Can I Deduct It? A Singer’s Guide to Tax Deductions

Welcome to Can I Deduct It?, our informative series that breaks down tax deductions for musicians, artists, and creatives. If you're earning income as a singer, understanding what qualifies as a tax deduction can help you save money and keep your business running smoothly.

What is a Tax Deduction? 

A tax deduction reduces your taxable income, lowering the amount of taxes you owe. To qualify, an expense must be both ordinary (common in your industry) and necessary (helpful for your business). You can deduct business-related expenses if you're self-employed or work as an independent artist. Let's break it down!

What Can Singers Deduct? 

If you’re self-employed or earning income as a freelancer, these business-related expenses may be deductible:

• Voice Lessons & Coaching – Training to refine your voice and improve your craft qualifies as a business expense.

• Musical Instruments & Equipment – Microphones, keyboards, and other essential tools used for performances or recordings can be deducted.

• Rehearsal Room Rentals – Renting a studio or rehearsal space for practice sessions is a valid deduction.

• Recording Costs – Studio time, production, engineering, and mastering fees are deductible business expenses.

• Business Travel – Transportation, lodging, and meals for gigs, auditions, and industry events may be deductible depending on the situation.

• Marketing & Branding – Website hosting, promotional materials, and social media advertising costs can be deducted.

• Business Meals – Meetings over meals with managers, collaborators, or agents may be deductible if directly related to business.

• Union & Membership Fees – Memberships to professional organizations like AGMA, NATS, or local musician unions could qualify.

• Instrument & Equipment Repairs – Maintenance and repairs to instruments and equipment related to your business, can be deducted.

• Performance Attire & Costumes – Specialized outfits and costumes that aren’t suitable for everyday wear may be deductible.

What Singers Can’t Deduct 

While tax deductions can help lower your taxable income, certain expenses don’t qualify. Here are some that don’t make the cut:

• Expenses related to W-2 income – If you’re a singer on payroll at a venue or opera house, job-related expenses typically aren’t deductible as business expenses.

• Everyday Clothing – Even if worn on stage, regular clothing that could be worn outside of performances isn’t deductible.

• Personal Instruments – Instruments or equipment primarily for personal use do not qualify as a business expense.

• Personal Travel – Vacations or trips that aren’t directly related to your business aren’t deductible.

• Personal Grooming – Haircuts and skincare—even for performances—are not considered necessary business expenses.

• Non-Business Related Meals – Only meals directly tied to your business can be written off.

• Personal Streaming Subscriptions – Subscriptions to Netflix, Spotify, or Apple Music don’t count as business expenses unless solely used for business purposes.

• Gifts Over $25 per person – If you’re gifting something to a colleague or client, only the first $25 per recipient is deductible.

How Singers Can Stay Organized for Tax Season

If you want to avoid stress, keeping detailed records is key. Here’s how:

✔ Save all receipts for purchases related to your music career.
✔ Track your mileage for gigs, rehearsals, and auditions.
✔ Keep digital records of business-related expenses.
✔ Separate personal and business expenses by using a dedicated bank account or credit card for work-related costs.

Need Help with Your Taxes?

Navigating taxes as a self-employed singer or freelance musician can be tricky, but you don’t have to do it alone. At JH Associates, we specialize in helping artists and creatives understand their taxes, find deductions, and file with confidence.

Want to make tax season easier? Reach out today and let’s get started!

Contact Us to learn more about tax services for singers and musicians.