Taxing content creators is not advisable as the sector is still expanding – Kwadwo Sheldon.

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Taxing content creators is not advisable as the sector is still expanding – Kwadwo Sheldon.

Ghanaian YouTuber and content creator, Kwadwo Sheldon, has expressed his opposition to the Ghana Revenue Authority's (GRA) proposal to tax content cr

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Ghanaian YouTuber and content creator, Kwadwo Sheldon, has expressed his opposition to the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) proposal to tax content creators in Ghana who earn foreign income from their online activities. In 2023, the GRA announced its intention to tax individuals earning foreign income via the internet, specifically targeting content creators and influencers on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat, among others.

According to the GRA, Ghana’s income tax law requires all income earners to file their taxes, which includes bloggers, brand influencers, content creators, and others.

In an interview with BBC Africa, Kwadwo Sheldon shared his concerns, stating that such taxation would negatively impact the still-growing content creation industry.

“It’s unfavorable to us… we’re still building; it’s not yet a buoyant industry. If you keep taxing us, what will we have left at the end of the day? You can see the average earnings of each creator on Social Blade. Not every content creator getting views on Facebook is making a profit,” he said.

“Before we even receive the YouTube money, they take a cut. The US government takes its share. So, if you earn $1,000 a month, you might only take home $500,” he added.

Sheldon argued that additional taxes would significantly diminish content creators’ earnings, stifling industry growth.

Contrary to the belief that content creators don’t pay taxes, Sheldon explained that they do, through means such as brand advertising.

He also pointed out the taxes paid when compensating employees and collaborating with brands, underscoring the significant taxes already contributed.

“We work with people; when we pay them, they file their personal taxes, and we make sure to comply with all tax obligations,” he concluded.