How do I declare my webcam income to the tax department?

Quick summary: declaring your income is your legal responsibility, as stated in the contract, and the correct way to do it depends on the country where you live. If you’re unsure, consult a local accountant — there is no single answer that fits every country.

What the contract says

“The webcammer is responsible for declaring webcamming income, in accordance with the rules applicable in the country in question.” (webcammer contract, point 3, item d, 3.14)

It depends on your personal situation

How you declare varies according to: individual or business taxation, professional or occasional income, your social status, occasional or regular activity, annual amount received, and relationship with other sources of income.

When it’s worth hiring a professional

If your income is significant and/or regular, hire an accountant or tax advisor. Example: in Belgium and the Netherlands, webcammers are expected to apply for a VAT number.

Watch out for promises of “tax-free income”

Don’t be fooled by sites claiming to offer income “that doesn’t need to be declared” — they’re likely taking on a tax risk at your expense. This also applies to income from abroad: tax authorities have access to this information within the European Union.

My tax identification number (TIN)

Confirm the official name of your tax number on the OECD website (Tax Identification Numbers).