CA ANZ recently provided feedback to Inland Revenue on their draft interpretations statement PUB00365: Content Creators – Tax Issues. When finalised, this statement will provide content creators (such as bloggers, online game streamers and influences) with a useful and succinct summary of the tax obligations. 

It’s important to note that this statement does not introduce new tax law or obligations. Rather, it explains the existing law in a way that is relevant to content creators. CA ANZ have heard of several instances during the consultation process where people have thought this statement was imposing new rules for content creators. One of the areas that is worth noting, and is covered well within this statement, including with several examples, relates to when content creators receive products from other businesses. While the content creator may have believed these to be ‘gifts’, in many cases these are considered non-monetary receipts and are considered income. 

CA ANZ makes minor suggestions to make the statement accessible to taxpayers who may be new to business and managing their tax affairs.