Unlock global growth with Google Play’s tax and compliance initiatives

Posted by Aditya Pathak – Product Manager, Google Play

We know how complex it can be to navigate the ever-changing landscape of commerce and payments, especially when it comes to global tax and regulatory compliance. In just two years, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of new regulations impacting Google Play developers.

By partnering with Google Play, you’re not just accessing a global marketplace serving over 190 countries; you’re joining a powerful ecosystem built on security and trust. We understand the challenges these regulatory changes present, and we’re here to support your growth every step of the way. That’s why at Google Play, our teams work tirelessly behind the scenes to make compliance easier for you, providing a safe, trusted, and thriving marketplace for you and your users.

Scaling a trusted ecosystem globally

• Simplified Compliance: We have tools and resources to help you navigate international regulations, including consumer protection and payment compliance, so you can focus on building innovative apps and reaching a wider audience.
• Security and Trust: We prioritize user safety with the best of Google’s technology. Our Play Protect service scans billions of apps daily, and we prevented over $4 billion in fraudulent and abusive transactions in 2022 and 2023 combined. We also continue to invest in innovative features like passwordless risk-based authentication for purchases in Korea that helps prevent fraudulent purchases. This commitment to security builds consumer trust and confidence in Play and the broader Android ecosystem, which ultimately helps all developers succeed.

Unifying a platform for growth and efficiency

We’re committed to investing in a seamless and efficient experience for developers on Google Play. Our platform helps you grow your business; here’s how:

• Flexible Tax Platform: We’re simplifying your tax management by streamlining processes, providing clear guidance, and automating where possible so you can focus on building great apps. For example, in response to recent regulations, we’re helping apply lower withholding tax rates to qualifying developers located in India, directly boosting their take-home earnings.
• Streamlined Onboarding: Our flexible onboarding process guides you through various global compliance requirements, ensuring a smooth and efficient start.
• Effortless Accounting: Gain clear insights into your earnings and transactions with our powerful tools and tailored reports, empowering you to make informed business decisions.
• Enhanced User Conversion: We’re always finding ways to make it easier for users to subscribe to your service, buy your app or make in-app purchases. For example, we’re helping more users store their payment information so they can make purchases with a single tap. We’re also adding experimentation features to help you test buy flows and optimize user conversions.

We’re dedicated to supporting your growth in an ever-changing regulatory landscape and are constantly working to make Google Play the best platform for developers to thrive. Stay tuned for updates on new features, tools, and resources designed to help you grow your business and navigate the evolving apps and games landscape.