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//// Tax · Artists & Performers

Musician & Artist Tax Calculator

Performance fees, royalties, lessons, merch — see SE tax, federal income tax, quarterly payments, and hobby loss risk under IRC §183. Built for the working musician.

401(k) Limit 2024$23,000
Roth IRA Limit$7,000
S&P 500 Avg Return~10%/yr

Filing status

Income Streams

Gigs, shows, session fees, live events

$

Streaming, sync licensing, mechanical royalties

$

Private lessons, workshops, online courses

$

T-shirts, vinyl, merch table revenue

$

Deductions

Instruments, amps, mics, recording gear (§179 eligible)

$

Home studio % of home expenses or actual studio costs

$

DAW, VSTs, production software, streaming subscriptions

$

DistroKid, TuneCore, CDBaby, Bandcamp fees

$

Travel, lodging, per diem on tour (50% meals limit applies)

$

Monthly studio rental, practice space

$

SAG-AFTRA, AFM, IATSE membership dues

$

Session players, collaborators (issue 1099s above $600)

$

Marketing, promo, recording costs, music videos, website

$

Low hobby loss risk

Your music activity shows a profit — low hobby loss risk. Keep documenting business activities, marketing efforts, and profit intent.

$27,900

Net profit

$3,942

SE tax

$1,133

Federal income tax

$5,075

Total tax owed

$1,269

Quarterly payment

$22,825

Take-home pay

12.7%

Effective total rate

Gross income$40,000
Total deductions$12,100
Net Schedule C profit$27,900
Self-employment tax$3,942
Federal income tax$1,133
Take-home pay$22,825