The Google Adsence Saga... continued plus Tax Resindency - day 8

Getting your Google "Residency Certified" with SARS

What the hell???

So, here we are, deep into the journey of trying to monetize my blog. And let me tell you, the excitement of getting my first payout from Google AdSense is starting to feel more like a distant dream than an imminent reality.

For those of you who might not know, once you hit a certain threshold with AdSense earnings, Google requires you to verify your address by sending a PIN via postal mail. You then enter this PIN on your AdSense account to unlock your funds. Simple enough, right? Well, not if you’re in South Africa.

The Postal Service Hurdle

Here’s the reality: 

Our postal service is in such a mess that even if Google sends the PIN three, four, or five times, chances are slim that you’ll ever receive it. I wish I was just the male version off a Karen but unfortunately there's countless online stories regarding our boys and girls in South Africa going through this struggle. A quick search online will reveal forum after forum of people sharing their frustration with the AdSense verification process here.

Google, Are You Listening?

It’s a bit disheartening that Google hasn’t seemed to consider the postal issues in countries like ours. You’d think there could be alternative methods for verification, especially given how many people are affected. But then again, as much as I’d love to see changes, I have to remind myself that AdSense is a privilege, not a necessity. 

We’re talking about a global platform designed with a one-size-fits-all approach. And unfortunately, in this case, it just doesn’t fit us.

We’ve learned to take these kinds of challenges on the chin. We don’t get discouraged—we adapt. So, while the PIN might not be arriving anytime soon, I’m not about to let that stop me. I’ll find a way to make this work, whether it means looking into alternative monetization options, or even partnering with someone who can help me navigate this tricky terrain.

If you are lucky enough to stand in line waiting for your Adsence pin, you Will have had to enjoy meeting our revenue services, aka SARS.

Google demands you to produce this document, only available from them.

The Tax Residency Struggle

And just when you think the hurdles are done,

Imagine climbing onto an extremely crowded bus in the middle of New Delhi, India, when the humidity is at its highest, with flies all over you—only to hear that your ticket is invalid. 

That’s what it feels like to apply for a tax residency certificate here. It’s a shitshow, that tests your patience at every turn. Guving up? Not an option. I'll  find a solution that works. Because that’s what we do—we find a way..

If you’re in the same boat, hang in there. We’ll figure this out together.Until next time,L