Sometime ago I did some freelance graphic work for a nonprofit and was given a tax form at the end of our relationship stating monies paid to me for work done.

I now know that as an actor we are technically self employed contractors that hire out our services; this lets us deduct supplies, dedicated phone use, &c as any other business could do.

My question pertains to the percentage we pay our agent off of our earnings; how to go about figuring that in a tax form and presenting it to the IRS and the agent.

I live in a region where agents are wild dogs outside of the realm of civilized structure.

Thx for any leads.

nf

I'm not sure actors are self employed; I think most actors are employees of the prodution companies that hire them. That means almost no "expenses" are deductible. You might want to consult an accountant who has experience with actors.

Well, hopefully your agent is claiming their income off of you, usually being 10% of jobs booked. You should have a record or receipts from your agent.

Csilvera -
Actually, actors can have several deductions in addition to agent/manager commissions such as subscriptions to periodicals like Back Stage and websites for casting like Back Stage, Actors Access, etc., postage for mailings, headshots, resume supplies, acting classes, non-working mileage for auditions and acting classes, haircuts/recolors to return your hair back to it's normal state after having it done differently for a specific production, and more. Every year, Back Stage usually has a great series of columns regarding tax time for actors that usually lists any changes in deductions from year to year. Maybe you already knew that, it just sounded like you were saying that actors don't have many deductions.

Excellent clarification and I agree with you MIB. I was referring to some particularly creative deductions I've heard of over the years.

Thanks guys, I got a solid from craigslist forums TAX section; the form is 1099 misc if you've given over $600 in the course of your business to another person or business...

"Sorry, I'm the one who told you to search talent earlier. What I found used the term artists and athletes and was not relevant. But, from what you say, you are probably expecting a 1099 misc. If so: "Sorry, I'm the one who told you to search talent earlier. What I found used the term artists and athletes and was not relevant. But, from what you say, you are probably expecting a 1099 misc. If so:

You will file a schedule C. You'll need to file a 1099 misc for the agent (assuming you paid him more than $600 last year). That also requires a 1098 to accompany it. Part goes to the IRS, part to him. Just look at the 1099 instructions on irs.gov.

There is a line item on the schedule c for the commission. You will deduct anything that's ordinary and necessary to the business on your schedule c.

Here's the publication on filing the 1099:
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1099msc.pdf

You have to actually get the form...order it at irs.gov and have it mailed to you. You can't use a download or a copy. You need to do that quickly. Or, you can probably buy some somewhere, maybe even find it at the post office or library.

Also, at irs.gov, you need to read - or have handy for reference - publication 17 and the schedule c instructions. Sorry I wasn't more help earlier."

You can also include a portion of your home bills including mortgage/rent, electricity, dedicated phone lines, &c. IF you have a definable office nook/room in your house.

The receipts for payment to him that I have are cashed checks from my bank listing his agency and re:, and he SHOULD be reporting it... regardless he gets a copy of the 1099 and hopefully will do/does the credible thing.

Thanks again guys!

nf

quote:

I'm not sure actors are self employed; I think most actors are employees of the prodution companies that hire them. That means almost no "expenses" are deductible. You might want to consult an accountant who has experience with actors.

It really depends upon how you were hired. Union v. Non, etc. There are lots and lots of instances where actors ARE indeed considered self-employed and I am considered self-employed more often than not. I always use a pro.

And, yes, agent commissions ARE deductable IF you are declaring the GROSS of the job (100%) and not the NET (90%). But I'm not a pro. Go to a pro.

I have used the same Tax guy for 20 years. He's rich. Handles performers exclusively. He's really great and understands all the different ways that we work. He knows all the changes in the laws year to year and even handles your taxes if you are a corporation.

I can give you the specifics offline. My point is I agree with the big D. GO TO A PRO. I do.

hey, can anyone recommend a tax person who deals with performers? im in southern cali.

There's one in LA, but I don't have his card in front of me. He was a speaker for a tax workshop up here. I know he used to be an actor.

This is from the bizparentz website, which is for kids, but it is a good resource for understanding taxes. All job search expenses are deductible whether you are an employee of a production company or not.

http://www.bizparentz.org/federaltaxes.html

You can also deduct
DVD rentals and
cable TV if used for purposes of education

Starting in January, Backstage has a great tax guy who writes a column on this very topic. Watch for it!