Private ruling: Carrying on a business
Date of advice: 2 May 2023
Published: 19 June 2023
Ruling period: Period ending 30 June 20XX | Period ending 30 June 20XX
Date scheme commenced: 1 July 20XX

Ruling: Q1: Are you carrying on a business of creating YouTube videos? | A1: No. Your YouTube video making activities do not have the characteristics of a business. We consider that you are not carrying on a business and that your activity is regarded as a hobby.

Relevant facts and circumstances: You are a full-time employee. In your spare time, you create and share educational videos on YouTube. You create the videos because you enjoy making them. Your YouTube channel is small but growing. You joined the YouTube Partner Program, which allows ads to be placed on your videos by YouTube. You are paid a small amount each month for these ads. The time you spend on making videos is not regular. There are sometimes weeks or months where you don't make any new videos. You have no intention of being a business. You have not made a profit. You do not keep a business account or records. You do not advertise your services, have a business premises, or have a business plan.

Relevant legislative provisions: Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 section 6-1