Which RBI Purpose Code Applies to YouTube and Content Creator Income in India?
- Author:
- Manoj Sharma
- Verified by:
- Editorial team
- Published:
- Last modified:
Short answer
RBI's FETERS list has no code named YouTube or creator income. Creators compare P1007 for advertising, P0902 for licensing of content, and P1099 for other services against what the payment is for. Confirm the code with your AD bank before relying on it.
| Applies to | Governed by | Deadline | Penalty | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTubers and content creators in India paid by platforms, advertisers or brands outside India | Regulation 18(2) of the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026, read with the RBI FETERS purpose code list | Service EDF within 30 days from the end of the invoice month where an EDF applies; realisation within 9 months (12 months if invoiced or settled in rupees) | Not applicable for the code itself. A wrong code can trigger bank queries and correction requests | 9 Oct 2026 |
What is the purpose code for YouTube and content creator income?
RBI has not published a purpose code specific to YouTube or creator income. Creators choose a line from the FETERS list that matches what the payer is paying for. This page could not verify an official mapping, so agree the code with your AD bank.
- Advertising: P1007 is "Advertising, trade fair service".
- Licensing: P0902 is "Receipts for use, through licensing arrangements, of produced originals or prototypes (such as manuscripts and films), patents, copyrights, trademarks, industrial processes, franchises etc.".
- Other services: P1099 is "Other services not included elsewhere".
- Source: All descriptions come from the RBI FETERS purpose code list.
Which line fits depends on whether the payment is an ad revenue share, a brand fee or a content licence.
Which purpose code fits which kind of creator income?
The nature of the payment decides the closest code. Ad revenue and sponsored content compare with P1007. Payments to license content compare with P0902. Production work compares with P1101. Other income compares with P1099.
| Creator income type | Candidate code | Official RBI description | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ad revenue share or sponsored content | P1007 | "Advertising, trade fair service" | Creators paid for advertising reach |
| License of videos or other content | P0902 | "Receipts for use, through licensing arrangements, of produced originals or prototypes (such as manuscripts and films), patents, copyrights, trademarks, industrial processes, franchises etc." | Creators selling usage rights |
| Video production for a foreign client | P1101 | "Audio-visual and related services like Motion picture and video tape production, distribution and projection services." | Creators producing videos for hire |
| Entertainment services | P1104 | "Entertainment services" | Performers and entertainers |
| Income that fits no other line | P1099 | "Other services not included elsewhere" | Revenue with no better line |
How do content creators select a purpose code on a bank or payment dashboard?
Content creators select a purpose code by deciding what the payer is paying for, matching it to an RBI line, and entering that code where the bank or payment provider asks for the purpose. Confirm the choice with the AD bank first.
- Identify what the payment is for, such as ad revenue, a brand deal or a content licence.
- Check the official description in the RBI list and match it to the wording on your invoice and contract.
- Give the same code and description to your AD bank or payment provider when you set up the receipt, and confirm it appears on the remittance advice.
- File the Export Declaration Form for services within 30 days of the end of the invoice month, as required by Regulation 3(2), unless a waiver applies. See EDF form for exports.
- Keep the invoice, contract, remittance advice and bank credit together, and ask your AD bank to correct a wrong code quickly using the steps in how to correct a purpose code.
Can a creator use different codes for ad revenue and brand deals?
Yes, if the payments are for different things. A brand deal invoiced as video production and an ad revenue share can map to different lines. Keep one invoice per payment type so the code follows the invoice.
- Ad revenue and sponsorship are different payment types.
- Ask the AD bank if the payer issues no invoice.
What if the payer sends no invoice?
Some platforms pay on statements, not invoices. Keep the payment statement and ask the AD bank how it wants the receipt supported and which code to record.
What are the official purpose code descriptions content creators should compare?
Compare the exact RBI wording before choosing. The table lists lines most often considered for creator income.
| Code | Official RBI description | Group | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| P0902 | Receipts for use, through licensing arrangements, of produced originals or prototypes (such as manuscripts and films), patents, copyrights, trademarks, industrial processes, franchises etc. | Charges for the use of intellectual property n.i.e | Content licences |
| P1007 | Advertising, trade fair service | Other Business Services | Advertising income |
| P1099 | Other services not included elsewhere | Other Business Services | Income with no better line |
| P1101 | Audio-visual and related services like Motion picture and video tape production, distribution and projection services. | Audio-visual and related services | Video production |
| P1104 | Entertainment services | Audio-visual and related services | Entertainment services |
What happens when a content creator uses a purpose code the bank disagrees with?
If the bank disagrees with the code, it may raise a query, hold the credit until satisfied, or ask for a correction. The bank reports the code to RBI under FETERS.
- Queries: The bank may ask for the payment statement, platform agreement or invoice.
- Delays: A disputed code can slow the credit while the bank reviews the paperwork.
- Records: The remittance advice shows the code, so a mismatch appears in your books.
Agree the code with the AD bank early and fix any wrong record with their help. See what happens if you use the wrong purpose code.
Which RBI rules support the purpose code choice for creator income?
