Why is Insight Timer enhancing the payment platform?
This new system will give you more flexibility in how you receive your income and help us manage payments smoothly as we continue to grow.
Who is Tipalti?
Tipalti is a global leader in payment automation, trusted by companies worldwide to manage and process payments efficiently.
What benefits will I receive with the new payment platform?
- The ability to select from multiple payment methods
- Competitive Foreign Exchange Rates
When will teachers start getting paid through this new platform?
Starting May 21st, all teacher payments will be processed through Tipalti. You’ll need to update your details as soon as possible to ensure you continue to receive payouts from April 2025 (paid in May 2025).
What do I need to do?
Please go to your Payment Settings tab in Teacher Dashboard here and follow these steps:
Step 1: “Address”
Verify your account with our 2-step verification process.
Enter your contact details, ensuring your first and last name exactly match the name on your bank account or chosen payment method.
Step 2: Payment Method
Select your preferred payment method and enter the relevant details.
- Local Bank Transfer (ACH/ eCheck)
- Wire Transfer
- Paper Check
- PayPal
Each payment method has its own minimum payout threshold and transaction fees. For full details, please refer to this table.
Here's a quick guide to help you choose.
Step 3 – Tax Forms
A tax form is only required once you earn $600 or more in a calendar year. However, we recommend submitting it early. Once you reach the $600 threshold, we won’t be able to process any payments until your tax form is on file.
Select “US Person” or “Non-US Person” based on what applies to you.
Step 4 – You’re Done!
When do I need to submit tax forms?
US Teachers: A digital W9 form will need to be submitted via the secure Tipalti portal on the Teacher Dashboard. Teachers who anticipate $600 USD in total earnings for the year should submit this form by April 30 to ensure uninterrupted payments.
Non-US Teachers: Submit a Non-U.S. Declaration form through the Tipalti portal before your total earnings reach $600 USD in the calendar year.
What happens if I don’t submit a tax form?
If your total earnings cross $600 USD and your tax form hasn’t been submitted, any payment that pushes you over the threshold, including that specific paycheck, won’t be processed until the form is completed.
For example, if you’ve earned $550 USD so far and your next payout is $60 USD, that payment will be held until your tax form is submitted.
Will my tax information be stored with Insight Timer?
No, this will be collected and stored securely with Tipalti. Tipalti will not have access to view this data.
Why do I have to submit tax forms?
The IRS requires that tax forms be submitted when earnings are $600 USD or over.
I’m happy with PayPal. Do I still need to update my details?
Yes. Even if you plan to continue using PayPal, you must update your payment details in the new system to ensure you receive payments from April 2025 (paid in May 2025).
Who pays the transaction fees?
Transaction fees are deducted from your earnings before payout. These are set by Tipalti, our payment provider, and vary depending on the payment method you choose.
How much are the transaction fees?
Fees vary by payment method. Be sure to double-check your payment information to avoid delays or extra fees if a transaction fails due to incorrect information.
If your earnings don’t meet the minimum threshold (see the "Threshold (USD)" column below) in a given month, your funds will automatically roll over until you reach the required amount or update your payment method.
Payment Method | Details | Fees (Per transaction, USD) | Threshold (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
Paypal (US) | Paypal to a US account | $1 Tipalti Fee + 2% (Up to $2 in total) | $10 |
Paypal (Non-US) | Paypal to a non-US account | $1 Tipalti Fee + 2% (Up to $21 in total) | $10 |
ACH (US) | Local bank transfer in the US in USD | $1 | $10 |
Global ACH/ eCheck | Local bank transfer/Global International ACH, also known as eCheck | $7 | $50 |
Paper check | Check price includes printing, mailing, and check clearing | $1.99 | $10 |
Wire USD Domestic | Wire transfer USD to USD, U.S. Payee Account | $15 | $50 |
Wire - International USD to Local Currency | Non-USD Wire transfer | $20 | $50 |
Wire - International USD to USD | Wire transfer USD to USD, International Payee account (where local currency is not available) | $26 | $50 |
Foreign Exchange Fees
Foreign exchange fees depend on the country, payment amount, and exchange rate. These typically range from 1.5%–3%, which is lower than PayPal’s usual 3%–4% currency conversion rates.
