JAVS Spring 2026

Questions to Ask Your CPA A Musician’s Checklist

Getting Oriented (Very Basic—but Essential) c Am I currently considered self-employed by the IRS? c Do I need to file Schedule C with my tax return? c Will I receive 1099 forms? What should I do if I don’t receive one but still earned income?

c Do I owe self-employment tax in addition to income tax? c Should I be setting aside money from each payment for taxes?

Income & Record-Keeping c What counts as taxable music income (performing, teaching, grants, stipends)? c Do I need a separate bank account for my music income and expenses? c What kind of records or receipts should I be keeping—and for how long? c Is there an easy bookkeeping system or app you recommend for musicians? Deductions & Expenses c Which music-related expenses am I likely missing as deductions? c Can I deduct mileage or travel between rehearsals, lessons, and performances? c Can I deduct sheet music, method books, and digital subscriptions? c Can I deduct part of my home as a teaching studio or office? c How should I handle instrument purchase, appreciation/depreciation, or major repairs? Business Structure c Would forming an LLC benefit me at my current income level? c What are the costs and responsibilities of maintaining an LLC in my state? c At what point would a different business structure make sense? Retirement & Long-Term Thinking c Which retirement account makes the most sense for my work right now (IRA, SEP-IRA, Solo 401(k))? c How much can I realistically contribute as a self-employed musician? c Are retirement contributions affecting my taxable income?

If you don’t know the answer to some of these questions, don’t worry. You’re not behind—you’re right on time.

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Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 42, No. 1, Spring 2026