The rules are the FETERS purpose code list, the circular that put it in force, and the 2026 export regulations that carry FETERS reporting forward.
| Circular or regulation | Clause | Date | Plain meaning | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RBI FETERS purpose code list | Annex, receipts | Circular dated 29 February 2012 | Lists the purpose codes and descriptions banks use when reporting inward remittances | Creators confirming a code |
| A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 84 | Paragraph 3 | 29 February 2012 | AD banks report foreign exchange transactions using this purpose code list | Banks reporting receipts |
| FEMA 23(R)/2026-RB | Regulation 18(2) | In force 1 October 2026, amended 22 September 2026 | FETERS reporting by AD banks continues under the 2026 export regulations | Creators after 1 October 2026 |
| FEMA 23(R)/2026-RB | Regulation 3(2) | In force 1 October 2026 | Service exporters file the EDF within 30 days of the end of the invoice month | Creators paid in invoices |
| A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 20 | Paragraphs 4 and 7, Annex A | 16 January 2026 | Supersedes the earlier export Master Direction and the SOFTEX circulars from 1 October 2026 | Creators with brand deals |
What mistakes do content creators make with purpose codes?
- Assuming a YouTube code: Believing RBI has a YouTube line. The list has none, so match the payment to an existing line.
- One code for all: Using one code for ad revenue, brand deals and licences. Match each payment to its own purpose.
- No bank check: Never confirming the choice with the AD bank before regular receipts begin.
- Ignoring statements: Losing the platform payment statements that support the receipt.
- Missing EDF: Missing the service EDF window under Regulation 3(2) where an EDF applies.
- GST assumption: Treating the code as proof of GST export status.
How did we verify this?
Every rule, deadline and form on this page is linked to its official source, checked on the dates below.
- RBI: Guidelines for Submission of Data, Foreign Exchange Transactions Electronic Reporting System (FETERS), purpose code list for receipts, Annex purpose codes, receipts (checked 9 Oct 2026)
- RBI A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 84 dated February 29, 2012: Compilation of R-Returns, Reporting under FETERS, Paragraph 3: AD banks to report all foreign exchange transactions as per the revised purpose code list (checked 9 Oct 2026)
- RBI Notification No. FEMA 23(R)/2026-RB: Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2026 (amended up to September 22, 2026), Regulation 1(2); 3(2) (EDF for services within 30 days from end of invoice month); 4(2) (EDPMS closure up to Rs 10 lakh); 5(1)(a) (nine months); 18(2) (FETERS reporting) (checked 9 Oct 2026)
- RBI A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 20 dated January 16, 2026: Export and Import of Goods and Services, Paragraphs 4 and 7 and Annex A: earlier Master Direction and SOFTEX circulars superseded from October 01, 2026 (checked 9 Oct 2026)
- IGST Act, 2017, Section 2: Definitions (CBIC tax information portal), Section 2(6): definition of export of services (checked 9 Oct 2026)
- IGST Act, 2017, Section 16: Zero rated supply (CBIC tax information portal), Section 16(1)(a), 16(2) and 16(3) (checked 9 Oct 2026)
- GST Portal user manual: Furnishing of Letter of Undertaking (FORM GST RFD-11), Filing path Services > User Services > Furnish Letter of Undertaking (LUT) (checked 9 Oct 2026)
- Income Tax Department e-filing portal: Objective and scope of the New Act, Repeal of the 1961 Act on 01.04.2026 and the tax year concept (checked 9 Oct 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Does RBI have a purpose code specifically for YouTube income?
No line in the RBI FETERS list is named YouTube or creator income. Creators compare lines such as P1007, P0902 and P1099 with what the payer is paying for. Confirm the choice with your AD bank, since acceptance can vary.
Is P1007 the right code for YouTube ad revenue?
P1007 is described as advertising and trade fair service and is a candidate for ad related income. Whether it fits depends on how the payment is described and what your bank accepts. Check with your AD bank before relying on it.
Which code fits a brand sponsorship paid by a foreign company?
A sponsorship invoiced as advertising can compare with P1007, and one invoiced as video production can compare with P1101. The invoice wording should drive the choice. Ask the AD bank if a deal mixes both. Rules can change, so check the linked official sources and your AD bank before acting.
Does the purpose code appear on the FIRA for creator income?
The code is normally recorded on the inward remittance advice or FIRA your bank or payment provider issues. Formats vary, so check with your AD bank, and keep the document with the payment statement. Rules can change, so check the linked official sources and your AD bank before acting.
Is YouTube income an export of services for GST?
It can be, when all five conditions in section 2(6) of the IGST Act are met. The purpose code does not decide this. Take professional advice on whether your income and registration status make GST relevant. Rules can change, so check the linked official sources and your AD bank before acting.
How does the Income-tax Act, 2025 treat creator income?
The Income-tax Act, 2025 replaced the 1961 Act from 1 April 2026 and uses the term tax year. The purpose code does not change taxation. Take advice from a tax professional on the head of income and return form. Rules can change, so check the linked official sources and your AD bank before acting.