What happens if I enter the wrong bank details and the payment is rejected?
A rejection fee in USD will be charged to you by Tipalti, and this will vary depending on the payment method; see below:
- US ACH - $11
- Global ACH / International ACH/ eCheck - $25
- Wire transfers - $25
Your bank may also charge a return fee in addition to the rejection fee if the payment details are not correct.
What happens if I don’t update my payment details?
If you don’t update your payment details, we won’t be able to process your payments, and you may incur additional fees.
Important notes:
Payment processors may charge a fee for any failed payments due to incorrect banking information. Please ensure your banking information is correct and the name you entered in Tipalti matches the name on your Bank Account and Tax Form to avoid incurring any fees. Please note that your bank can charge additional fees.
What if I live in a sanctioned country?
Due to international sanctions, we’re currently unable to process payments in certain countries. Your earnings will be held until we can resume processing.
Which method should I use if PayPal is restricted in my region?
If PayPal is unavailable in your region, you can select from one of the other payment options; these will automatically be shown according to your region.
I'm not sure which payment method is best for me. Can you help?
Here's a quick guide to help you choose:
- For domestic payments within the United States:
We recommend ACH (Automated Clearing House) for the smoothest and most cost-effective transfer.
- For international payments under $300:
PayPal is usually the better option here, as the 2% fee tends to stay below the $7 eCheck flat fee.
- For international payments over $300:
We suggest using eCheck, which has a flat fee of $7.
By comparison, PayPal charges a 2% fee, which becomes more expensive as the amount increases. For example, a $301 payment via PayPal would cost $7.02, and the fee will continue to rise with higher amounts (capped at $21).
Please note that both PayPal and eCheck may apply foreign exchange (FX) fees if you choose to receive payment in a currency different from your bank account.
Will I have to pay withholding tax if I fill out the Non-US Declaration?
No, withholding tax will not be collected, but please ensure you speak to your tax advisor to confirm what your tax liabilities are.
I am a Canadian teacher. However, I have a US$ bank account at a Canadian bank. Is it possible for money to be deposited into a US$ account in Canada?
Teachers with a USD bank account in Canada can opt for ACH; you will need to know the routing and SWIFT details to complete the ACH payment method information. You should contact your bank if you don’t have these details.
What is the equivalent of an IBAN transfer on Tipalti?
For international bank transfers, Tipalti typically uses IBAN, SWIFT, or BIC codes. If you have a U.S. bank account, you’ll need an ABA (also known as a “routing number”).
How do I receive 2FA (two-factor authentication) codes if I’m roaming internationally or if I don’t have a phone?
2FA codes cannot be issued to registered numbers while on international roaming. We recommend registering with a local number to ensure you can receive the authentication code. To reset 2FA on a different number, please contact finance@insighttimmer.com
Alternative solution: You can try using Google Voice (https://voice.google.com/about) to receive 2FA codes.
If you still encounter issues, please contact finance@insighttimmer.com.
My EIN keeps getting rejected when I submit the form. Can I email you my W-9?
Typically, when Tipalti rejects an EIN, it means there’s a name mismatch between the entity name you entered and the IRS database.
Please note that even if you entered an EIN, Tipalti may display a generic error referencing to “TIN.”
Please ensure that the legal business name (as registered with the IRS) exactly matches what you enter.
For more details on correctly entering the Tax form on Tipalti, please go to the Tipalti FAQ section “Taxation.”
If you still face issues, you may share the W-9 form directly with finance@insighttimmer.com, but oftentimes, the best step is to double-check your spelling and the name-EIN combination on record.
