How U.S. Tax Changes in 2025 Are Hurting Creators Worldwide

If you’re a YouTuber, digital creator, or independent artist working online — especially outside of the United States — this might be one of the hardest years we’ve ever faced.

As of 2025, the U.S. government has continued enforcing strict tax withholding rules for international creators. And now that Donald Trump has returned as President, those policies may become even more aggressive.

Let me say first — and I say this with full respect —

I personally believe Donald Trump is a strong leader. He clearly gained the trust of a large majority of American people. I understand that when someone wins that level of support, it means something. He must be doing what many feel is right for their country.

But as an artist… someone who works day and night to create content, often with no budget and no big team… this new system makes me feel a little hopeless.

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What’s Happening Right Now?

As a creator who earns income through YouTube, Amazon, TikTok, or other U.S.-based platforms, I’m now facing:

• Up to 30% of my income withheld by U.S. tax rules

• Additional platform fees and processing charges

• Local taxes in my home country

This isn’t just about numbers. For many of us, this is the money we use for rent, food, medical care, and supporting our families.

And yes — I know the tax laws were already there. YouTube started enforcing them since 2021. But now it feels heavier. The pressure is real. Creators in countries like Thailand (where I live), India, Indonesia, and more are losing up to 50% of their income before we ever see it.

And to be honest, my country just had a real earthquake last week. People are struggling. The economy is already broken. So when you add something like this? It feels like the ground is shaking beneath our feet again — metaphorically and literally.

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Dear Mr. President (From One Creator to You)

I don’t know the full reason behind these tax increases. I’m not an economist. I don’t work for a corporation. I’m just a guy trying to tell stories that matter.

But I wish you — or someone in your team — could look at this from our side.

Life isn’t a game. When you raise taxes on global digital income without fully understanding the impact, you’re not just balancing trade policy. You’re taking income away from creators — many of whom are struggling just to survive.

We’re not trying to exploit your economy. We’re just participating in platforms that you built, that your companies created. We believed we were part of a global creative family. Now, it’s starting to feel like we’re just outsiders again.

Still, I respect your leadership. I respect the American people who chose you. I believe in democracy. I’m not angry — just deeply, deeply tired.

And yet… I still have hope.

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What You Should Know (Facts for Creators)

If you’re a non-U.S. creator earning from platforms like YouTube:

• You MUST submit the W-8BEN tax form

Or you’ll get taxed at the highest possible rate by default.

Submit it here

• Check if your country has a tax treaty with the U.S.

Some countries can reduce or remove the 30% withholding.

Check your country’s status

• Track your actual take-home pay

Sometimes, we think we’re earning $1,000, but we only receive $500 after fees, taxes, and conversion.

• Diversify your income if you can

Use Patreon, sell your own digital products, or work with local sponsors. Relying only on U.S. platforms is risky now.

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We, the creators, are not enemies of the system.

We’re just people — building small dreams from broken budgets, one video at a time.

We still believe in art. In creativity. In connection.

But we need support… not punishment.

So please, Mr. President, and to all those in power:

Don’t forget about the independent creators.

The world may see numbers, but we live through stories.

And right now, many of us are still trying to write one with hope.

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Sources & Further Reading:

1. YouTube Tax Withholding for Creators

https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/10390801

2. U.S. Tax Treaty Details

https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/10391362

3. BBC News – U.S. Tax Changes Hurt Foreign Creators (2025)

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1jxrnl9xe2o

4. Tax Foundation – Trump’s 2024 Tax Plan

https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/federal/donald-trump-tax-plan-2024/

5. Financial Times – Trump May Double Foreign Tax Rates

https://www.ft.com/content/44610d06-5e20-4b3a-8faf-4d745770d43f