Merchant tax responsibilities

What this is

Because you pay affiliates directly and Diversified Affiliates never holds funds, tax reporting responsibilities for payments you make sit with you as the paying party.

Why it matters

Affiliates certify tax information (a digital W-9 for eligible affiliates) on the platform so you can access what you need for your own reporting obligations, without the platform acting as a payer.

How to do it

1. Confirm which affiliates you have an approved or active relationship with; only those affiliates' tax documents are relevant to you.
2. Use Accessing Affiliate W9s to view a masked, certified tax document only for affiliates connected to your programs.
3. Keep your own payment records accurate using Recording and Confirming Payments, since these are your source records for tax purposes.
4. Consult your own tax advisor for guidance specific to your business and jurisdiction; the platform does not provide tax advice.

What happens next

Your access to an affiliate's tax document is authorized and logged, and only available while an active program relationship justifies it.

Common mistakes

Do not assume the platform files or withholds taxes on your behalf; it does not, since it never holds the funds being paid.