Sole proprietorship in Georgia and Facebook monetization: register, set up payments, and save 1% tax

A solution in 30 seconds

If you earn money on Facebook (in-stream/Reels/Stars/subscriptions and bonuses), the optimal working scheme often looks like this:

1. Register as an Individual Entrepreneur (IE) in Georgia;
2. Apply for Small Business (1 % of turnover) while complying with the limits;
3. in Creator Studio, set up Payout / Payout account and select the withdrawal method (bank account, Payoneer/Wise, others available);
4. make a trial withdrawal and keep a record (date, amount in USD, commissions, exchange rate, total in GEL).

What Facebook pays and how it is paid

Meta pays creators through a set of tools (Ad Breaks/in-stream, Stars, subscriptions, bonuses, etc.). To receive money, you need to set up a payout account in Creator Studio/Monetization and link a payment method—a bank or supported providers. In Creator Studio, there is a “Payout Settings” section where you can set up withdrawal methods. Without a linked payout account, you are limited in the amounts you can earn (see Meta’s help section for limits on earnings without a payout account).

Practical tip: Meta requires you to fill out a payout account (KYC), otherwise payments will be blocked/restricted — setup and verification are mandatory.

Available payment methods (usually)

• Bank transfer (direct deposit/wire/local bank) — Meta transfers to your local account; local EFT is supported in a number of countries. Convenient, but SWIFT correspondent fees and conversion can eat into your income.
• Providers/virtual accounts (Payoneer, Wise, etc.) — many creators use Payoneer/Wise to get a USD/EUR receiving account, which offers flexibility and often better conversion to local currency. Testing is recommended.
• Other local/partner methods — Meta periodically expands its options (depending on the country and account). Always check the available options in Creator Studio → Payout Settings.

Step-by-step guide: from sole proprietorship to your first “clean” payment

Step 1 — register as a sole proprietor (Individual Entrepreneur) in Georgia

Registration is quick: Public Service Hall / through a representative. This will give you the legal basis for issuing documents and opening an account.

Step 2 — Apply for Small Business Status (1 %)

Check the thresholds and criteria (up to 500k—700k GEL depending on the rules and sector). If you are eligible, submit an application to the Revenue Service.

Step 3 — prepare Creator/Monetization on Facebook

Log in to Creator Studio/Monetization → Payout Settings → add a payout account, complete KYC (identification). Without a verified payout account, payments are limited.

Step 4 — Select and connect a withdrawal channel

Set up either a direct bank transfer (SWIFT/EFT) or a virtual USD/EUR account via Payoneer/Wise, if available. Make a test payment (a small amount) to each channel under consideration—this is important!

Step 5 — Keep records and pay tax

Record: date of receipt (USD), amount, commissions withheld (Meta, bank, correspondents), conversion rate, total in GEL. Pay 1 % based on annual turnover (if SBS). Keep all statements and screenshots.

Example — why a test withdrawal is mandatory

Let’s say Facebook has credited $1,000. Between “$1,000” and “the amount on the card in GEL” there will be: payment gateway commission (if any), SWIFT correspondent fixed fee (e.g., $15—30), and conversion margin at the bank or Payoneer/Wise. Without testing, you won’t know exactly how much you will receive “net.” A reserve of 2—5 % is usually created before the system is tested.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Did not pass KYC and did not set up payouts — payments will not arrive or will be limited.
• Chose a channel based on reviews without checking it yourself — different banks/accounts give different results. Test transfers solve the problem.
• Did not apply for Small Business in advance — then the first payments will have to be declared according to the general rules, possibly overpaying taxes.

Short practical checklist

• Register as an Individual Entrepreneur (IE) at the Public Service Hall.
• Check the small business limit and apply for SBS (1 %).
• In Creator Studio → Monetization → Payout Settings, add a payout account and complete KYC.
• Open Payoneer/Wise and/or make sure that your local bank is ready to accept SWIFT without large incoming fees.
• Make test withdrawals ($20—200) for each method, record the actual fees and exchange rate.
• Set up an accounting table (date, USD, Meta fee, provider fee, exchange rate, total in GEL).

Conclusion

Facebook monetization is real and works in most countries, including Georgia, but in order not to lose money on commissions, it is important to follow the checklist: register as a sole proprietor, obtain SBS (1%), set up payouts, and make test transfers. This gives you control over your income and simplifies tax reporting.