a really stupid question about paid surveys

[Nita2603]

Hi guys,

my German upbringing and the "being new" part in the country collide here, probably it's even a really dumb question, but anyways:

If you get paid for surveys, aren't you obligated to pay taxes on things like that? Or is it free up to a certain amount? Or do we usually ignore that part of it?
You have to know, I'll file my very first taxes this year, so I really have no clue whatsoever.....anybody here able to help me out?

Thanks!

[greentires4me]

I don't claim those things unless they were main form of the income which they are not I don't off my surveys. Besides I figure they are something I do in my spare time. its more like "gifts" like amounts of money you don't need to pay back to anyone...

[sharky20]

The governernment taxes us enough. I would declare any of it.

[SweetDeals]

Welcome Nita2603. I think you've asked a very good question.

Technically, I believe you should be declaring any income made from surveys, since you are being paid for a service you're providing.

HOWEVER, that being said, I doubt you'd find anyone who does actually claim income from paid surveys, since it's usually a relatively small amount.

And I believe any money earned through surveys would be considered self-employed income, and as a result you would probably qualify for more than enough deductions to offset any taxable earnings from it.

It would probably end up costing the government more to process your claim that they could ever hope to make from it.

[Nita2603]

Thanks a lot. I just thought I'd ask - I mean, would I claim giftcards and stuff? No. But as soon as a cheque is issued, there is a papertrail, and so I thought I'll better be safe - after all, I am not a citizen yet and don't wanna be sent home for tax fraud or something.....