YouTube to tax content creators outside US: What it means for UAE

By: Expat Media Published Date: March 13, 2021

YouTube is expected to start collecting taxes from non-US content creators.

PHOTO BY ARCHIVE

YouTube to tax content creators outside US: What it means for UAE

DUBAI – Google-owned YouTube has announced it will deduct taxes from payments to content creators outside of the US as early as June.

The tech giant said that non-US based creators will be levied additional tax of up to 24 percent of their total earnings worldwide.

“Over the next few weeks, we’ll be asking you to submit your tax info in AdSense to determine the correct amount of taxes to deduct, if any apply. If your tax info isn’t provided by May 31st, 2021, Google may be required to deduct up to 24 percent of your total earnings worldwide,” Google said in the email.

Here’s what we know so far

Why is YouTube doing this?

Google, which owns YouTube, has a responsibility under US laws to collect tax information from all monetizing creators outside the US, and in certain instances, to deduct taxes when these creators earn income from viewers in the US.

Where can these US earning on YouTube come from?

These US earnings on YouTube can come from ad views, YouTube Premium, Super chat, Super Stickers and channel memberships.

What do you need to do?

You need to submit your tax information before May 31, 2021.

When is the tax deduction expected to start?

Google will be required to deduct US taxes from payments to creators outside of the US as early as June 2021.

How much will you be taxed?

This depends on whether your valid tax form has been submitted, how much your channel earns from US viewers, and if your country has a tax treaty with the US.

What does this mean for UAE content creators?

Since the UAE doesn’t have a tax treaty with the US, content creators from the emirates can expect a total tax deduction of approximately $30 (Dh110) per month on their US earnings.

How do you submit tax info on YouTube?

Once logged on to your YouTube account, go to Payments, then click on Manage Settings. On the left side of the page, you will see an option to Manage your US Tax Info.

Click on this to launch the online form. You will be asked a series of questions to determine the appropriate tax form. This online tax form will be available in your selected language.

You can choose W-8BEN form for individuals or W-8BEN-E for business. If unsure, consult a tax consultant.

What if you don’t submit a tax info?

The tax rate is expected to be up to 24 per cent of total earnings worldwide if a creator does not submit tax info.

Why?

Because if you don’t submit a tax info, Google will assume you are a US citizen and therefore subject to tax deduction of up to 24 percent of your total earnings worldwide.