How To Handle DistroKid Forms & Artist Names?

For independent musicians, DistroKid is a popular choice when it comes to distributing music across various platforms. However, beyond just distributing music, artists often face questions related to administrative tasks such as submitting taxes and updating their artist names. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to handle these tasks effectively while ensuring that your music distribution remains seamless.

Understanding the DistroKid Tax Form

When you use DistroKid to distribute your music, it's essential to understand that earnings from streaming and sales may be taxable. Therefore, one of the first things you'll need to manage is submitting the appropriate tax forms. Here's a breakdown of what you need to do:

Why Submit a Tax Form?

Earnings from music often count as self-employment income, meaning you are responsible for reporting and paying taxes on this income. DistroKid requires you to submit these forms to comply with tax regulations and to ensure you correctly report your income.

Which Tax Form Do You Need?

For U.S. artists, the primary form you'll need to deal with is the W-9 form. This form allows DistroKid to report your earnings to the IRS. For international artists, withholding taxes might apply, which would involve a different form, such as the W-8BEN.

Steps to Submit Your Tax Form

Submitting your tax form on DistroKid is relatively straightforward:

1. Log into your DistroKid account.
2. Navigate to the "Account Settings," and look for the "Tax Forms" section.
3. Follow the instructions to fill out and submit the appropriate form. U.S. residents will typically need to provide their Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN).
4. Ensure you double-check all information before submission to avoid any errors.

After submission, DistroKid will handle the rest, including any required tax documentation and reports.

How to Change Your Artist Name on DistroKid

Whether due to a rebranding effort or personal preference, there may come a time when you want to change your artist name on DistroKid. Here's how you can go about this process:

Considerations Before Changing Your Name

Changing your artist name is a significant decision. Here are some key points to consider:

• Ensure that the new name isn't already in use by another artist to avoid potential conflicts or confusion.
• Update your branding, social media, and any other platforms to reflect the new name to maintain consistency.
• Inform your audience about the change to mitigate any confusion among your fans.

Steps to Change Your Artist Name

To change your artist name on DistroKid, follow these steps:

1. Log into your DistroKid account.
2. Go to the “Settings" section and look for the "Artist Name" feature.
3. Enter your new desired artist name.
4. Submit the changes and wait for confirmation. This process may take some time as DistroKid will need to update the metadata on all platforms where your music is distributed.
5. Once confirmed, DistroKid will push the update to all the DSPs (Digital Service Providers) that host your music.

During this transition period, monitor your music on streaming platforms to ensure that the update is correctly reflected.

Post-Change Actions

After changing your artist name, you'll need to update your audience and brand imagery accordingly. Here are a few actions to consider:

• Notify your fans through your website, social media, and email newsletters about the name change and any other relevant updates.
• Update your profile pictures, bios, and any official links to reflect your new artist name.
• Consider using the opportunity to launch new content or a campaign under your new name to create buzz and engagement.

Conclusion

Navigating administrative tasks like tax form submissions and artist name changes on DistroKid might seem daunting, but with the right information, the process can be straightforward. By understanding and efficiently managing these tasks, you can focus more on creating and promoting your music.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive music distribution and marketing platform, consider registering as a SoundOn artist. SoundOn provides an all-in-one solution that helps you build a career and find new fans through TikTok, exclusive partners like CapCut, and other digital streaming platforms through their global distribution service.

Remember, the music industry is as much about administration as it is about creativity, and managing both effectively can lead to a successful career.