The Ethiopian government has tabled a comprehensive amendment to its federal income tax proclamation, signaling a major shift in the country’s fiscal framework to align with digital economy realities and bolster domestic revenue mobilization. The newly proposed changes, referenced as the “Income Tax Amendment Proclamation /2017,” were submitted to Parliament late last month.
1. Taxation of Digital Content Creators: For the first time in Ethiopia’s tax history, digital content creators—including YouTubers, podcasters, influencers, and online platform earners—will be required to pay taxes on their earnings. The law defines “income from digital content” as revenue generated from:
- Advertisements and sponsorships
- Brand partnerships and affiliate marketing
- Product sales, both physical and digital
- Donations, crowdfunding, and fan subscriptions
Digital earnings exceeding a certain annual threshold will be classified as business income and taxed accordingly. Content creators will also be required to register for a tax identification number, keep financial records, and file annual reports.
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