Questions about filing my tax return as self-employed theatre artist...

[CapnHook]

Posted: 11/29/09 at 10:52pm

This is the first year where I am filing my taxes while not being claimed as a dependent by my parents. I understand that in order to claim things such as haircuts, movie tickets, scripts, dvds, etc. that I need to file as a "Self-Employed Artist." Is that correct?

In 2009 I did not do professional theatre. I did educational theatre and community theatre. I applied to some professional theatres for internships but didn't get any (which I can prove via e-mails I received from them). In addition, I was employed at a restaurant where certain months I was full-time but most months I was part-time. Am I still eligible to file as a Self Employed Artist? Do I get taxes back for both my side job as well as my theatre-related expenses (headshots, dvds, haircuts, etc.)?

Thanks!!!!

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 11/29/09 at 11:01pm

No.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 11/29/09 at 11:18pm

Seriously, you are asking tax advice on BWW?

[Q]

Posted: 11/29/09 at 11:21pm

Well, after people ask medical advice, this is almost pedestrian.

But, perhaps not to a lawyer

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 11/29/09 at 11:23pm

You haven't earned money as a self-employed artist, therefore you shouldn't be telling the IRS you are a self-employed artist.

[Q]

Posted: 11/29/09 at 11:28pm

Oh, details, details, PRS.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 11/29/09 at 11:33pm

Thanks, PRS. That's what I thought. But I was once told that if you can prove that you attempted a job you could still file...but I would think you would file for unemployment. :

And yes I'm asking for tax advice. On BWW you can talk about ANYTHING!

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 11/29/09 at 11:35pm

Let me rephrase that - you are relying on tax advice solicited on BWW?

It is very sweet that you are so confident to rely on the competence and kindness of strangers.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 11/29/09 at 11:39pm

There isn't an online entity that I would trust more than Phyllis Rogers Stone. I'd trust him/her with my online life.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 11/29/09 at 11:39pm

I'd say I was competent, but I don't know if you'd call me kind.

I think the thing about proving you looked for work is probably if you've collected unemployment as a performer or whatever you're trying to take deductions for. That one is more a guess on my part, though.

Also - you should only itemize if what you are claiming is more than what the standard deduction is, and I doubt you're claiming that much.
Updated On: 11/29/09 at 11:39 PM

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 11/29/09 at 11:48pm

Oh PRS, I am quite confident in your competence. Hook is lucky that you actually chose to answer his question.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 11/29/09 at 11:50pm

Yeah, I would have made a great accountant. With other people's money, that is.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 11/29/09 at 11:58pm

Yes, itemizing things only works if it is over a certain amount. My dad told me this because I do volunteer work and drive there, but not enough to count it.

Actually, he does volunteer with a group here that does taxes for low income families for free. I know you have to make under a certain amount to qualify, but it might be worth looking to see if any service exists in your area.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 11/30/09 at 12:00am

From what he described I don't seen any reason why he'd need help. I think the IRS has a free hotline. It sounds like from what he described he's just gonna need the 1040EZ form.

[Q]

Posted: 11/30/09 at 12:03am

Are you saying that Hook is easy?

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 11/30/09 at 12:16am

That's the thing PRS - the IRS has a website with Q&A and information on who to call.

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/selfemployed/index.html

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 11/30/09 at 12:18am

And, you can't claim haircuts (or audition clothes). You should go by Equity or SAG's list of what things you can itemize when you are eligible.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 11/30/09 at 4:32pm

Here is the list of the basic things Equity says you will be able to claim. A good tax accountant might be able to find some other deductions, but this is a good start.

IN-TOWN EXPENSES
1. Photos and Resumes
2. Agentâ??s/Managerâ??s Commissions
3. Union Dues/Initiation Fees
4. Office Supplies/Stationary/Postage
5. Academy and Players Guide
6. Accompanist/Audition Expense
7. Answering Service
8. Coaching/Lessons for Performance
9. Entertainment for Business
10. Gifts for Business
11. Sheet music, records, books, tapes Travel
12. Rehearsal clothes & maintenance
13. Tickets for Professional Research
14. Trade Publications
15. Transportation Seeking Employment

OUT-OF-TOWN-EXPENSES
1. Travel
2. Lodging Expenses
3. Meals
4. Laundry and Dry Cleaning
5. Local Transportation
6. Auto Rental for Business
7. Gasoline/Auto Repairs & Maintenance
8. Telephone Charges
9. Tips and Gratuities
10. Other Expenses related to Qualifying travel

Of course all of these are only claimable with documentation: receipts, canceled checks, bank and credit card statements, and a detailed diary.

Updated On: 11/30/09 at 04:32 PM

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 11/30/09 at 4:38pm

You can only have earnings to offset the expenses. Generally, you cannot offsent W2 income against 1099 earnings.