Who this is for
- Creators paid by platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or Twitch
- Influencers paid by brands in Canada, the United States, India or elsewhere
- Creators who receive free products or trips in return for content
- Streamers and podcasters with subscriptions, tips, affiliate income or merchandise
- Creators whose income is approaching or has passed $30,000 a year
- Creators who have incorporated, or are thinking about it
What to bring
- Platform payout statements for the year, and any year-end reporting slips from platforms
- Brand contracts and invoices, and proof of payment
- A list of products, trips or services you received in return for content, with what they would cost to buy
- Statements for foreign payments, including any tax the payer withheld
- Receipts for equipment, software, editing help, phone, internet and travel for content
- Your GST number and past GST returns, if you are registered
What we help with
- Platform income. Ad revenue, subscriptions, tips and creator funds, matched to your payout statements.
- Brand deals. Sponsorship and affiliate income, in Canada or abroad.
- Foreign income. Converted to Canadian dollars, with any foreign tax withheld claimed where it applies.
- Products instead of money. Listed and valued, so they are reported correctly.
- Expenses. Equipment, software, editing and other costs of making content, with the personal share taken out.
- GST. Whether you need to register, when, and whether to charge GST to each client, including foreign brands.
- Records. A simple way to keep the year organised, so next year’s return is quicker.
How it works
- Call or request a callback. Tell us where your income comes from.
- Bring your statements. We go through each income source and your expenses with you.
- We prepare and file. Your return includes a business statement for your content income. If you are registered, we can prepare your GST returns too.
If your content business is incorporated, the corporation files its own T2 return. See corporate tax.
Fees
Fees depend on how many income sources you have and how organised your records are. We confirm the fee before we begin. See how our fees work.
Common questions
Do I have to report income from a US or Indian brand?
Yes, if you live in Canada. Income from anywhere goes on your Canadian return. Each payment is converted to Canadian dollars. Tax already withheld abroad may be claimed as a credit.
Are free products income?
When you receive them in return for content, yes. They are valued at what they would cost to buy. We help you list and value them.
When do I need a GST number?
Once your taxable sales pass $30,000 in one calendar quarter or over the last four quarters together. Payments from foreign brands count toward that, even when no GST is charged to them.
Does the CRA know what I earned online?
Increasingly, yes. Platforms now report seller payments to the CRA every year. It is safest to assume your figures will be compared.
Can I speak to someone in Punjabi or Hindi?
Yes. Our team speaks English, Punjabi and Hindi. Tell us your preferred language when you call or request a callback.
Read before you call
- Do I charge GST to a US brand that hired me for content?
- Paid by brands in the US, India or overseas? 6 tax things Canadian creators should know
- When does an influencer need a GST number? 5 things to watch
- Influencer taxes in Canada: 7 types of income creators forget to report
Related services
- Bookkeeping, Payroll and GST Filing in Surrey
- Self-Employed and Small Business Tax Returns in Surrey
- Corporate Tax Returns in Surrey
This page describes our service in general terms and is not advice about your individual situation.