Are You an Influencer? Understanding How the CRA Sees Your Online Earnings (Part 1)

Welcome to the vibrant world of content creation! If you're a social media influencer, blogger, or online content creator in Canada, you're part of the rapidly expanding platform economy. While your focus might be on engaging your audience, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) views your activities through a specific lens: income generation.

So, Who is an Influencer to the CRA? The CRA considers a social media influencer to be an individual with a significant online presence and audience. This broad definition includes content creators, online consultants, individuals who publish online content, or those who monetize their digital platforms in various ways. Essentially, if you're consistently generating income from your online activities, you're likely considered to be operating a business or self-employed by the CRA.

The Fundamental Rule: All Earnings Count! A key principle to grasp is that all income earned through your influencing activities — whether monetary or non-monetary — is generally considered taxable self-employment income. This means that every dollar (or the value of every valuable item/service) you receive from your online ventures must be reported on your income tax and benefit return. This applies to income earned both within Canada and internationally if you are a Canadian resident.

Understanding this foundational concept is the first step toward smart tax planning as an influencer.

Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/programs/about-canada-revenue-agency-cra/compliance/platform-economy/social-media-influencers.html?hsid=3d168752-db3e-40d2-96e5-366907a2c33e