Business Registration
Most professional artists operate as a business. If you expect to earn freelance income of $30,000 or more, you will need to register for, and collect, the Goods and Services Tax (GST). You can also choose to do this if you are establishing a business. At this site, you can register for a Business Number, required for GST purposes, and register a business name with the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Business Services.
You might want to look at the Guide for Small Business.
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
The CRA website has information relevant to artists. You can find out about making tax instalment payments and the Goods and Services Tax (GST). You can also find the following Interpretation Bulletins which contain essential information for filing income tax returns:
- IT257R - Canada Council Grants
- IT75R4 - Prizes, Awards and Grants (other than Canada Council)
- IT525R - Performing Artists
- IT504R2 - Visual Artists and Writers
- IT514 - Work space in home expenses
- IT521R - Motor vehicle expenses claimed by self employed individuals
Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC)
The Art of Managing Your Career is an online publication available through the council. Its chapters are: The Culture Biz; The Art of Self Promotion; Project Management A-Z; Money – Keeping Track; You and the Law. CHRC also advice about how to prepare resumes and market yourself as a professional artist.
Tax services offices: addresses, hours and numbers.
This site will assist you to contact the local office of the Canada Revenue Agency if you need additional information.

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Last Modified: January 24, 2008