Whether the earnings you make from online platforms is your main source of income, or a small part of it, you are considered to be a platform economy participant. When it’s time to file your taxes, you must report all sources of your income, including gifts and donations.

The platform economy includes economic activities facilitated by digital platforms, like websites or mobile applications. Commercial ridesharing and delivery services are two common activities in the platform economy sector. These activities are part of different areas of the platform economy, and come with different tax obligations.

To make it easier for you to understand your tax obligations as a platform economy participant, we made a list of the top ten tips you need to know…

Whether the earnings you make from online platforms is your main source of income, or a small part of it, you are considered to be a platform economy participant. When it’s time to file your taxes, you must report all sources of your income, including gifts and donations.

What is the sharing economy?

In the sharing economy, individuals and businesses share their assets with others for a price. Arrangements are generally made using online platforms through a third party, or using a website or an application (app).

The sharing economy can take a variety of forms, such as:

• Transportation: ridesharing, rentals of bikes, boats, other motor equipment

• Accommodation sharing: renting out your home, rooms, cottage and more

• Space rentals: industrial kitchens, gardens, parking spots, workspaces, or laboratories