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# Receiving Payouts |
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## How It Works |
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We use a direct-deposit payment model. When you sign up: |
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1. Connect or create a Stripe account |
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2. Verify your identity (Stripe requirement) |
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3. Link your bank account |
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4. Payments flow directly to you |
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## Payout Schedule |
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You control this in your [Stripe dashboard](https://dashboard.stripe.com): |
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- **Instant**: Available immediately (Stripe charges 1% in CA, EU, UK, SG, NO, HK, MY; 1.5% in US, AU, NZ, AE; minimum $0.50) |
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- **Daily**: Next business day |
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- **Weekly**: Every week on your chosen day |
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- **Monthly**: First of the month |
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Default is standard payouts (2-3 business days). New Stripe accounts have an initial 7-14 day hold on first payouts while Stripe verifies your account. |
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## Minimum Payout |
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Stripe requires a minimum balance before payout (typically $1). You can set a higher threshold if you prefer larger, less frequent payouts. |
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## International Creators |
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Stripe supports creators in [46+ countries](https://stripe.com/global). Payouts are converted to your local currency when it differs from USD. Conversion rates and fees are set by Stripe, not by us. |
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If your country isn't supported, contact us at info@makenot.work. We're working on alternatives. |
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## Tax Information |
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You are responsible for your own tax obligations. We do not withhold taxes, calculate VAT/GST, or act as a merchant of record. |
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### US Creators |
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- Stripe issues a **1099-K** if your gross payments exceed IRS [reporting thresholds](https://support.stripe.com/topics/1099-tax-forms) (check current rules, as the threshold has changed multiple times) |
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- You are responsible for reporting all income, including amounts below the 1099-K threshold |
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- We do not issue 1099-MISC or W-2 forms. Your relationship is with Stripe, not with us as an employer |
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- Keep your own records: your dashboard shows revenue charts and full transaction history, and you can export sales as CSV at any time |
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- Consult a tax professional if you are unsure about your obligations. This is not tax advice |
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### Non-US Creators |
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- Follow your local tax laws for self-employment or platform income |
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- Stripe provides transaction records and may issue tax forms required by your jurisdiction |
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- VAT/GST collection is your responsibility. We do not currently collect or remit taxes on your behalf |
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- We provide annual revenue summaries on request (email billing@makenot.work) |
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- If your country requires tax withholding on cross-border payments, Stripe handles this based on your W-8BEN or equivalent tax form |
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*Note: This guidance is informational and not tax advice. We recommend consulting a tax professional for your specific situation.* |
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## Viewing Earnings |
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Your dashboard shows: |
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- Revenue charts with selectable time periods (7d, 30d, 90d, all-time) |
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- Period-over-period comparison (revenue, sales, followers) |
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- Per-project and per-item breakdowns |
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- Full transaction history |
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Your [Stripe dashboard](https://dashboard.stripe.com) provides additional payout detail (pending transfers, completed payouts, payout schedule). |
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## Refunds |
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If a fan requests a refund and you approve: |
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- Funds deducted from your next payout |
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- Or from your Stripe balance |
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- Refund fees may apply ([Stripe refund policy](https://docs.stripe.com/refunds)) |
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You have full control over refund decisions. |
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## Stripe Account Issues |
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Your revenue flows through your own Stripe connected account. If Stripe suspends or restricts your account, we cannot override that. Steps to protect yourself: |
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- Complete Stripe's identity verification promptly during onboarding |
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- Respond to any Stripe emails about account reviews immediately |
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- Keep chargeback rates low (clear product descriptions, visible refund policy) |
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- Contact [Stripe support](https://support.stripe.com) directly for account issues |
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We have no ability to access, hold, or redirect your funds. This is by design: your money is always yours, but Stripe is the single point for payment issues. |
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If Stripe rejects your account during onboarding, we cannot currently offer an alternative payment processor. We are exploring additional options. If this affects you, contact us at info@makenot.work. |
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## Chargebacks (Disputes) |
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If a fan disputes a charge with their bank instead of requesting a refund from you: |
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- Stripe charges a **$15 dispute fee** regardless of outcome |
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- The disputed amount is held until the dispute is resolved (typically 60-90 days) |
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- You can submit evidence (proof of delivery, communication) through your Stripe dashboard |
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- If you win the dispute, the held funds are released back to you; the $15 fee is also refunded |
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- If you lose, the fan is refunded and you absorb both the sale amount and the $15 fee |
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Clear product descriptions, prompt communication, and a visible refund policy reduce dispute rates. |
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## See Also |
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- [You're the Merchant of Record](../about/merchant-of-record.md): What it means, pros and cons, tax tools |
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- [Analytics & Dashboard](./analytics.md): Revenue charts and transaction history |
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- [Pricing & Monetization](./03-selling.md): Setting prices and payment flow |
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- [Stripe: What You Need to Know](./stripe.md): Fees by country, currency conversion, Stripe Tax, chargeback protection |
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- [Stripe Global](https://stripe.com/global): Supported countries |
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- [Stripe Payouts](https://docs.stripe.com/payouts): Payout schedules and timing |
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