Revenue publishes new guidance on social media and promotional activities

Revenue has published two new manuals providing guidance on the tax treatment of income arising from social media and certain promotional activities.

The guidance on taxation of income from social media and promotional activities outlines the relevant income tax and corporation tax treatment and the new tax and duty manual on the VAT treatment of social media influencers outlines the application of the various VAT rules to influencers and the related VAT compliance obligations.

The manual on the taxation of income from social media and promotional activities sets out the tax compliance obligations of persons engaged in such activities and confirms that this income is subject to tax, even when activity is carried out occasionally and is not the individual's or company's primary business or main source of income. Practical examples and details of tax registration are included in the manual.

In the VAT guidance, Revenue confirms that there are no special VAT rules for influencers, and the activity is subject to the ordinary VAT rules. The manual includes practical examples, details on registration obligations and guidance on VAT deductibility.