The ART has denied a YouTuber’s claim for GST credits on the basis that there was no clear, reliable and
corroborative evidence linking the expenses to an enterprise. This case explores the importance of
maintaining substantial evidence and records to prove acquisitions are made in carrying on an enterprise and demonstrates the scrutiny around digital, home-based content creation businesses.

The taxpayer was a registered sole trader running a YouTube video production business. His enterprise
involved three monetised channels with all scripting, editing, and voice over work performed by overseas
contractors.

The taxpayer claimed GST credits on a wide range of purchases, including office furniture and appliances
(TV, couch, fridge), construction costs for a granny flat on his parents’ property to be used as a permanent
office, a 2022 Ford Ranger (intended as a prop for a planned fourth 4WD channel), and fuel, insurance, and tools for a BMW F30 used for business travel.

The ATO disallowed nearly all of the taxpayer’s GST credits and concluded that most of the acquisitions
were not made for a creditable purpose. In addition, some were private or domestic in nature.

The ART concurred with the ATO’s view and ruled that the taxpayer failed to prove the assessments were
excessive.

Key evidential weaknesses included inconsistent timelines (e.g., granny flat office use vs building
construction), lack of corroborating documents (no sketches, emails, or third party confirmation),
unreliable witness recall and contradictions between log books, insurance policies (listing private use), and claimed business purposes.

The ART stressed that mere receipts do not prove the creditable purpose for an acquisition and that the
taxpayer must demonstrate acquisitions were made in carrying on the enterprise.