Roku Developer Program

[EnTerr]

As part of initiation into "Roku Billing Services Program", RokuCo requires submitting IRS forms W-9 or W-8BEN. As far as i know those are required when a (sub)contractor is paid 1099-MISC style. But the relationship between Roku Inc and developer - as established by "Roku Billing Services Agreement" - seems to be of a different kind, one in which RokuCo is providing billing services to developers. To wit:

"1. Introduction" wrote:
[Roku Inc will] perform the payment processing services corresponding to purchases of the Content. As payment for Roku’s services, Developer agrees that Roku may retain a portion of the revenues received

From what i know, Apple and Google also formalize their role in app purchases in the same way, as payment processors - but AFAIK they don't send 1099-MISC forms. Apple says:

"iTunes Connect, Banking and Tax FAQ" wrote:
Will Apple send a U.S. Tax Form 1099 for my sales?
No. Sales on the App Store are sales by you, the developer of copyrighted works, to end users. Therefore, Apple takes the position that payments made to you for these sales are payments for products or goods, which are specifically exempt from reporting on Form 1099 even though the payments may be taxable income to you.

You are responsible for determining your own tax obligations with respect to these payments. If you are uncertain of your tax obligations, we recommend that you consult with a tax professional.

How does this work in Roku Inc's case - does the company send 1099 tax forms at the end of the year?

[TheEndless]

Yes. Roku sends 1099s for channel sales.

[BradC]

Nope, you can't skip out on taxes, uncle sam knows how many channels you sold.

[EnTerr]

"BradC" wrote:
Nope, you can't skip out on taxes, uncle sam knows how many channels you sold.

No, it ain't like that. Even with no tax forms, there is still paper trail of bank deposits and when in doubt, payor can be subpoenaed - so can't commend hiding non-trivial income. Or even trivial one, in the case of Chase that would send me 1099-INT for 7 dollars and a few cents.

I am asking because how Roku Inc formalizes it affects tax paperwork.
Any idea what kind of form is it for individual/sole proprietor - 1099-MISC, 1099-DIV, 1099-K... or something else?

[kc8pql]

Usually 1099 MISC I believe.

[EnTerr]

"EnTerr" wrote:
I am asking because how Roku Inc formalizes it affects tax paperwork.
Any idea what kind of form is it for individual/sole proprietor - 1099-MISC, 1099-DIV, 1099-K... or something else?

Can i get clarification from Roku*, please?

[RokuJoel]

We send 1099-Misc.

- Joel

[EnTerr]

Thread update for posterity: per viewtopic.php?f=34&t=93365#p523744, RokuCo now sends 1099-K forms.

[renojim]

Roku does not sent 1099s for payments made through Paypal (unless it's over $20,000 or something like that). Payments made directly to a bank account (e.g., ad revenue) will be reported on a 1099.

At least that's my experience.

-JT