How to Keep Your Own Books as a Streamer
A modern streamer is not only a creative content creator but also an entrepreneur who earns income from broadcasts, advertising, donations, and affiliate programs. Keeping accounting records is a mandatory step not only to comply with the law but also to manage finances wisely, understand profits, and optimize taxes.
However, for many streamers, accounting seems like a complex and confusing task. In this article, we will explain in detail how to manage accounting independently without spending money on expensive services, and we will present a simple selection of services that will suit you.
Why is it important for a streamer to manage accounting independently?
Law and reporting
Regardless of the form of activity — sole proprietor, self-employed, or LLC — any income must be documented and declared. This helps avoid fines and problems with the tax authorities.
Financial control
Tracking income and expenses helps you see the real picture of your business, plan expenses, invest in channel development, and make informed decisions.
Tax optimization
Proper accounting allows you to legally reduce the tax burden as much as possible, using deductions and benefits.
Main accounting challenges for streamers and how to avoid them
- Diverse sources of income: donations, subscriptions, advertising, merchandise — each source requires separate accounting.
- Unstable and irregular income — making financial forecasting difficult.
- Lack of knowledge about tax legislation and reporting rules.
These challenges can easily be solved with modern services and some basic knowledge.
How to start managing accounting independently as a streamer: step-by-step instructions
1. Decide on the tax system
The following options are most suitable for streamers:
- Self-employed — suitable for those who do not plan to hire employees and have an income up to 2.4 million rubles per year. Tax 4-6%, minimal reporting.
- Sole proprietor under the simplified tax system (STS) — more opportunities but also more responsibilities. Suitable for larger projects.
- LLC — for large streamers with a team and a complex structure.
The right choice of form will simplify accounting and reduce risks.
2. Open a separate checking account or use a card
For convenient accounting, it is better to have a separate account where all streaming income will be received. This simplifies tracking finances and preparing reports.
3. Collect all documents and income confirmations
Save screenshots, receipts, and statements confirming the receipt of funds:
- Statements from payment systems (PayPal, Twitch, YouTube)
- Receipts from advertisers
- Documents on merchandise sales and affiliate programs
This is important for reporting and confirming the legality of income.
Simple services for streamers to manage accounting
1. MoySklad
Suitable for tracking income, expenses, and inventory (if merchandise is involved). Intuitive interface, integration with payment systems and online cash registers.
2. Kontur.Bukhgalteria
A service for sole proprietors and self-employed individuals that helps file reports and calculate taxes. Supports tax reporting and offers consultations with accountants.
3. Taxcom Online
Supports working with electronic documents, allows easy generation of invoices and acts, and sending them to contractors. Especially useful for those cooperating with advertisers and agencies.
4. Moe Delo
A full-featured cloud accounting service with automated tax calculations, report generation, and support for various tax systems.
5. Bank-provided services
Many banks (Tinkoff, Sberbank, Alfa-Bank) offer convenient financial accounting tools and integration with the tax service. Suitable for those who want to work in a single interface.
How to use services correctly: tips for streamers
- Regularly enter income and expense data, do not postpone until the end of the month.
- Use automatic integrations with payment systems to minimize errors.
- Monitor reporting deadlines and tax payments.
- Set up notifications and reminders in services.
- If questions arise — contact technical support or consult a professional.
Frequently asked questions from streamers about accounting
Is it possible to manage accounting without an accountant?
Yes, modern services are designed specifically for independent accounting; they are intuitive and do not require special knowledge.
What to do if there is income from abroad?
You need to account for foreign currency operations and declare income according to the law. Many services support multi-currency accounting.
How to account for donations and subscriptions?
Donations and subscriptions are considered income and must be recorded in accounting. It is better to keep separate income categories.
Conclusion
Accounting is a mandatory and integral part of a streamer's professional activity. Today, it is no longer a complex and expensive task thanks to convenient and accessible services.
Choose the appropriate tax system, collect documents, use automated tools — and your financial reporting will become transparent, and your business stable.
Remember, proper accounting helps not only to avoid fines but also to make streaming more profitable and successful.