AdSense Tax Residency Guide for UK YouTubers – Ireland Tax Info

As a UK-based YouTuber earning through Google AdSense, proving your tax residency has become crucial and a lot of youtubers are facing problems when providing this information to Google. By correcting completing this form, you are ensuring that no unnecessary withholding tax is deducted from your earnings.

Why Does Google Require Tax Documentation?

Google AdSense, as a tax withholding agent, complies with international tax laws. This includes withholding taxes for creators without verified residency. Without proper documentation, your earnings could be taxed at rates up to 30%, even if you’re not subject to these taxes under UK law.

How do I prove my tax residency to Google?

Naturally, you would think that Google would accept your driving licence, letters from HMRC or bank statements etc. as proof of residency. However, we are now seeing cases where Google does not accept these documents and the only form that seems to work is the COR (certificate of residency) from HMRC. Your name has to match with the name in your Google adsense account. Any minor differences in the name will reject your application.

How do I get the certificate of tax residency from HMRC?

To apply for a Certificate of Residence (CoR) from HMRC, you must be a Tax resident according to HMRC records. This document is essential when proving to a foreign tax authority like Google AdSense that you live in the UK for the purpose of taxes.

Click here for a link to apply for the certificate of residency.

How long does it take?

It typically takes up to three weeks for HMRC to issue the certificate. If you have a tax agent/accountant, they can receive the document on your behalf.

What should I do after receiving the certificate?

Once you or your accountant/tax agent has received the certificate of residency, you can go ahead and upload to your AdSense account. The red banner/notification on your account will be removed. Google team will write back to you if your form has not been accepted. However, they are accepting the COR as proof of residence so, as long as your name matches with your AdSense account, it is all sorted. Feel free to reach out to us if you think we can help.

Appoint TaxQube to manage your taxes

Being a regulated firm of chartered accountants, we can help you in dealing with your tax affairs as well as utilising any tax reliefs on your behalf. We look after a large number of professionals from the creative industry and represent successful YouTubers in managing their taxes. Contact us for a free of charge initial consultation.

We help taxpayers in the UK to ensure compliance with HMRC – It is a legal responsibility. If you need help in submitting your annual Tax reports, please do feel free to get in touch with us by completing the contact us form.