{"id":94879,"date":"2026-04-16T14:28:32","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T12:28:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/influencers-and-free-items\/"},"modified":"2026-05-15T13:27:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T11:27:06","slug":"influencers-and-free-items","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/blog\/influencers-and-free-items\/","title":{"rendered":"Influencers receive a lot of free items \u2013 how should you account for them?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Freelance influencers in Belgium regularly receive free products from brands, such as clothing, make-up, gadgets or nutrition. These may be products you use yourself or items you use for content, promotions or collaborations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But how do you correctly record these products in your accounts? The answer depends on the purpose of the product: are you using it privately or for your professional activity?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Products for personal use: what is and isn\u2019t allowed? \ud83e\uddd0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do you receive a product purely for yourself, for example a new lipstick or a gadget to test at home? Then this counts as private use:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do not include it in your accounts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No VAT deduction on these products.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tax treatment remains the same, even if you use the product during working hours.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You have received a perfume set and use it only at home \u27a1\ufe0f private.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A gadget to test yourself without creating content about it \u27a1\ufe0f private.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A box of chocolates that you eat only yourself during your working day \u27a1\ufe0f private.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In short: products solely for your own use are always private, regardless of the amount of hours you work on them.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id79971_ba73ed-06 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id79971_ba73ed-06 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id79971_ba73ed-06 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}.kb-row-layout-id79971_ba73ed-06{border-top-left-radius:20px;border-top-right-radius:20px;border-bottom-right-radius:20px;border-bottom-left-radius:20px;overflow:clip;isolation:isolate;}.kb-row-layout-id79971_ba73ed-06 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{border-top-left-radius:20px;border-top-right-radius:20px;border-bottom-right-radius:20px;border-bottom-left-radius:20px;}.kb-row-layout-id79971_ba73ed-06{background-color:#f0f4ff;}.kb-row-layout-id79971_ba73ed-06 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id79971_ba73ed-06 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id79971_ba73ed-06 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id79971_ba73ed-06 alignnone kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column79971_ecc075-97 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column79971_ecc075-97 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column79971_ecc075-97 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column79971_ecc075-97 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column79971_ecc075-97 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column79971_ecc075-97 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column79971_ecc075-97{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column79971_ecc075-97 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column79971_ecc075-97 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column79971_ecc075-97\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Ontwerp-zonder-titel-13.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70037\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Ontwerp-zonder-titel-13.png 500w, https:\/\/dexxter.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Ontwerp-zonder-titel-13-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/dexxter.be\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Ontwerp-zonder-titel-13-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column79971_016a86-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column79971_016a86-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column79971_016a86-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column79971_016a86-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column79971_016a86-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column79971_016a86-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column79971_016a86-40{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column79971_016a86-40{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column79971_016a86-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column79971_016a86-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column79971_016a86-40{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column79971_016a86-40{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column79971_016a86-40{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column79971_016a86-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column79971_016a86-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column79971_016a86-40{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column79971_016a86-40{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column79971_016a86-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column79971_016a86-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column79971_016a86-40\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please note: If you receive these products in return for services you have provided yourself, this is considered a payment in kind and you must declare it as income.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Products for promotion or collaborations: how to record them? \ud83d\udd22<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you using a product for content, promotion or a collaboration? Then it counts as income in kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should record the value of the product in your accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For businesses subject to VAT: if the product is used for commercial purposes, this may affect your VAT declaration. Always record the value and purpose of use carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Products you receive through a collaboration count as professional income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A brand sends you a jumper worth \u20ac60.00 for an Instagram post \u27a1\ufe0f value of garment = income.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Received a make-up set for a review video \u27a1\ufe0f value of set = income.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Received a gadget for an unboxing video \u27a1\ufe0f value of gadget = income.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stop filing documents (contracts, correspondence by email, agreements&#8230;) with brands in a folder. That way, you can always prove why you\u2019ve recorded a product as professional income. Saves hassle later on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for careful bookkeeping \ud83d\udca1<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To keep things clear and accurate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Document every product: note the brand, product name, value and purpose (private or promotional).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Distinguish between private and professional use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep supporting documents: emails, agreements or invoices you have received.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use accounting software such as Dexxter, so you don\u2019t have to lose sleep over calculating income in kind. Dexxter automatically helps you record the products correctly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check the VAT rules: VAT may apply to promotional products, especially if you resell the product or use it in commercial content (only for businesses subject to VAT).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common misconceptions \u26a0\ufe0f<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some influencers think that all free products can automatically be recorded as business expenses. This is not the case for sole proprietors. Only products used for professional purposes are taxable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You sometimes read online that companies have other rules. In a company, as a business owner, you can grant certain benefits in kind, but these options do not apply to sole proprietors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following rules apply to Belgian self-employed influencers who are sole proprietors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Private use = do not record, no VAT.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professional use = record as income, document, apply the correct VAT rules.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always keep proof and make a clear distinction between private and professional use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dexxter helps to process everything automatically and correctly.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By following these steps, your accounts remain clear and tax-compliant, helping you avoid surprises from the tax authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Useful links \ud83d\udd17<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/paying-taxes-as-an-influencer-in-belgium\/\">Paying taxes as an influencer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/switching-to-dexxter-how-to-proceed\/\">Go to Dexxter: how do you do it?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/what-is-the-professional-use-of-an-expense\/\">What constitutes business use of an expense?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Freelance influencers in Belgium regularly receive free products from brands, such as clothing, make-up, gadgets or nutrition. These may be products you use yourself or items you use for content, promotions or collaborations. But how do you correctly record these products in your accounts? The answer depends on the purpose of the product: are you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":68251,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[52],"tags":[69],"class_list":["post-94879","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-doing-your-own-accounting","tag-all"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94879","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=94879"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94879\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":94880,"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94879\/revisions\/94880"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/68251"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=94879"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=94879"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dexxter.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=94879"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}