With the rising popularity of social media, more and more people in Bulgaria are earning income as influencers or content creators. But what are the legal steps you need to take to legally register as an influencer and avoid issues with the National Revenue Agency?
In this guide, we cover how to register, what documents you need, and how to manage your influencer accounting in Bulgaria.
What Is Influencer Accounting and Why Is It Important?
Influencer accounting in Bulgaria covers all aspects of registration, tax compliance, VAT, international payments, and income reporting. It’s particularly important for creators who:
- Work with foreign platforms such as YouTube, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), or TikTok
- Receive foreign currency payments via PayPal, Wise, or Revolut
- Earn money from partnerships and brand sponsorships
Influencer accounting differs from standard services and requires specific knowledge of digital income and content monetization.
When Do You Need to Register as Self-Employed?
If you receive income from affiliate programs, sponsorships, YouTube monetization, or platforms like TikTok and Instagram, you are required by law to declare it. The most common options are:
- Registering as a Freelancer (ET)
- Setting up an EOOD (single-owner limited liability company)
What Documents Do You Need?
Once you choose between ET or EOOD, here are the steps and documents required:
If You Choose ET (Freelancer):
This is suitable for individuals with lower income just starting out.
- Personal ID
- Application to the Commercial Register
- Proof of address
- NACE code (e.g., 73.11 for advertising, 63.99 for information services)
Tip: Consult an accountant who understands digital services. Your chosen activity code affects tax classification.
If You Choose EOOD:
This is ideal if you work with EU clients, need contracts, or prefer corporate structure.
- Incorporation documents (minimum 2 BGN capital)
- Company bank account
- Commercial Register registration
- VAT registration (mandatory over 166,000 BGN/year or voluntarily if working with foreign clients)
What Taxes Do Influencers Pay in Bulgaria?
Your tax obligations depend on your business structure:
For ET (Freelancer):
- Profit Tax: 15% on taxable income
- Social Security: ~600–700 BGN/month minimum
- Annual Tax Return: Due by April 30
For EOOD:
- Corporate Tax: 10%
- Dividend Tax: 5%
- Manager’s Social Security: Depends on contract type
Note: If you work with EU-based platforms like YouTube or Meta, VAT registration is often required—even before reaching 166,000 BGN in revenue.
ET vs. EOOD: Which One Should You Choose?
Still unsure? Compare EOOD vs Freelancer here.
Ongoing Accounting & Documents
- Monthly income/expense reports
- Invoices to platforms (Meta, YouTube, etc.)
- Annual tax declaration
- Partnership contracts if applicable
✅ Use an accountant who understands influencer income and cross-border payments.
How to Stay Organized
Use tools to streamline your operations and avoid manual mistakes. These are great for creators working with multiple income streams:
Recommended Tools for Influencers
Conclusion
Being an influencer is a real business. And like any business, it requires proper registration, tax compliance, and documentation. Choosing between ET and EOOD depends on your turnover, whether you have international clients, and how you want to scale your brand.
🔗 Need help managing your influencer taxes? Check out our full service: Influencer Accounting Services