Can the name on my bank account differ from the name on my tax forms?
Ideally, the Bank Account Name = Tipalti Account Name = Name on Tax Form.
If the bank account name differs from the name on the tax form, you’ll generally need Tipalti Compliance approval.
For this, please provide valid documentation (bank statements, business certificates, etc.) as proof of ownership or matching entity names via finance@insighttimer.com.
My business bank account has a different name than my personal name. How should I set this up?
If you use a business bank account, set your Tipalti account type to “Company” and enter your business name exactly as it appears on the bank account
Double-check your bank statement to ensure the name matches perfectly.
If your documents are all in your personal name but the business name is on the bank account, consider switching your account type to Company with the business name. For tax forms, ensure the legal entity name matches what the IRS or your local tax authority has on record.
My W-9 is “stuck”, and the system won’t accept my name or answers. How can I move forward?
Tipalti’s forms are sensitive to exact matches with IRS data. Small discrepancies (spelling, punctuation) can lead to rejections.
If you’re unsure of the correct entries, try the following:
- Verify the exact legal name and EIN on your IRS documentation.
- Clear your browser cache and reload the form.
- If it’s still “stuck,” record a video/screenshot of your entries and error messages and share them via finance@insighttimer.com.
My TIN/EIN validation keeps failing, but I’m certain I entered it correctly. What else can I do?
Even if you’re entering an EIN, Tipalti’s error message might say “TIN.” Confirm that your EIN or TIN is correct and that the business name exactly matches IRS records. Please reach out to finance@insighttimer.com if you are still having issues.
I’m a digital nomad without a permanent address or fixed phone number. Because two-factor authentication (2FA) typically requires receiving a verification code via SMS, and Tipalti’s system also needs a stable address that matches my bank’s country, I’m worried my frequent moves might invalidate my banking or tax info. How can I handle 2FA under these circumstances?
Most 2FA systems send a one-time code via text or call. If you don’t have a long-term mobile plan, consider using a virtual phone service (e.g., Google Voice) that can receive SMS in multiple locations.
However, because Tipalti requires an address matching your bank’s country, updating your account each time you move could trigger repeated verification requests or cause mismatches, potentially delaying payments or placing temporary holds on your account.
If maintaining a consistent address and phone number is not feasible, PayPal may be a better option for digital nomads, as it can handle cross-border transactions with fewer location requirements.
I have a USD bank account at a Canadian bank, but Tipalti rejects my routing number. How do I fix this?
Many Canadian banks issue USD accounts but do not necessarily support U.S. ACH routing numbers.
First, confirm with your bank that ACH payments are accepted. If the bank doesn’t provide a valid U.S. routing number, Tipalti may reject the entry because it’s not recognized as a U.S. bank.
You can ask your Canadian bank for their SWIFT/BIC details or an ABA that might be provided for cross-border wire transfers.
Will I receive funds during U.S. bank holidays or weekends?
No. If U.S. banks are closed, transactions will be processed on the next business day. Similarly, if your local bank is closed due to a local holiday, you’ll receive funds once your bank reopens.
My name (or address) contains special characters (e.g., å, ä, ö), but Tipalti won’t accept them. What do I do?
Tipalti currently doesn’t support special characters in certain fields. As a workaround, replace any special characters with their closest ASCII equivalents—for example, “å” becomes “a” and “ö” becomes “o.” While this minor change won’t affect transaction processing on your bank’s side, please be aware it won’t reflect the exact spelling of your name or address.
I’m having trouble entering my name for PayPal on Tipalti, it keeps getting rejected. What do I do?
Often, the name in Tipalti must match the PayPal account holder name exactly (including capitalization, spacing, and avoiding special characters). If you continue to experience rejections, please share a screenshot or screen recording of the error, along with any supporting documentation, to finance@insighttimer.com so we can investigate further.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
If you have any further questions or need assistance, please reach out to finance@insighttimer.com, and our team will be happy to help.