TAX PREPARATION
FREE OR LOW COST SERVICES: In my research for this site, I discovered that many volunteer lawyers for the arts associations also offer accounting services. See Legal Issues and Advice for links.
ONLINE
Riley & Associates
Check out this helpful website chock-full of goodies specifically geared towards artists by category , including a downloadable expense form, FAQ, income worksheet, tips, and more. Also offered for sale is a book, The New Tax Guide for Artists.
NEW YORK
Cason and Company
330 W 42nd St.
New York, NY
(212) 564-8609
HD Vest Financial Services
Free step-by-step system lets you file your state and federal taxes electronically
Lewis Holman
Eric Krone, CPA
I personally recommend Eric. He's a great guy and works for many singers.
230 Park Ave. at 46th St. Ste. 665
New York, NY 10169
(212) 953-1104
Don Robinson
Phone: 212.645.4889
Fax: 212.255.6816
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
This organization helps Equity members with their tax returns on a pro bono
basis.
In the Equity Building
165 W. 46th, 14th Floor
New York, NY 10036
212-921-2548 Call for hours.
Gordon Voorhees
Former singer; experienced with performers' taxes
BAY AREA
Timothy J. O’Brien
From a family of professional musicians; experienced in artists' issues
Tax & Accounting Office
440 N. Central, Suite C
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 378-0483
SOME DEDUCTIBLE EXPENSES FOR PERFORMERS
From a list my accountant uses
PROFESSIONAL EXPENSES
Meals & Entertainment (in town)
Conferances & Entertainment (at home)
Listing in professional directories (Musical America, Players' Guide, etc.)
Photos & Publicity
Stationary/Postage/Resumes
Costumes & Cleaning
Makeup/Wigs/Hairdye
Coachings/Lessons
Accompanist
Rehearsal Hall Rental
Public Phone
Home Phone - Identified Long Distance
Answering Service/Machine
Dues (Equity/AGMA/SAG/AFTRA etc.)
Subscriptions/Publications/Books
Local Transportation
Gifts to Profession (show gifts, etc.)
Theater/Movie/Video Rental Tickets
Backstage Tips
Music/Scripts/Recordings
Dancing Clothes/Shoes
Repairs
Professional Cards and Announcements
Audio/Visual Equipment
Accounting Fees
Cable
Supplies
TRAVEL EXPENSES
List places travelled for gigs or auditions, and dates
MEALS AWAY FROM HOME
If you take standard deduction, list the city you were in and number of days you were there. Your accountant will know what the going per diem is for that city; it changes year to year.
Cost per day x # of days = your deduction
OTHER EXPENSES
Laundry & Cleaning
Luggage & Tips
Auto Rental & Gas
Parking
Tolls
Local Transportation while on the road (taxi, bus fare, etc.)
Plane/Train Fare
Lodging
Utilities
Audition Fees
TAX TIPS FROM VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
Some of this is repetitive. but I thought it was worth including. Keep in mind that VITA is primarily geared towards Broadway.
Record Keeping for Tax Purposes and Working Out of State
· Keep good records of all expenditures, according to category (i.e. in or out
of town). They must be reported on separate schedules on your tax returns.
· You must have proofs of expenses; the IRS will not accept estimates or
approximations. Paid receipts, canceled checks, bank and credit card statements,
a detailed diary and other such documentation may be used as proof.
· When working outside your home state, be sure to keep proofs of your earnings,
per diem, and expenditures in each separate locality.
· When working outside your home state, make sure to check with your employer
regarding the non-resident tax obligations in the state and city in which you
are working.
· Make sure your out-of-state employer has the address at which you can be
reached in January of next year. Ask that complete W-2 forms, reflecting your
non-resident wages and withholdings, be sent to you as soon as they are
available.
Business Expense Deductions
IN-TOWN EXPENSES
In-town expenses are those incurred while you are working or seeking employment
in your home city (aka your tax home).
1. Accompanist/Audition Expense
2. Agent’s/Manager’s Commissions
3. Answering Service
4. Coaching/Lessons for Performance
5. Entertainment for Business
6. Gifts for Business
7. Office Supplies/Stationary/Postage
8. Photos and Resumes
9. Rehearsal clothes & maintenance
10. Sheet music, records, books, tapes
11. Tickets for Professional Research (movie, theater, concert)
12. Trade Publications
13. Transportation Seeking Employment
14. Union Dues/Initiation Fees
OUT-OF-TOWN-EXPENSES
Out-of-town expenses are those incurred while working or seeking employment away from your tax home. There must be at least one overnight stay for expenses to qualify as out-of-town.
1. Auto Rental for Business
2. Gasoline/Auto Repairs & Maintenance
3. Laundry and Dry Cleaning
4. Local Transportation
5. Lodging Expenses
6. Meals
7. Telephone Charges
8. Tips and Gratuities
9. Travel
10. Other expenses related to qualifying travel