Learn how taxes work for clients on Upwork, including VAT, GST, and other regional taxes. Find country-specific tax guides and get tips on compliance and reporting.
In this article
- How do taxes work on Upwork for clients?
- Why did my tax rate change?
- Do I need to do anything if tax laws change in my region?
- Links to tax articles, organized by country
How do taxes work on Upwork for clients?
Countries and jurisdictions where you live or do business may charge taxes that apply to your transactions on Upwork, including:
- Services you purchase from Upwork, such as featured job posts, for example
- Services you purchase from freelancers or agencies on Upwork
The amount of tax, services taxed, and tax names vary by jurisdiction. You might see these taxes, for example:
-
- VAT (Value-added tax)
- GST (Goods and services tax)
- Sales tax
- Digital services tax (DST)
- SST (Sales and services tax)
- Marketplace facilitator tax (MFT)
- Other indirect taxes
We’re required to comply with the tax laws of countries where we do business — including calculating and collecting taxes at checkout and sending them directly to government tax authorities.
Even when we're not required to collect tax, there may be other requirements:
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- Some governments require us to ask you for tax-related information, such as a tax ID number
- You may need information or forms from us, too
- You may be liable for taxes in your country even when we're not required to collect them, so it’s important to stay informed about your local tax laws and requirements. Consult with your local tax authority or tax advisor about any questions you have
Why did my tax rate change?
Tax rates can change for a few reasons — most often due to updates in your local tax laws. We work with a third-party tax partner to monitor and apply these changes across all jurisdictions where we operate.
Note:
Upwork does not control or set tax rates. If you have questions about how a specific tax rate applies to you, we recommend speaking with a licensed tax professional.
Do I need to do anything if tax laws change in my region?
No action is needed on your end. Any changes are automatically reflected in your transactions.
Tax articles by country
Choose your country from the drop-down list below to learn more about how taxes may impact you on Upwork.
Disclaimer
These articles are meant for general information only and are not to be considered tax advice. They may not be updated in real time and may not reflect recent changes. We strongly encourage you to consult your country’s tax authority or your tax advisor with questions related to your specific situation.