Selling feet pics might sound like easy, tax-free cash—but guess what? The ATO doesn’t care where...
So, you’re making money as an influencer. Brand deals, YouTube, Tiktok, instagram revenue, OnlyFans subscriptions, Twitch donations, or PR gifts—but how much tax do you actually have to pay?
The answer depends on a few factors:
- How much you earn
- Whether you’re a sole trader or a company
- What deductions you can claim
- Whether you’re paying tax throughout the year or all at once
Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect.
How Is Influencer Income Taxed?
As an influencer, your income is taxed the same way as any other self-employed individual or business owner. If you’re a sole trader, your influencer income is added to any other earnings (like a part-time job) and taxed at individual income tax rates:
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate (2024-2025) |
|---|---|
| $0 – $18,200 | 0% (Tax-free threshold) |
| $18,201 – $45,000 | 16c for each $1 over $18,200 |
| $45,001 – $135,000 | $4,288 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000 |
| $135,001 – $190,000 | $31.288 + 37c for each $1 over $135,000 |
| $190,001+ | $51,638 + 45c for each $1 over $190,000 |
💡The above rates do not include Medicare Levy of 2%
What About GST?
If your influencer income is over $75,000 per year, you must register for GST and charge 10% GST on any services you provide (like sponsored posts or event appearances).
💡 Example: If you charge a brand $1,000 for a sponsored post, you’ll need to add 10% GST, making the invoice $1,100 total. That extra $100 in GST needs to be paid to the ATO.
How Can I Reduce My Tax? (Legally!)
The best way to reduce your tax bill is by claiming deductions on expenses related to your content creation. Some common tax deductions include:
🎥 Equipment & Tech – Cameras, tripods, lighting, microphones, laptops
🏡 Home Office Costs – A portion of rent, electricity, internet
📱 Subscriptions & Services – Editing software (Adobe, Final Cut Pro), website hosting, social media tools
💄 Content-Related Products – Makeup, clothing, or accessories used only for content creation
✈️ Travel Costs – Flights, accommodation, meals (if work-related)
💡 Example: If you make $60,000 and claim $10,000 in expenses, your taxable income drops to $50,000, lowering your tax bill.
Will I Have a Big Tax Bill at the End of the Year?
If you’re making good money as an influencer, you might get a big tax bill at tax time. To avoid a nasty surprise, consider setting up Pay As You Go (PAYG) instalments—this lets you pay tax in small amounts throughout the year instead of one big lump sum.
💡 Tip: The ATO might automatically enrol you in PAYG instalments if your income hits a certain level, but you can opt-in voluntarily to make things easier.
Need Help? We Get Influencers.
At Dolman Bateman Chartered Accountants, we:
✔ Know influencers' tax inside out – No guesswork, just expert advice.
✔ Help you stay compliant – Avoid ATO trouble and unexpected tax bills.
✔ Ensure you claim the right deductions – Maximise what you can legally claim.
✔ Set up the right tax structure – Sole trader or company? We’ll guide you.
✔ Make tax easy for you – So you can focus on your brand!
🚀 Book a consultation today and let’s get your influencer income sorted!
📩 Contact us now before tax time sneaks up on you.
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