Content Creator & Influencer TaxAnswered

Is my YouTube money a royalty and my brand/affiliate money a service? How do I tell which is which?

A5
ada_5b77new member
May 11, 2026 1,460 views 1 answer
royaltiesservicessponsorshipaffiliatesource-of-income

I keep reading that 'character' decides everything for a foreign-owned LLC creator. My income is a mix: YouTube Partner Program, a couple of recurring sponsorships, affiliate links, and a Patreon. Which of these are royalties and which are services, and does it actually change my US tax outcome?

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