How do I get paid if I win?
Once the contest holder has made winner selections the contest will be updated with the winner information. Follow the link on the contest details page named “See Winners”. Most contest holders also announce winners within the forum. If you have won a prize, in most cases, your payment is automatically scheduled (see below).

When is my payment scheduled for processing?
TopCoder begins the payment process for Studio contests once the final files for the contest have been downloaded by the contest holder. This is the same day the contest holder designates winners. However, there are two scenarios where a payment may not be scheduled on that day:

1) If the payment must be designated manually. Manual payments can take up to 7 days to enter the system and be scheduled for payment.

2) If Final Fixes are requested. Payment is scheduled once fixes are delivered to the contest holder.

When will I get paid?
Payments of $25.00 or more are distributed on the 15th day of the following month. For example: a payment earned between January 1st and January 31st will be released on February 15.

Note: Release dates are based on the TopCoder, Inc. yearly calendar. If the 15th falls on a U.S. Holiday, payment may be delayed until the following non-holiday business day.

What do I need to do before I can get paid?

If this is the first prize you’re receiving from TopCoder, you must do the following before your payment can be processed:

1. Complete and return your Assignment Document. See more information about that here.

2. Complete and Submit an IRS tax form.

US Resident: http://studio.topcoder.com/pdfs/forms/fw9.pdf
Instructions: http://studio.topcoder.com/pdfs/forms/iw9.pdf

Non-US Resident: http://www.topcoder.com/contest/fw8ben.pdf
Instructions: http://www.topcoder.com/contest/iw8ben.pdf

The completed form must be mailed to:

TopCoder, Inc.,
Attn: TopCoder Payments
95 Glastonbury Blvd
Glastonbury, CT 06033 U.S.A.

You will only need to submit this form once. If you have already submitted an IRS tax form, you do not have to submit another one to receive your contest prize.

3. Notify the Payments department of your preferred payment method.

TopCoder offers the following forms of payment:
- Check
- PayPal
- Wire Transfer
The following link will provide full details. http://www.topcoder.com/wiki/display/tc/Payment+Methods
Please note that payments cannot be issued to a third party.  Your profile must reflect your legal name and mailing address before payments can be released.

Also TopCoder can donate your payment to the charity of your choice.  We have an extensive list of charitable organizations for you to choose from http://www.topcoder.com/wiki/display/tc/Charity+Donations.