Bills · S 1121
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 1121Taxation
Performing Artist Tax Parity Act of 2025
INTRO MAR 25· LAST ACTION MAR 25
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it helps professional performing artists manage the often high costs of their careers. Unlike many other professions, artists often have fluctuating incomes and significant out-of-pocket expenses for auditions, training, equipment, travel, and agent fees, which are crucial for them to earn a living. The existing tax rules can make it difficult for them to fully deduct these legitimate business costs, especially as their income increases, forcing them to pay taxes on money they've already spent to maintain their career.
If this bill becomes law, qualifying artists will be able to deduct more of these essential expenses, allowing them to keep a larger portion of their earnings to reinvest in their craft or cover living expenses. If it doesn't pass, many artists will continue to face a greater tax burden, potentially making it harder to sustain their careers and contribute to the arts economy.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Introduces a new gross income threshold of $100,000 ($200,000 for joint filers) for the special tax deduction for performing artist expenses.
This significantly raises the income level at which performing artists can claim an "above-the-line" deduction, helping more artists reduce their taxable income.
PROVISION 02
Implements a phase-out mechanism where the deduction is reduced by 10 percentage points for every $2,000 ($4,000 for joint) above the new gross income threshold.
This ensures the benefit is primarily targeted at artists below a certain income level while gradually phasing it out for those with higher earnings.
PROVISION 03
Clarifies that commissions paid to a performing artist's manager or agent are included as deductible expenses.
This provides clear guidance and broadens the scope of deductible expenses, acknowledging a significant cost for many artists.
PROVISION 04
Increases the "nominal employer" threshold from $200 to $500, which is a requirement for qualifying for the performing artist deduction.
This makes it easier for artists who work many small gigs to qualify for the deduction, reflecting modern work patterns in the arts.
PROVISION 05
Mandates annual cost-of-living adjustments for the new gross income thresholds and the nominal employer threshold.
This prevents the benefits of the deduction from eroding over time due to inflation, ensuring its continued relevance.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· Virginia
YRS IN OFFICE
17
BILLS LED
55
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 25
Introduced in Senate
MAR 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 1121
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 25, 2025
Last actionMar 25, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · FINANCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 25, 2025
Senate BillS 1121Taxation
Performing Artist Tax Parity Act of 2025
INTRODUCED MAR 25, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 25, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
