Kosovo has no clear count of influencer tax payments

Kosovo’s tax authority says influencers must pay tax on income from social media promotions, but it does not know how many are declaring that income.

The Tax Administration said influencer work counts as economic activity when creators earn money from producing or sharing online content. But influencers are not tracked as a separate taxpayer category.

Radio Free Europe contacted 12 influencers about how they are paid, whether they have contracts with businesses and whether they declare income. None answered. Business registry data showed only three of them were registered as businesses.

The market also raises consumer-protection concerns. Social media experts say paid posts are often not clearly marked, leaving followers unsure whether a product mention is a personal recommendation or an advertisement.

One advertising agency said influencers in Kosovo can be paid from 200 to 5,000 euros, depending on their reach and profile. (RFE)