Germany launches major crackdown on influencer tax evasion

Germany’s online influencers are under scrutiny as authorities launch a sweeping investigation into tax evasion based on data gathered from social media platforms.

Officials in North Rhine-Westphalia, the country’s most populous state, have established a specialised unit to examine possible tax violations by content creators. The investigators are currently analysing more than 6,000 data records sourced from various social media platforms to identify undeclared income and promotional deals.

Authorities say the initiative aims to ensure that influencers who earn money through product promotions, sponsorships, and brand collaborations properly declare their income for taxation.

The probe marks one of the largest efforts in Germany to tackle tax evasion in the growing influencer economy, where many creators have built lucrative careers through their online presence.