Most guides tell you to "sign up for KDP and start publishing." What they skip: the account configuration steps that, if missed, block your royalty payments or create tax complications months after you've started publishing.
This guide covers the complete KDP account setup — from creation through tax interview and banking — so you're paid correctly from your first sale.
Step 1: Create Your Amazon Account
KDP uses your existing Amazon account. If you already shop on Amazon, you can use the same login at kdp.amazon.com.
Important: Use the Amazon account associated with the country/marketplace where you want to be paid (US account for USD payments, UK account for GBP, etc.).
If you don't have an Amazon account:
- Go to amazon.com
- Click "Account & Lists" → "Start here"
- Create with a valid email address
- Use a password you'll remember — this is your permanent publishing account
Step 2: Sign in to KDP
Go to kdp.amazon.com and sign in with your Amazon account. On your first visit:
- Read and accept the KDP Terms and Conditions
- KDP Bookshelf opens — this is your publishing dashboard
Step 3: Complete the Tax Interview (Critical)
Don't skip this. Amazon withholds royalties until you complete the tax interview. Many publishers wonder why they're not getting paid — it's the tax interview.
For US Publishers (W-9)
- From KDP Bookshelf → click your account name (top right) → Account
- Scroll to "Tax Information" → "View/Provide Tax Information"
- Select "US tax interview"
- Provide:
- Legal name (must match your IRS records)
- Tax classification (Individual, Sole Proprietor, or business entity)
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Confirm address
Amazon automatically withholds 30% of royalties until a W-9 is on file. After completing the W-9, withholding stops and you receive full royalties going forward. Previously withheld amounts may not be recoverable.
For Non-US Publishers (W-8BEN)
Non-US publishers complete a W-8BEN form:
- Same path: Account → Tax Information
- Select "Non-US tax interview"
- Provide:
- Country of residence
- Tax ID from your country (varies by country)
- Beneficial owner certification
Tax treaty rates: Many countries have tax treaties with the US that reduce withholding below 30%. Complete the tax treaty section carefully — entering your country correctly may reduce your withholding rate to 0–15%.
Example:
- UK publishers: 0% withholding rate under US-UK tax treaty
- Canadian publishers: 0% withholding rate under US-Canada treaty
- Australian publishers: 5% withholding rate
- No treaty countries: 30% withholding
Complete the W-8BEN correctly to benefit from your country's treaty rate.
Tax Interview Expiration
W-8BEN forms expire every 3 years. Amazon will notify you. Failing to update results in reverting to 30% withholding.
Step 4: Set Up Your Payment Method
US Publishers
Direct deposit to a US bank account is the standard and fastest payment method:
- Account → Payment → "Add a bank account"
- Enter:
- Bank name
- Account type (checking or savings)
- Routing number (9-digit number, bottom-left of check)
- Account number
Payment threshold: $10 minimum for direct deposit. Payments are issued 60 days after end of the sales month (January sales → paid end of March).
Non-US Publishers
Options vary by country. Most publishers outside the US can use:
- Direct deposit (if your bank accepts USD wire transfers — check with your bank)
- Check (sent by mail; slower; $100 minimum threshold)
- Electronic funds transfer (in some countries)
For publishers in the UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU countries: Amazon often supports direct local currency deposit. Look for the "Payment Options" section in your account to see what's available for your country.
Minimum Payment Thresholds
| Payment method | Minimum threshold |
|---|---|
| Direct deposit (US) | $10 |
| Wire transfer (international) | $100 |
| Check (US) | $100 |
| Check (international) | $100 |
Step 5: Configure Your Marketplace Settings
KDP sells across multiple Amazon marketplaces. Your account settings determine which markets you're registered for:
- Amazon.com (US) — enabled by default
- Amazon.co.uk (UK) — enabled by default
- Amazon.de (Germany) — enabled by default
- Amazon.fr (France) — enabled by default
- Amazon.es (Spain) — enabled by default
- Amazon.it (Italy) — enabled by default
- Amazon.co.jp (Japan) — enabled by default
- Amazon.ca (Canada) — enabled by default
- Amazon.com.au (Australia) — enabled by default
- Amazon.com.br (Brazil) — enabled by default
- Amazon.com.mx (Mexico) — enabled by default
- Amazon.in (India) — enabled by default
All marketplaces are enabled by default unless you specifically opt out. Leave all enabled — international sales add up.
Step 6: Set Up Author Central
Author Central (authorcentral.amazon.com) is a separate but connected tool:
- Sign in with your KDP Amazon account
- Claim your author page
- Add bio, photo, and book links
Complete Author Central setup within your first week of publishing. See the Author Central guide for full details.
Account Verification for New Publishers
Amazon sometimes requests identity verification for new KDP accounts, especially:
- When publishing begins very quickly after account creation
- When account information doesn't match tax information
- For publishers in certain countries
If you receive a verification request:
- Respond promptly (within 7 days)
- Provide the requested documentation (government ID, bank statement matching your address)
- Don't create a second account — complete the verification on your existing account
Common Account Setup Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Skipping tax interview | 30% withholding on all royalties; possible payment block | Complete W-9/W-8BEN immediately |
| Wrong legal name in tax form | IRS mismatch; payment complications | Use exactly the name on your tax documents |
| Using a friend's bank account | Payment complications; potential TOS violation | Must use your own bank account |
| Creating multiple KDP accounts | Account suspension | Use one account; manage pen names within it |
| Not verifying email | Can't recover account if password lost | Verify your email immediately after signup |
Managing Multiple Pen Names Under One Account
One KDP account can publish books under unlimited pen names. The account holder's legal information is used for tax/payment purposes. Each book's "Author Name" field can be any name you choose.
Set up Author Central pages for each pen name separately. See the Pen Names guide for details.
Account Security
Your KDP account controls your publishing activity and royalty payments. Secure it:
- Enable two-factor authentication: Amazon Account → Login & Security → Two-Step Verification
- Use a strong, unique password: Not your standard password
- Don't share account access: If you have a VA or assistant, use KDP's "Grant Access" feature rather than sharing your login
- Check for unrecognized books: If someone accesses your account, they could publish books under your name
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the tax interview take?
10–15 minutes for most publishers. Have your SSN/EIN (US) or foreign tax ID ready.
Do I need a business entity to publish on KDP?
No. Publishing as an individual (sole proprietor) is common and fully legal. Using an LLC is optional — some publishers do it for liability separation and business tax benefits, but it's not required.
Can I change my payment method later?
Yes. Account → Payment → update at any time. Changes take effect for the next payment cycle.
What if I'm publishing from a country without a tax treaty with the US?
You'll pay the standard 30% withholding on US marketplace royalties. Non-US marketplace royalties (Amazon.co.uk, etc.) are not subject to US withholding. This is a real cost — factor it into your income expectations.
How do I know my tax interview was accepted?
After completion, the Tax Information section in your account shows "Tax Interview Complete" with a green indicator. If withholding continues, contact KDP support to verify.
Checklist: Complete KDP Account Setup
- Amazon account created (or existing account used)
- Signed in to kdp.amazon.com
- Terms and Conditions accepted
- Tax interview completed (W-9 or W-8BEN)
- Bank account added for direct deposit
- Email verified
- Two-factor authentication enabled
- Author Central account created at authorcentral.amazon.com
Complete all items before publishing your first book. The tax interview especially — each week of delay is a week of potentially withheld royalties.
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