Handelsblatt, among others, reports that the State Office for Combating Financial Crime NRW (LBF NRW), in cooperation with Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa), is evaluating a data set of 6,000 social media accounts. The result: around €300 million in suspected tax evasion and over 200 ongoing criminal proceedings (not yet including the current data records). Other federal states are also investigating similar cases. A specially established “influencer team” as part of the NRW tax investigation unit comprising over 1,200 experts is tracking high revenues – even when creators move to Dubai and let advertising revenues disappear in 24-hour stories. (Source: NRW tax authorities)
What does the new report reveal?
- High damage: In NRW alone, the suspicion amounts to €300 million in missing taxes.
- Special investigators: The LBF NRW has been bundling tax investigation expertise in a new authority since January 2025.
- 200+ proceedings: There are currently over 200 proceedings against professional influencers – not against amateur creators.
- International relocation: Many move to Dubai or other low-tax countries to avoid the German tax authorities.
- Digital forensics: Investigators track advertising partnerships despite fleeting story ads and rely on AI-supported data analysis.
Why is the LBF influencer team now in the spotlight?
“It is not uncommon for an influencer to earn tens of thousands of euros a month but not even have a tax number.” – Head of the authorities S. Thien (quoted from Handelsblatt/dpa)
This shows that high turnover without tax compliance is no longer a trivial offense. Unlike in the past, social media income is easy to track: Cooperation agreements, affiliate links and platform APIs leave digital traces that can now be traced thanks to the help of AI-supported evaluations. In particular, it is now possible to track collaborations that would otherwise have disappeared from the creators’ stories after 24 hours.
Which typical tax mistakes cost influencers real money?
- Not registering with the tax office despite high income
- Incorrect or missing advance VAT returns (especially for foreign advertising deals)
- Private & business mixed: sponsoring trips, luxury gadgets, leased vehicles
- No reserves for income tax & trade tax
How can creators take countermeasures in good time?
- Tax registration: Apply for a VAT ID and update your tax number
- Correct tax recording of cooperations; pay attention to invoicing – especially in the case of barter deals.
- Digital accounting: Automatically record income from Patreon, Twitch, YouTube, OnlyFans & Co.
- Check foreign structures: Change of residence to Dubai does not protect against German tax liability in the case of domestic taxable income
- Involve professionals: Tax consultant specializing in influencer taxation saves expensive back payments and penalties
You can find more information in our specialist article:
Taxation of influencers and creators
As an influencer, do I really need a specialized tax firm?
In short: Yes, if your annual income is in the five or six figures, you have international advertising partners, or you are involved in so-called barter deals, where your remuneration consists not only of money but also of non-cash benefits. This is the only way to avoid penalty interest, assessment notices and possibly criminal investigations.
FAQ - frequently asked questions
Am I affected as a micro-influencer? | As soon as you generate commercial income, this must be taxed. Income tax is levied as soon as the taxable income exceeds the basic tax-free allowance of approx. EUR 12,000. There is also the so-called small business regulation for VAT and an exemption for trade tax for income up to EUR 24,500. |
How quickly do tax debts expire? | In simple cases 4-5 years, in cases of intent up to 10 years – plus penalty interest. |
Do free products count as income? | As a rule, yes. As a rule of thumb, the market value may be taxable as a non-cash benefit. |
What about revenue via Patreon and Twitch? | They are also considered commercial income; VAT may apply (see also our blog post on donations). |
Does residency in Dubai help? | As a rule, this is only the case if the company no longer provides services of its own creation for customers in Germany. Either way, there are special tax regulations that must be observed when moving away. |
Do you have any questions on this topic?
Your next step? Let us optimize your tax strategy!
The current investigations show: Ignoring is neither an option nor an “excuse” to the tax office. Avoid high back payments and criminal proceedings by informing yourself in good time and dealing with the matter.
Arrange a free initial consultation now:
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