Question 1

Why is the IPI/CAE Number Mandatory for Registration?

Accepted Answer

An IPI (Interested Party Information) number is a unique 9-to-11-digit identifier assigned by your PRO (BMI, ASCAP, etc.). Unlike your account number, the IPI is public-facing and identifies you globally as a rightsholder. You cannot register a song or receive performance royalties without it. On Split-Sheet.com, we require this field to ensure your PDF is "PRO-Ready"—meaning you can upload the data directly to your PRO portal without missing info.

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Question 2

Why do I need a split sheet?

Accepted Answer

Split sheets document who owns what percentage of a song so everyone can register correctly and get paid on time. When you register a work with your PRO, you must enter writer and publisher shares, and those shares must add up correctly. A written split sheet keeps everyone aligned and makes PRO registration faster and more accurate. ASCAP uses a 50% writer / 50% publisher model, while BMI uses a 200% total model (100% writer / 100% publisher), so having clear splits avoids confusion across systems. References: https://alp.ascap.com/Registration and https://www.bmi.com/pdfs/work-reg-e.pdf

Question 3

What is a Music Split Sheet and is it Legally Binding?

Accepted Answer

A split sheet is a written agreement that lists each contributor’s ownership percentage in a composition. It becomes legally binding only when all parties sign it. The free Split-Sheet.com PDF is a documentation tool that keeps everyone aligned and makes ASCAP/BMI registration easier by giving you clean, accurate splits to enter in each portal. ASCAP’s registration uses a 50% writer / 50% publisher model, while BMI uses a 200% total model (100% writer / 100% publisher), so the split sheet prevents mistakes and delays. References: https://alp.ascap.com/Registration and https://www.bmi.com/pdfs/work-reg-e.pdf

Question 4

BMI vs. ASCAP: Why do the percentages look different?

Accepted Answer

The most confusing part of song splits is the 200% vs 100% logic. BMI uses a 200% scale, writer and publisher each have a full 100% share. ASCAP uses a 100% scale, the total song is 100% with 50% writer and 50% publisher. Our generator normalizes these so your PDF stays accurate across societies. Example: "Writer Share 25%" on Split-Sheet.com is ASCAP scale, a BMI member would register 50% in their portal.

Question 5

Do Producers Get Publishing on a Split Sheet?

Accepted Answer

In modern music (especially Hip-Hop and Pop), producers are almost always considered co-writers. Unless the producer was paid a "Work for Hire" fee and signed a waiver, they are entitled to a percentage of the composition (Publishing). A standard starting point is a 50/50 split between the "Track" (Producer) and the "Topline" (Songwriter/Vocalist), though this is always negotiable.

Question 6

How do I register a song with BMI vs. ASCAP using a split sheet?

Accepted Answer

To register your song, take the data from your split sheet and enter it into your PRO's online portal (BMI Works Registration or ASCAP Member Access). Ensure the IPI numbers and legal names match exactly what is in the PRO database. BMI works on a 200% total scale (100% Writer / 100% Publisher), while ASCAP uses a 100% scale (50% Writer / 50% Publisher). References: https://alp.ascap.com/Registration and https://www.bmi.com/pdfs/work-reg-e.pdf

Question 7

Is a digital signature on a split sheet legally binding?

Accepted Answer

Digital signatures can be legally binding when they include a proper audit trail (timestamp, signer identity, and document integrity). Split-Sheet.com plans to offer a signature workflow so collaborators can sign once and receive a fully executed PDF.

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