With the rise of digital content creation, more creatives are turning hobbies into side hustles or full-time careers. Source Filmmaker (SFM), a powerful animation tool developed by Valve, is no exception. From cinematic shorts to humorous skits and machinima, SFM has enabled a generation of digital artists to bring their ideas to life. But if you’re a Peruvian creator using SFM, a natural question arises: can you legally sell SFM animations in Peru? And if so, what taxes apply?
Let’s dive into the world of monetizing SFM animations in Peru, and most importantly, how to stay tax compliant while earning income through your creative efforts.
What is SFM and How is it Monetized?
Source Filmmaker (SFM) is a free 3D animation software by Valve that uses the Source game engine. Many creators use SFM to animate characters from popular video games like Team Fortress 2, Half-Life, or Left 4 Dead.
Monetization can happen in several ways:
- Selling custom animations for clients
- Commission-based work
- Posting monetized videos on YouTube or other platforms
- Offering exclusive content on Patreon, Ko-fi, etc.
Regardless of how you make money, once there’s income involved, you must consider Peruvian tax obligations, including IGV (Impuesto General a las Ventas) and income tax.
Can You Sell SFM Animations in Peru?
Yes, you can legally sell SFM animations in Peru — provided you adhere to copyright guidelines and fulfill your tax obligations.
From a copyright perspective, it’s important to remember that Valve owns the rights to the characters and assets used in SFM. However, Valve’s Steam Subscriber Agreement and SFM End User License Agreement are relatively lenient toward non-commercial use. Monetization is usually tolerated, especially for videos on YouTube or commissions, as long as you’re not selling the actual models or claiming ownership of Valve’s IP.
From a legal and tax perspective in Peru, earning money from any service—including digital services like animation—qualifies as taxable income. If you’re operating as a freelancer or small business, you are responsible for reporting this income.
Understanding IGV and Income Tax
IGV (Impuesto General a las Ventas) is Peru’s general sales tax, currently set at 18%. If you’re providing digital services like animation, especially to clients within Peru, you may be required to add IGV to your invoice.
This tax applies if:
- You are formally registered with RUC (Registro Único de Contribuyentes)
- You issue electronic invoices (facturas) as a business
- Your annual income exceeds the threshold set by SUNAT for microbusinesses
To determine how much IGV you should charge or how it affects your pricing, you can use tools like a calculadora de IGV to break down the amounts with and without tax. This helps you set accurate prices and stay compliant.
Income tax (Impuesto a la Renta) also applies and varies based on your total income:
- Individuals under Régimen Único Simplificado (RUS) or Régimen MYPE Tributario (RMT) often have lower rates and simplified filing
- Higher income freelancers may fall under Régimen General, which has more complex requirements
Selling to International Clients
What if your clients are outside of Peru?
Many Peruvian SFM animators work with clients in the U.S., Europe, or other regions. In these cases:
- You may not need to charge IGV on exported services, depending on SUNAT’s definitions
- You must still report the income and pay income tax accordingly
Be sure to document all transactions and keep copies of international payments (via PayPal, Wise, etc.) to support your declarations.
Should You Register Your Freelance Work?
If you’re serious about earning from SFM, even if it starts as a side hustle, it’s smart to formalize your work:
- Get your RUC number
- Choose a tax regime (RUS, RMT, or General)
- Start issuing boletas or facturas electrónicas depending on your client’s needs
This not only helps you avoid legal trouble but can also open doors to bigger clients who require formal invoicing.
Again, when issuing invoices, use a calculadora IGV peru to calculate your totals with IGV included. This ensures your pricing and reports are accurate.
Tips for Managing Your Finances as an SFM Creator
Here are a few practical tips for Peruvian SFM creators who want to monetize their work:
- Track all income and expenses. Use spreadsheets or accounting apps to record your revenue, payments, and costs (like software, internet, or PC upgrades).
- Save for taxes. Keep a portion of your income aside (20-30%) so you’re not caught off guard during tax season.
- Use online calculators. Tools like calculadora IGV help you calculate taxes quickly, especially when you’re pricing your services.
- Hire a local accountant. If you’re unsure about your tax regime or declarations, get help from a professional to avoid fines.
- Stay updated with SUNAT requirements. Tax regulations change, so check their website or social media for updates.
Conclusion
Selling SFM animations in Peru is not only possible but can be a rewarding way to turn your creativity into income. However, as with any business venture, understanding your tax responsibilities is crucial. Whether you’re creating cinematic masterpieces or fulfilling commissions, you need to declare your income, possibly charge IGV, and stay compliant with SUNAT regulations.
By formalizing your work, keeping accurate records, and using tools like calculadora IGV, you’ll be in a strong position to grow your animation business without tax headaches.