Taxes for Artists

Ysanne Marshall • March 29, 2021

A4A Webinar: Taxes for Artists w/Amy Smith

Assets for Artist have provided another workshops that hit a home run for artist's to

WOW! (Woman Of Wisdom) Amy Smith shares her knowledge and expertise to educate artist. So thank Amy for your time your dedication.


I just want to highlight a few points from the webinar that jumped out to me as simple tasks, they will benefit you in the long run. The key is to be consistent and to document.

1. Tracking expenses.

a.     Having some form of how you keep record of your receipts.

b.    Separate bank account for your business.



2. Don’t be afraid to write off expenses. What helps you create? Do you go to different place to be inspired? Do you rent out a space? Do you go to a    museum? Go to a workshop or conference? For example, as a performing artist I will write off any studio rentals, travel, gas, independent contracts, software, concerts, music, sheet music, equipment, marketing campaigns and memberships. Just to name a few. 


3. 1099s and Schedule C. A couple of forms we should familiarize ourselves with when it comes to filing as artists.

Amy reassured that “THE IRS IS NOT OUT TO GET YOU.” She goes on saying that “Many artists underreport their expenses for fear of triggering an audit, but the IRS actually wants you to deduct your expenses accurately. An audit can happen any time, but your chances of being audited art tiny – less than 1%.”


I highly recommend going to amyelainesmith.com to get this free document and more, here’s the direct link to the document shared in this article. Deadline to file your taxes have extended to  MONDAY, MAY 17, 2021.

By NWCT Arts Council October 24, 2025
The CT Office of the Arts allocates $66,178 in Supporting Arts Grants to Litchfield County Organizations
The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council announces the most recent UNICO Scholarship awardees for 2025
By NWCT Arts Council October 24, 2025
The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council announces the most recent UNICO Scholarship awardees for 2025. The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council administers this grant program on behalf of the Torrington UNICO Scholarship Fund. The grant is intended to foster the talent and career development of Northwest Connecticut yo
By DaSilva Wata September 24, 2025
Fall has arrived in Litchfield County, painting the trees with shades of red, orange, and yellow, instead of their usual green. Experience the beauty of the Litchfield Hills in autumn with the events in our October calendar:
New Milford Cultural District Committee celebrates the district's official state designation.
By NWCT Arts Council September 23, 2025
New Milford Cultural District Committee celebrates the district's official state designation.
By DaSilva Wata September 23, 2025
Lots of Sunshine and Smiles in the garden for Arts Night Out! with the Litchfield Arts Council at the Litchfield Historical Society's Tapping Reeve Meadow
By DaSilva Wata August 28, 2025
As the days get shorter and the nights grow colder in Litchfield County, we say goodbye to the warm summer air and welcome the cool autumn breeze. Find the right events to help you usher in the new season in our September Calendar:
By DaSilva Wata July 29, 2025
Clouds are marching along, while birds sing their songs, just as they do. If you just knew, all the fun things you could do, what would you do? Find the perfect events to go along to in our August calendar:
By DaSilva Wata July 7, 2025
Great tunes and lots of energy for the 8th annual Make Music Day on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
By NWCT Arts Council July 2, 2025
Celebrating Community and Creativity: The Bantam Arts Factory Mural by Danielle Mailer
By DaSilva Wata June 30, 2025
The Litchfield Hills are glowing in the golden light of summer. Soak up the summer sun while you explore the great events happening in our area this July: