When a fan buys one of your tracks as a paid download, the total they pay can include taxes based on their location. Refunds and payout timing follow SoundCloud’s terms and support processes.
What fans pay at checkout
The amount a fan pays can include:
- The price you set for the track
- An optional additional contribution (if enabled on that track)
- Any applicable taxes based on the buyer’s location
The final total is shown to the buyer before payment is completed.
How taxes work
Taxes are calculated and collected as required by law.
That means:
- Two fans may see different totals for the same track
- The tax amount depends on where the buyer is located
- The tax amount is added at checkout when applicable
- Additional contributions are not subject to tax
You don’t need to calculate sales tax manually during the purchase flow.
How payouts work
Payout timing and reporting depend on the applicable terms and payout setup for your account.
In general:
- Purchase proceeds may not appear immediately
- Final payout timing can vary
- Account-specific details may appear in payout reporting or support responses
How refunds work
Please note that refunds are generally not allowed. However, in line with our terms, we may be able to offer a refund if you experience a technical issue.
If a refund is issued:
- The buyer may receive money back through their original payment method
- Timing can depend on the payment provider or bank
- Specific eligibility rules follow SoundCloud’s refund policy as outlined in our terms
When should I contact support?
Contact support if you need help with:
- A question about a specific payout
- A tax-related issue tied to a transaction
- A refund scenario that isn’t clearly covered in the help content
Related articles
- To start selling a track, see How do I sell tracks as paid downloads?
- To update track settings later, see How do I manage paid download settings for my tracks?