What proportion of creators are unaware of tax obligations for gifts?

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A Significant Proportion of Content Creators Lack Awareness Regarding Taxable Income from Gifts

Nearly 45 per cent of close to 500 content creators surveyed in Malaysia are unaware that non-cash benefits, such as free products, gifts, hotel stays, and vouchers, received for content creation are considered taxable income. This lack of awareness is particularly pronounced among creators with smaller followings, with one in four of those having fewer than 3,000 followers completely unaware of the taxability of in-kind income.
Low Tax Filing Rates Among Content Creators

The survey revealed that only 34 per cent of the content creators polled have filed their income tax and intend to continue doing so. A substantial majority, 66 per cent, have not filed, with 14 per cent explicitly stating they were unaware that content creators are required to file taxes. The remaining creators within this group expressed uncertainty about their eligibility for income tax obligations.
In-Kind Compensation is a Major Income Source

Despite the lack of tax awareness, 70 per cent of the surveyed creators reported receiving free products or gifts as their primary form of compensation. In fact, these in-kind benefits constituted 46 per cent of their total income sources, surpassing direct cash payments, which accounted for 43 per cent. This highlights a significant reliance on non-cash compensation within the creator economy.
Disparities in Awareness and Filing Based on Follower Count

The study, conducted online by Vase.ai between May 11 and 21, polled 489 content creators and found a marked difference in awareness and compliance based on follower numbers. While only 18 per cent of creators with fewer than 3,000 followers have filed taxes, the rate jumps significantly among those with more than 100,000 followers, where 91 per cent are fully aware of their tax obligations and 83 per cent have filed.
Limited Formal Business Practices Among Creators

Furthermore, 68 per cent of the respondents have not registered a formal business entity. A significant portion, 29 per cent, also lack formal business practices, relying on methods such as spreadsheets, bank statements, or memory to track their income. In response to these identified gaps, VoxEureka has made a free tax guide available for content creators who are uncertain about their tax responsibilities.

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What proportion of creators are unaware of tax obligations for gifts?

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