Tax Strategies for Growing Influencers: ATO Tips to Stay Ahead of the Game when Making Money on Instagram, YouTube, OnlyFans, Twitch, or Patreon
- Arnold Shields
- Jun 7, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: May 15
Shout Out to Influencers and Content Creators: Your Tax Guide Starts Here!
Being Insta-famous or TikTok-trending is great, but let’s talk about something just as important as engagement: taxes. If you’re monetising your content in Australia, it's time to treat your platform like a business and stay compliant.
Creating Online Content as a Business
Choose Your Business Structure
Are you running a business or just winging it? As a content creator, you’ll need to decide whether to operate as a sole trader or set up a company.
Sole trader: Simple setup, but you’re personally liable for any tax debts.
Company: Offers liability protection, but it comes with more reporting and admin.
Get advice from a tax professional to determine what structure suits your income, lifestyle, and growth plans.
Declare Your Income (All of It!)
1. Know Your Income Sources
Brand deals, affiliate links, sponsored posts, ad revenue—it all counts. Even tips and crypto payments. Keep records of everything. The ATO is watching.
2. What Counts as Income?
It’s not just cash. If you receive something in return for promoting a brand, it’s income. This includes:
Clothing, jewellery or accessories
Makeup and skincare products
Gaming consoles or merchandise
Flights and hotel stays
Digital assets like NFTs and crypto
Services from other businesses
Anything else that’s provided in place of payment
Valuing Gifts and Non-Cash Benefits
You must report these items at their market value, what a stranger would pay for them. Yes, even that gifted $1,000 handbag counts.
Stay Organised with Your Records
3. Keep Your Records in Check
Sloppy bookkeeping = audit risk. Use software like Xero or QuickBooks to record income, expenses, and deductions. Don’t rely on memory. Keep receipts and invoices organised and accessible.
What Deductions Can I Claim?
Influencers can claim deductions for business-related expenses. Some common examples include:
a) Equipment & SoftwarePhones, cameras, microphones, lighting, editing software—if you use it for content creation, it’s likely deductible.
b) Marketing & PromotionAd spend, boosting posts, agency fees, graphic design—track all marketing costs.
c) Internet & PhoneClaim a portion based on business use. Keep a usage log or percentage estimate.
d) Travel & AccommodationIf the trip is for business purposes (shoots, events, collabs), the costs are claimable.
e) Gifts Received & Used for ContentIf you declare a gifted webcam’s value as income and use it to create content, you can claim part of it as a business expense.
Keep Business and Personal Separate
Open a separate business bank account. It’ll save you (and your accountant) a world of pain. When it’s time to lodge your tax return, you’ll have clear records and avoid mixing up your brunch bill with business expenses.
GST: Are You Over the Threshold?
If your influencer income exceeds $75,000 per year, you must register for GST.
That means:
Charging 10% GST on your services
Submitting regular BAS (Business Activity Statements)
Claiming back GST on business expenses
Get ahead of this before the ATO contacts you.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
Tax law isn’t static. The ATO frequently updates its guidance for digital businesses. Subscribe to updates or book a chat with a tax specialist. A little knowledge now can save a huge headache later.
Need Help?
Dolman Bateman has helped countless influencers and content creators manage their tax obligations, grow their businesses, and stay compliant. Book an appointment on (02) 9411 5422 or book a meeting below.
Stay compliant. Stay creative. And don’t let tax time catch you off guard.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal financial, legal or tax advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this content at the time of publication, tax laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances vary. Dolman Bateman accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage incurred as a result of acting on or relying upon any of the information contained herein. You should seek professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any financial or tax decision.
