Q&A: “Do I need to worry about international taxes on digital products?”
Manage episode 500596039 series 2526728
What It’s About
Selling digital products abroad? Here’s what small creators need to know about global taxes.
Notes from Chris
Episode 3150
If you sell digital products online—like templates, e-books, or courses—you might think taxes are simple. After all, no shipping, no inventory… what’s the big deal?
Well, things get trickier when you start selling across borders. Steven, a longtime listener, has started seeing international customers show up in his sales—but now he’s wondering if he’s stepping into a tax headache without realizing it. Let’s break down what small digital sellers need to know about international taxes and how to keep things manageable.
“I sell design templates and digital guides online, and for a while, my customers were all U.S.-based—easy. But now I’m starting to see orders come in from Europe, Australia, and other international markets. I’ve heard vague warnings about VAT and international tax complications for digital products, and I’m wondering: how can a small digital creator handle global sales without getting crushed by tax headaches or compliance issues? Is this something I should be worried about at my scale?”
Listen to today’s episode to learn more…
SEE ALSO:
- Catholic Designer Creates Stylish Apparel Line: What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world but not sell any t-shirts? This designer cast his bread upon the waters and ended up with a profitable fashion line.
- Seattle Couple Creates New “Income LiveStream”: When a married couple runs into logistical problems at their wedding, it leads to an innovative service that other engaged couples need during the pandemic.
- Role-Playing Pastor Rolls The Dice On $2800/Month Hustle: Listener success story! This Presbyterian minister turns to his lifelong interest in role-playing games to set up a sustainable second income source.
Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!
Yours in the revolution,
Resources
GET $625 IN FREE TRAVEL
Earn 50,000 travel rewards points (enough for 2 round-trip plane tickets or $625 in travel credit). You'll also earn 2x points on all travel and dining spend, with zero foreign transaction fees.
I use this card every day all over the world! ✈️ Learn More
CREATE YOUR ONLINE STORE
Create your online store with Shopify using an exclusive discount for Side Hustle School listeners. For a limited time, get a free 21-day trial and a 10% discount for a whole year.
Many Side Hustle School listeners are building sites using Shopify's easy-to-learn platform. Try it free today! Learn More
Sponsors & Gratitude
Learn More With Skillshare!
Supporting the sponsors keeps the show free. Today’s episode of Side Hustle School is brought to you by Skillshare. 📷
Skillshare is giving Side Hustle School listeners 2 months of unlimited access—for $0.99! Join the 2 million students learning everything from street photography to SEO on Skillshare today!
Get Started Here!
Like the Show? Leave a Rating!
Side Hustle School is for you! If you’re enjoying it, please take a quick moment to leave a rating or write a quick review. It's really easy and it makes a difference! ✅
It also makes a huge difference when you tell your friends about the show. Remember, it's 100% free and listener-supported.
Keep in Touch

There’s a new story every single day on Side Hustle School. Episodes are produced to be short and to the point—I know you’re busy. Be sure you subscribe to get instant notification of the day’s broadcast!
To infinity and beyond,
26 episodes