Archive for the ‘Taxes’ Category

Student Visas: A School for Scandal?

Wednesday, May 8th, 2013

By Brian Taylor Goldstein, Esq. Dear Law and Disorder: May a non-resident alien (Russian) musician here for an advance graduate school degree on an F-1 visa be paid for playing some off-campus recitals? Are they considered “Curricular Practical Training” which is supposed to be allowed, if approved by the Designated School Official? (Of course, 30% of the gross […]

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Another Taxing Question

Wednesday, March 13th, 2013

By Robyn Guilliams, Esq. Dear Law and Disorder: There seems to be some clarification needed regarding income earned by non-US artists we represent who perform in Canada. We act as the agent for the artists, so payment is always made to us.  If an artist will be performing in Canada, but payment comes to us […]

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Responsibility…Its Not Just About Visas

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

By Brian Taylor Goldstein, Esq. Dear Law & Disorder: We are facing a visa problem for one of our Russian singers.  She is supposed to sing in the United States at the end of February with a US Orchestra. Now it turns out that the orchestra is neither willing to apply nor to pay for […]

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What’s Wrong With Canada?

Wednesday, December 19th, 2012

By Robyn Guilliams, Esq. Dear Law and Disorder Why is it necessary for Canadian performers to obtain work permits in order to perform in the United States? Although Visas are not necessary, the work permit is necessary. Why are the artists not able to enter the way other business people under the North American Free […]

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Can I Get A Tax Deduction For My Professional Services??

Wednesday, October 17th, 2012

By Robyn Guilliams Dear Law & Order: Performing Arts Division – Many nonprofit arts organizations have board members or other affiliated parties who offer their services free of charge or at a reduced rate to support the organization.  Is it possible for the nonprofit organization to give a tax letter for the value of the […]

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Non-Profit and Tax-exempt: What’s In a Name?

Wednesday, August 29th, 2012

By Robyn Guilliams What is the difference between a “non-profit” organization and a “tax-exempt” organization?  I hear these terms used interchangeably – do they mean the same thing? Great question!  These terms do not mean the same thing.  All tax-exempt organizations are non-profits; however, not all non-profits are tax exempt. When an organization wishes to […]

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The 30% Withholding Tax Isn’t Just For Performers!

Wednesday, August 15th, 2012

By Robyn Guilliams Dear Law & Disorder Team – We run an international competition that takes place in a different country every two years and each time we have to learn new lessons around taxation. What is the Withholding Tax situation around jury services or the teaching of master classes for non-US resident jury members? […]

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Do Competitions Need To Withhold Taxes On An Artist’s Prize Money?

Wednesday, June 6th, 2012

By Robyn Guilliams We hold a piano competition where artists, some from abroad, pay their own way to come here to compete.  If they win any prize money, do we need to withhold taxes? For artists who are nonresidents of the U.S., I’m afraid you are required to withhold taxes! The general rule is that […]

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I Want To Engage A Foreign Artist. Tell Me Everything I Need To Know!

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

By Brian Taylor Goldstein Dear FTM: What needs to be done to bring a performing artist from a foreign country to play in a US concert? How is their pay reported to the IRS? Is withholding required? Do they have to pay taxes on the money that they earn in the US? Etc. Wow, this […]

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How Do I Draft An Engagement Agreement For My Trio?

Wednesday, May 16th, 2012

By Brian Taylor Goldstein Dear FTM Arts Law, I am a manager who will be writing contracts on behalf of a trio. They don’t have a corporation and there is no “leader.” They just get together and perform together. How do I handle their engagement fees so that I do not look like their employer? […]

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