VISUAL ARTS

TAX & BUSINESS INFORMATION

• Associated Designers of Canada (ADC)

  ADC is a not-for-profit arts service organization and professional association dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of set, costume, lighting and sound designers working within the performing arts in Canada. In its website Resources section, it has a guide to taxes and finances that is applicable to most professional artists. Issues covered include tax preparation, record keeping, employment, self-employment, GST and incorporation.

• 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:

  1. IT257R - Canada Council Grants
  2. IT75R4 - Prizes, Awards and Grants (other than Canada Council)
  3. IT504R2 - Visual Artists and Writers
  4. IT514 - Work space in home expenses
  5. 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.

• Retail sales tax

  Artists often sell taxable goods or provide taxable services directly to the public. If you do so, you are required to obtain a Vendor Permit under the Retail Sales Tax Act and are responsible for collecting and remitting the tax. Direct advice may be obtained at a local tax office.

• 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.

• Resources for Visual Artists

  CARFAC Ontario has a number of books and practical guides for visual artists available for purchase at this site.  These include general information, as well as information on contracts, estate planning and how to care for your art.

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