Yeah we are subject to a 15% withholding tax. No it's not zero for new writers. They must pay this if they want to get paid. The maximum withholding tax is about 30%, which many people are paying, for example people from Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc. Glad we're only paying 15%. Yeah, it's bit hard to give that % of money to govt, but keep in mind it goes to US govt, not Indian. Either way I'm okay with it.