South African Revenue Service (Sars) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter targets social media influencers to recover R513 billion in unpaid taxes. Image: Daily Investor.
(The Post News)– The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has made it clear that all individuals earning income—including social media influencers—are required to pay tax, regardless of how they are remunerated.
Whether earnings come in the form of cash, gifts, sponsorships, or brand deals, it considers this taxable income under South African law.
The revenue encourages social influencers to declare income earned from brand collaboration, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing, whether they have been paid in cash, products, or services. These taxpayers, like all others, are making a significant contribution to the health of our country and its democracy.
Edward Kieswetter, SARS Commissioner, said that SARS is eager to collaborate with this sector, offering them a smooth taxpayer experience in addition to transparency and certainty. He stressed that the revenue was willing to assist honest taxpayers to comply with their tax obligations. “I am reminding social influencers to uphold their end of the bargain.”
Kieswetter said the revenue has prepared products and videos to help these taxpayers to meet their obligations. SARS aims to do much more in terms of outreach and education. It will also provide seminars and webinars as well as rulings to educate taxpayers about their obligations.
Managing partner at Accountants on Point, Mohau Lebese, warned influencers to comply with the law because some were lacking knowledge and said they tend not to comply. Lebese also encouraged them to get their tax affairs in check ahead of these system upgrades. Influencers must now pay close attention to the nature of their brand collaborations and accurately report all forms of compensation to the revenue.
About the Author
