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Investigation Targets Thousands of Berlin-Based Influencers for Tax Issues

Investigation by Berlin's tax authorities focuses on multiple social media personalities, with approximately 4000 data sets pertaining to influencers being potentially significant for tax issues.

Influencers under scrutiny by Berlin's tax authorities, involving thousands of individuals.
Influencers under scrutiny by Berlin's tax authorities, involving thousands of individuals.

Investigation Targets Thousands of Berlin-Based Influencers for Tax Issues

In recent developments, Berlin has emerged as a key player in the ongoing investigation into tax fraud involving influencers across Germany. The data for this investigation comes from several social media platforms, with over 6,000 data sets in North Rhine-Westphalia serving as the initial source.

Berlin Tax Investigators are currently examining the records of over 4,000 social media actors, referred to as influencers. This investigation follows an initial report by the "Berliner Morgenpost", which highlighted potential tax fraud by influencers in Germany.

The Senate Finance Administration in Berlin suggests that the Berlin data sets are part of the same data packages as in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). The investigation in NRW initially claimed suspected tax fraud amounting to €300 million in evaded taxes. However, it has been clarified that this figure actually refers to the influencers' revenue, not the tax loss or evaded tax amount, which depends on profit and personal tax rates.

Other federal states are also said to be affected by this tax fraud investigation. Berlin is exchanging information with the tax supervisory authorities of other federal states to ensure a comprehensive investigation.

It is important to note that the data review does not automatically imply tax evasion, according to Finance State Secretary Wolfgang Schyrocki. The current status of tax fraud investigations indicates that although authorities initially claimed a significant tax loss, the actual losses are likely much lower due to the nature of taxable profit versus gross revenue.

Schyrocki also mentioned that there is an expert in Berlin who specializes in tax matters related to Dubai, suggesting a broader international scope to the investigation.

Regulatory efforts in Germany are focusing on VAT and invoicing rules for digital and influencer markets, indicating ongoing regulatory scrutiny and adaptation to digital economy challenges.

As the investigation continues, the German Finance Ministry is actively clarifying and updating these regulations to ensure fair taxation in the digital age. The public will continue to be updated on the progress of these investigations and any subsequent findings.

[1] Source: Berliner Morgenpost

[2] Source: German Finance Ministry

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