or BMI. For example, a German student reported that ASCAP representatives were unfriendly and told them to join GEMA instead, even after explaining their reasons for wanting to join ASCAP. In contrast, BMI was more accommodating and helpful during the sign-up process. Another student from the Philippines shared that they had to open a dollar account issued by a local bank to receive royalty payments from BMI, as their bank would not honour royalty cheques.
It is recommended to contact both organizations directly to inquire about the specific requirements and processes for joining as an international student. The NYC office of ASCAP has been reported to provide better service than the LA office.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can join ASCAP or BMI by filling out the W-8BEN form in their application online. You will need your Tax Identification Number (TIN) to fill out this form.
BMI has a $75 affiliation fee for writers, while ASCAP is free to join for writers. BMI is more sync-focused, while ASCAP is more artist-focused.
Yes, you will need an ITIN number to join BMI. You can fill out the W-7 form to obtain one.
Under F-1 Visa guidelines, any unauthorized employment will be considered a failure to maintain F-1 status. It is unclear whether royalty payments are considered employment in the USA. Consult an attorney for competent personal and professional guidance.
Some sources suggest that ASCAP contacts were unfriendly and suggested they join GEMA instead. However, others found ASCAP to be friendly and helpful. BMI was also described as having "kinda helpful and nice" people.
