The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) applauds the introduction in mid-July of bipartisan legislation to help ensure musicians and other working performers are not unintentionally hit with tax increases after the passage of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act.

Many musicians are employees who incur significant expenses including concert clothing, travel costs, rehearsal space, studio time, instruments, and instrument repairs. Under prior law, the IRS allowed a deduction for necessary expenses incurred in connection with employment. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated this ability to claim miscellaneous itemized deductions, which allowed performers to deduct work expenses. Many musicians can now pay substantially more in taxes as a result.

The Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA), introduced by U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL), would update the Qualified Performing Artist (QPA) tax deduction to help musicians and other performers deduct the costs of work-related expenses.

“Most working musicians and other performers need every penny they earn to survive in this economy. Musicians cannot afford to lose these deductions. We thank Representatives Chu and Buchanan for this much needed tax fix,” says AFM International President Ray Hair.