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Performing Artist Tax Parity Act of 2025
4/10/2025, 1:53 AM
Summary of Bill S 1121
The current adjusted gross income limitation for above-the-line deductions for performing artists is set at $16,000. This bill proposes to increase that limitation, allowing performing artists to deduct a greater amount of their expenses from their taxable income. This change would provide financial relief for performing artists who often incur significant expenses related to their work, such as travel, costumes, and training.
In addition to increasing the adjusted gross income limitation, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to tax relief for performing artists. These provisions aim to support the financial stability of performing artists and recognize the unique challenges they face in their line of work. Overall, the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act seeks to provide tax relief for performing artists by increasing the adjusted gross income limitation for above-the-line deductions of expenses. This bill aims to support the financial well-being of performing artists and recognize the important contributions they make to the cultural landscape of the United States.
Congressional Summary of S 1121
Performing Artist Tax Parity Act of 2025
This bill increases the income limit and makes other modifications to the above-the-line tax deduction for business expenses of qualified performing artists. (Above-the-line deductions are subtracted from gross income to calculate adjusted gross income.)
Under current law, a qualified performing artist (who may deduct certain business expenses from gross income) is defined as an individual who (1) performs services in the performing arts as an employee for at least two employers during the tax year and receives at least $200 from each employer (minimum payment), (2) has business deductions attributable to such services exceeding 10% of the gross income received from such services, and (3) has adjusted gross income of $16,000 or less.
The bill modifies the definition of a qualified performing artist (for purposes of the business expense deduction) to eliminate the $16,000 adjusted gross income limitation and increase the minimum payment amount to $500 (adjusted for inflation beginning in 2026).
However, under the bill, the tax deduction for business expenses of qualified performing artists phases out for individuals with gross income exceeding $100,000 (or $200,000 for joint filers) such that the tax deduction completely phases out for individuals with gross income exceeding $120,000 (or $240,000 for joint filers). (The phase-out threshold is adjusted for inflation beginning in 2026.)
Finally, the bill provides that commissions paid to a manager or agent by a qualified performing artist are deductible business expenses.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill S 1121
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1121
Total Number of Sponsors
3Democrat Sponsors
3Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
1Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
1Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1121
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1121
Comments
Hayes Meyers
8 months ago
This bill is a complete disaster! It's outrageous that they want to increase the adjusted gross income limitation for above-the-line deduction of expenses of performing artist employees. This is just going to benefit the wealthy and leave hardworking individuals like myself struggling even more. It's unfair and unjust. I can't believe they would even consider passing such a harmful bill. The long term effects of this bill will only further the divide between the rich and the poor, making it even harder for regular folks to make ends meet. It's a disgrace.
Faye Hoover
8 months ago
This bill is just another example of the government prioritizing the wealthy and neglecting the needs of everyday Americans like me. #disappointed
