How Much Does DistroKid Cost? Understanding Their Tax Forms

As an artist or musician, you may have come across DistroKid, a popular music distribution service that helps you get your music onto major streaming platforms. This guide will dive into two important aspects of DistroKid that every musician should be aware of: pricing and tax forms.

DistroKid Pricing Overview

One of the first questions that come to mind when looking into a music distribution service is the cost. So, how much does DistroKid really cost? Let's explore the different pricing plans they offer:

• Musician Plan: The basic plan starts at $19.99 per year. This plan is ideal for solo musicians who want to release unlimited songs and albums.
• Musician Plus Plan: Priced at $35.99 per year, this plan includes additional features such as customizable label names and release date options.
• Label Plan: With a starting price of $79.99 per year for up to 5 artists, this plan is targeted towards small labels or artists managing multiple projects.

Each plan includes unlimited uploads and access to all major streaming platforms. It's important to consider your needs and choose the plan that suits you best.

Handling DistroKid Tax Forms

As an independent musician, understanding tax forms and handling royalties properly is crucial. DistroKid provides specific tax forms that you must complete to ensure you're compliant with tax regulations.

Form W-9 for US Artists

For artists who are US residents, DistroKid requires you to fill out Form W-9. This form provides your taxpayer identification number (TIN) and certifies that you are a US person. Here's a quick overview of the form:

• Part I: Enter your full name and business name (if applicable).
• Part II: Provide your TIN. This is either your social security number (SSN) or employer identification number (EIN).
• Part III: Sign and date the form to certify the information provided is correct.

Form W-8BEN for Non-US Artists

For non-US artists, DistroKid requires Form W-8BEN. This form certifies that you are not a US citizen and confirms your foreign status for tax purposes. Here’s what you need to know:

• Part I: Provide your name, country of citizenship, and foreign tax identifying number.
• Part II: Provide the requesting company's name and your country’s tax treaty benefits, if applicable.
• Part III: Sign and date the form to validate the provided information.

Properly completing these forms ensures that DistroKid can report your earnings accurately and avoid unnecessary withholdings.

Exploring Alternatives and Registering with SoundOn

While DistroKid is a popular choice, it's not the only option available for music distribution. Platforms like Tunecore, CD Baby, ONErpm, and SoundOn also offer robust services. Specifically, SoundOn stands out with its unique integration with TikTok and CapCut, providing artists a distinct edge in social media promotion and marketing.

By registering as a SoundOn artist, you can benefit from their all-in-one platform for marketing and distribution, helping you build a career and find new fans across various digital streaming platforms.

Conclusion

Understanding DistroKid’s pricing and tax forms is essential for any musician looking to distribute their music effectively. By knowing the costs involved and ensuring your tax forms are correctly filled out, you can focus on what you do best – creating music. Additionally, exploring other platforms like SoundOn can offer exceptional benefits and opportunities for growing your fan base.

In the end, choosing the right distribution service depends on your unique needs and goals as an artist. Whether it's releasing music on all major platforms or leveraging social media for promotion, there's an option out there that fits your requirements perfectly.