Musicians, artists, and other creative professionals often work across a mix of employed, freelance, and self-employed income, which makes their tax situation genuinely more complex than a standard employee return. However, this mix also opens up a wider range of deductions than many creatives realise they’re entitled to claim.
Instruments and equipment. Instruments, sound equipment, or art supplies used for professional work are generally deductible, either immediately or via depreciation depending on the cost.
Maintenance and repairs. Servicing and repairing instruments or equipment used for professional work is typically claimable.
Software and creative tools. Subscriptions for editing, recording, design, or other creative software used professionally are generally deductible.
Marketing and promotional materials. Costs for websites, promotional photography, demo recordings, or portfolio materials used to secure work are typically deductible.
Agent or management fees. Commissions or fees paid to an agent, manager, or booking service are generally claimable.
Travel to performances, gigs, or exhibitions. Travel directly related to paid work — performances, gigs, exhibitions, or client meetings — is generally deductible, separate from any standard commuting.
Lessons and coaching. Where directly related to maintaining or improving skills used in your current professional work, lessons or coaching may be deductible.
Workshops and masterclasses. Professional development directly related to your creative practice is typically claimable.
Industry memberships. Fees for professional associations or unions relevant to your creative field are generally deductible.
Dedicated studio space. If you have a space used specifically and regularly for professional creative work, a portion of running costs may be claimable, similar to a standard home office claim.
Storage costs. Costs for storing equipment, artwork, or instruments related to your professional practice can also be considered.
As an employee, standard work-related deduction rules apply, and your employer withholds tax from your pay.
As a sole trader or freelancer, you’ll need an ABN, may need to register for GST depending on your income, and are responsible for setting aside your own tax and superannuation.
Often, creatives are a mix of both, working an employed role alongside freelance or gig-based creative work, which requires managing both sets of obligations correctly within the same tax return.
Not separating personal and professional equipment use. Where equipment is used for both personal and professional purposes, only the professional-use portion is deductible, and this needs to be reasonably apportioned.
Underclaiming due to irregular income. Creatives with inconsistent income sometimes assume deductions aren’t worth tracking carefully, when in fact accurate claims matter just as much — if not more — with variable income.
Not registering for an ABN when doing freelance work. Some creatives continue accepting freelance payments without formalising their business registration, which can create compliance issues down the track.
EBATS helps musicians, artists, and creative professionals navigate mixed employment and freelance income, claiming every deduction they’re entitled to.
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