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With YouTube and social media turning into full-time careers for many professionals, creators must know how to file ITR correctly and choose the form that suits them best
Income from advertisements, brand promotions, and paid collaborations comes directly under the tax net. (News18 Hindi)
The last date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the financial year (FY) 2024–25 is September 15, 2025, and the deadline is fast approaching. Filing ITR is not just a legal requirement but also an important part of establishing your financial identity.
With YouTube and other social media emerging as full-fledged careers for many youngsters and professionals, content creators must understand how to file their returns and which form is best suited for them.
Income from advertisements, brand promotions, affiliate marketing, paid collaborations, or consulting services through videos falls directly under the tax net. According to the Income Tax Act, if YouTube or social media earnings are your main source of livelihood, they will be treated as business income. However, if such income is earned in addition to a salary or other primary income, it is categorised as ‘income from other sources’.
Tax On Social Media Earnings
The tax applicable on YouTube or social media income depends on your annual earnings. India follows a slab-based taxation system, where the tax rate increases with higher income. Your overall tax liability is calculated by clubbing total income – whether from salary, business, or digital platforms.
Which ITR Form To Choose
Selecting the correct ITR form is crucial.
ITR-1: For individuals with income from salary.
ITR-2: For income from salary and capital gains.
ITR-3: For those with business or professional income along with capital gains.
ITR-4: For income declared under presumptive taxation from business or profession.
Since YouTubers and influencers usually earn through professional or business income, they are generally required to file returns using ITR-3 or ITR-4.
Keep Proper Records
Transparency is key while filing taxes. Content creators must maintain detailed records of all revenue sources – including ad income, sponsored videos, affiliate earnings, superchat payments, or membership fees. Equally important is tracking expenses such as equipment purchase (cameras, lighting, software), internet costs, and editing expenses. These can be claimed as business expenses, reducing the taxable amount.
Choosing the Right Tax Regime
India offers two tax regimes, the Old Regime (with exemptions and deductions) and the New Regime (with lower rates but fewer deductions). YouTubers filing under ITR-3 or ITR-4 should carefully evaluate which regime suits them, as once selected, it cannot be changed frequently.
Capital Gains and Other Income
Many creators also earn from investments in stocks, mutual funds, or real estate, which fall under capital gains and must be reported separately. Profits from assets such as gold, silver, or valuable artworks are also taxable and must be disclosed in the ITR.
September 06, 2025, 09:35 IST
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