West Kalimantan’s tax office is urging YouTubers, influencers and other digital creators to report taxable income. Authorities ask them to seek official help when calculating liabilities. This appeal follows consultations from creators who had never filed returns. Indonesia formally classifies online content creation as independent professional work for income-tax purposes in 2026.

PONTIANAK, thekabarnews.com—Indonesia’s Directorate General of Taxation (DJP) has reminded YouTubers, Instagram influencers and other income-earning digital creators in West Kalimantan to report their earnings. Creators must comply with applicable tax rules.

Ahmad Khoiruddin, head of the Tax Potential Data Section at DJP West Kalimantan, said several creators who had never submitted tax returns had recently approached the agency for consultations. He delivered the statement after West Kalimantan’s July 2026 state budget briefing in Pontianak on Thursday, July 23.

“Some YouTubers and content creators had never filed before. After receiving this education, they realized that they had to report their income,” Ahmad said.

“Their income potential is quite significant compared with ordinary salaried workers, so they should also recognize that they have tax obligations,” he added, as reported by RRI Pontianak.

Indonesia’s tax rules treat revenue from digital activities as income. Depending on the creator’s circumstances, this may include payments from platform monetization, advertising, endorsements, affiliate marketing, appearances and professional services.

Government Regulation No. 20/2026 explicitly includes influencers, Instagram personalities, bloggers, vloggers and similar online creators among people performing independent professional work.

That doesn’t mean every creator pays the same amount of tax on their content earnings, though. Liability is based on gross annual revenue and net taxable income. Allowable calculations, tax withheld by clients, and the creator’s legal or business structure also affect the tax liability.

According to DJP’s explanation of the 2026 regulation, individual creators with annual gross revenue below Rp4.8 billion can calculate their net income using the Net Income Calculation Norm (NPPN) or keep formal bookkeeping. However, those reaching Rp4.8 billion must use bookkeeping.

DJP also explains that income from independent professional services does not qualify for the 0.5-percent final income-tax scheme designed for eligible micro, small and medium-sized business activities.

Ahmad encouraged creators who receive payments through companies or agencies to retain their withholding-tax documents. The companies paying for their services may withhold tax. Creators can later claim the amount as a tax credit when filing their annual returns.

Independent creators who remain uncertain about the calculation can request assistance from a tax office.

“The main problem is often how to calculate the tax. Just come to the tax office, and we will teach you how to calculate it,” Ahmad said.

He added that officials would consider each creator’s income and non-taxable income threshold. Creators whose net annual income does not exceed the applicable threshold may have no income tax payable. They should confirm their filing status with DJP.

For individuals following the calendar tax year, DJP sets the standard annual tax return deadline at March 31 of the following year. DJP reports this information on its official website.