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Microstock Photography Forum - General => General Photography Discussion => Topic started by: pics2 on February 20, 2021, 06:08

Title: Question about taxes, paperwork
Post by: pics2 on February 20, 2021, 06:08
Can you people share your experience in your countries on the matter please - I'm from not perfectly regulated country - they are failing to keep up with modern world economy, regulations are like centuries old.
I have problem with authorities, they are completely uneducated and uninformed about freelancing, work from home etc jobs. So when tax filing they ask for a signed contract (me and Adobe, or SS) and they ask for Paypal transactions listing.
The problem is there is no signed contract, I can only download Terms of Service, right? They don't understand that is the contract which I signed by clicking I accept.
Also, how can a printed PayPal transaction list be of any relevance? It is a piece of paper that could be altered in Photoshop before printing?! How do you declare operating costs? How is your country treating you, are you an employee?
A lot of confusion here just because my country is obviously caught by surprise now when they have to harvest taxes from people they have no idea what and how they are doing and making income.
I would really like to hear how these things are regulated in more modern countries. Maybe we will have a chance to raise a voice and maybe we will be invited for consultations by government to help implement a new future regulations.
Any help is much appreciated.
Title: Re: Question about taxes, paperwork
Post by: Firn on February 20, 2021, 06:37

Also, how can a printed PayPal transaction list be of any relevance? It is a piece of paper that could be altered in Photoshop before printing?!

Every piece of paper can be altered in Photoshop, so a PayPal transaction list is as valid as document as every other.
I am from Germany and I have submitted my PayPal transaction list as proof of my income for years without any problems.

With the other questions I am afraid I can't help you as our collection office does not want to see any contracts, no matter whether you are a freelancer like me or employed.
Title: Re: Question about taxes, paperwork
Post by: pics2 on February 20, 2021, 06:42

Also, how can a printed PayPal transaction list be of any relevance? It is a piece of paper that could be altered in Photoshop before printing?!

Every piece of paper can be altered in Photoshop, so a PayPal transaction list is as valid as document as every other.
I am from Germany and I have submitted my PayPal transaction list as proof of my income for years without any problems.

With the other questions I am afraid I can't help you as our collection office does not want to see any contracts, no matter whether you are a freelancer like me or employed.
Thank you very much for this info!
So how do they know what your job is? Without contract or anything.
Title: Re: Question about taxes, paperwork
Post by: Firn on February 20, 2021, 13:04

Also, how can a printed PayPal transaction list be of any relevance? It is a piece of paper that could be altered in Photoshop before printing?!

Every piece of paper can be altered in Photoshop, so a PayPal transaction list is as valid as document as every other.
I am from Germany and I have submitted my PayPal transaction list as proof of my income for years without any problems.

With the other questions I am afraid I can't help you as our collection office does not want to see any contracts, no matter whether you are a freelancer like me or employed.
Thank you very much for this info!
So how do they know what your job is? Without contract or anything.

I just enter "photographer / artist" in the field that says "occupation" and that's it.
Title: Re: Question about taxes, paperwork
Post by: pics2 on February 20, 2021, 13:42

Also, how can a printed PayPal transaction list be of any relevance? It is a piece of paper that could be altered in Photoshop before printing?!

Every piece of paper can be altered in Photoshop, so a PayPal transaction list is as valid as document as every other.
I am from Germany and I have submitted my PayPal transaction list as proof of my income for years without any problems.

With the other questions I am afraid I can't help you as our collection office does not want to see any contracts, no matter whether you are a freelancer like me or employed.
Thank you very much for this info!
So how do they know what your job is? Without contract or anything.

I just enter "photographer / artist" in the field that says "occupation" and that's it.
That's great. We have to bring more paperwork.
Title: Re: Question about taxes, paperwork
Post by: cascoly on February 20, 2021, 22:20


......
So how do they know what your job is? Without contract or anything.

I just enter "photographer / artist" in the field that says "occupation" and that's it.

with millions of taxpayers it's trust & sometimes verify - with penalties, most people follow the rules & random audits provide some deterrence. IRS et al don't have resources to check every declaration.  just be ready to back up what you declare
Title: Re: Question about taxes, paperwork
Post by: Firn on February 21, 2021, 02:53


......
So how do they know what your job is? Without contract or anything.

I just enter "photographer / artist" in the field that says "occupation" and that's it.

with millions of taxpayers it's trust & sometimes verify - with penalties, most people follow the rules & random audits provide some deterrence. IRS et al don't have resources to check every declaration.  just be ready to back up what you declare

Exactly. Since a few years ago in Germany I actually don't even have to send in any bills for my income and my costs anymore. I just enter the number. However, I am required to keep the proof for 10 years and be able to provide it for that long, should they ask.

However, not everyhing is super logical and paperwork-free in Germany. I play the same stupid game with them every year. Each year I fill in what I paid as health insurance and each year they send me a letter saying that they want proof of that (of all the things that's the only thing they want to have) and each year in return I send them a letter from my health insurance company in which they tell me, that they send my overview with my payments to the tax office months ago....  ::)