Tax returns for influencers and content creators
YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitch and brand deals. We sort out what's income, claim what you're entitled to and lodge your return online, checked by a Chartered Accountant.
Do influencers pay tax in Australia?
Short answer: Yes. Brand deals, platform payouts, affiliate commissions, tips and subscriptions are all income, and so are free products and trips you get in return for promoting them. The ATO is actively checking creators' income. You can claim the business share of your gear, software and other costs of making content.
| Expense | Usually claimable? | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Cameras, lighting and microphones | Yes | Dearer items may need to be claimed over several years. |
| Phone and internet | Business share | Needs a reasonable work percentage. |
| Editing software and apps | Yes | Subscriptions like Adobe, CapCut Pro or Canva. |
| Props and set items | If used only for content | Items you also use day to day are private. |
| Clothing, makeup and hair | Usually not | Personal appearance costs aren't deductible, even if worn on camera. |
| Manager or agency fees | Yes | Including platform and payment fees. |
| Ads and paid promotion | Yes | Boosted posts and ads that grow the business. |
| Home office | Business share | Depends on how you work from home and the records you keep. |
| Accounting and bank fees | Yes | Including last year's tax return fee. |
Only the business share of anything you also use privately is deductible. Tick off your own costs with our deductions checklist.
Worked example
This is an example, not a real client. Mia is a lifestyle creator. In 2025–26 Mia was paid $57,000 from brand deals and platform payouts, kept $5,000 of products given in return for promoting them, and had $9,000 of business costs.
2025–26 resident rates. The gifted products alone added about $1,500 to Mia's tax. Your figure depends on your income, costs and offsets.
Are gifted products and free trips taxable?
Usually, yes. If your content is a business, products, services and trips you receive for promotional work are income at their value, even if no money changes hands. See the ATO's guidance for content creators. Not sure what you need to declare? Book a free 15-minute meeting and Gavin will go through it with you.
Is my content a hobby or a business?
Once you're posting regularly to earn money from brands or platforms, the ATO generally treats it as a business, even part-time alongside a job. If you're not sure where you sit, book a free 15-minute meeting and Gavin will go through it with you.
Why creators use an accountant
Income comes from everywhere: overseas platforms, brands, affiliate links and products. We pull it together, value the gifted items properly, claim what you're entitled to and keep you clear of the ATO. Every return is checked by a Chartered Accountant before it's lodged.
Common mistakes we fix
- Leaving out gifted products and sponsored trips
- Missing income paid by overseas platforms
- Claiming everyday clothes and makeup
- Not registering for GST after passing $75,000
- Not setting money aside, then getting a large tax bill
Influencer tax questions
Do I have to declare free products as income?
If you received them for promotional work, generally yes, at their value. Book a free 15-minute meeting and Gavin will go through it with you.
Do I need an ABN as an influencer?
If you're running it as a business, an ABN is usually a good idea, and many brands ask for one. We can set it up for you.
Do I pay tax on YouTube or TikTok money paid from overseas?
Yes. Australian residents pay tax on worldwide income, so overseas platform payments go on your return.
Can I claim my clothes and makeup?
Usually not. The ATO treats clothing, makeup and hair as personal, even if you wear them on camera. Book a free 15-minute meeting and Gavin will go through it with you.
How much should I put aside for tax?
It depends on your income and costs. Book a free 15-minute meeting and Gavin will go through it with you.
Guides for influencers
Other industries
What our clients say
In their own words, from clients we prepare returns for every year.
- ★★★★★
“The turnaround time is another thing I am very grateful for. Once I have all my documents in [their] hands the lodgement of my statement is extremely quick.”
Jack M. · client for 4+ years, side business and personal tax - ★★★★★
“I've been going through various tax accountants over the years trying to find someone who could reliably handle the somewhat complex setup, including foreign income, capital gains etc. and who'd handle things online, i.e. without me having to print hundreds of pages, in-person discussions and phone calls having to go through personal financial details in the supermarket, or having to chase after them the day before a tax deadline. Honestly, Gavin has been the first where I feel my taxes finally are in good hands, and I've tried both big companies and small independents. The website can be a bit janky, but the service is top notch.”
Alex H.Google review · October 2025 - ★★★★★
“I'm a first time client and I must say Gavin is amazing! I experienced a visa and tax residency change last FY so my tax return was a little complicated, but Gavin provided excellent professional support from start to finish. I'll be coming back next year!!”
Alyssa K.Google review · September 2026
Show 2 more reviews
- ★★★★★
“We are extremely satisfied with the clear communication and fast, professional service we received from Gavin. We will definitely use him for our annual tax returns from now on. Highly recommended!”
Sonja C.Google review · December 2025 - ★★★★★
“Gavin has been doing my tax for years. 5 stars every time. Cheers!”
Chris H.Google review · March 2026