Voice Acting & Taxes, Part One: Understanding Your Tax Obligations 

Taxes. There we said it. 

Now before you click off this blog because we just said ‘taxes’; hear us out. 

In this article

1. Understanding Your Tax Obligations as a Voice Actor
2. Filing Your Taxes as a Voice Actor
3. Gathering the Necessary Documents
4. Keeping Track of Your Finances as a Voice Actor
5. Working With a Professional Tax Preparer or Accountant
6. FAQs 
7. How do voice actors pay taxes?
8. Are voice actors self-employed?
9. Wrapping Up

We’re launching a 3-part series through the month of March, helping voice actors navigate the ins and outs of everything taxes for voice actors. 

In Part One, we’ll provide a background on taxes for voice actors based in the US and Canada. We’ll also cover what voice actors need to know about filing taxes in Canada and the US in 2023. And finally, we’ll look at why it’s important for voice actors to know how to manage their taxes and understand tax brackets.

Voice actors have a unique set of financial obligations and tax requirements. It’s critical for voice actors, whether they’re just starting out or veterans of the field, to comprehend how to properly file their taxes. 

Gain insight into understanding your tax obligations, filing correctly, keeping track of finances, and more, so that you can ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations while maximizing deductions available specifically for voice actors. 

Understanding Your Tax Obligations as a Voice Actor

As a voice actor, it is important to understand your tax obligations. Self-employed individuals are responsible for paying both income and self-employment taxes.

Income taxes must be paid on all earnings from voice acting jobs, including any money received as payment for services rendered or royalties earned from the sale of recordings. Moreover, those self-employed should disburse taxes on any income beyond $400 annually.

Tax deductions can be utilized to minimize the taxable income you must pay annually. Voice actors may be able to deduct certain expenses related to their business such as office supplies, travel costs, and equipment purchases (if they meet IRS requirements). It is also possible to deduct home office expenses, if you use part of your residence exclusively for conducting business activities; such as recording audio files or marketing yourself online.

Filing Your Taxes as a Voice Actor

As a voice actor, filing your taxes can be a complicated process. It is imperative to comprehend the requisite records and cut-off dates in order to guarantee conformance with all pertinent taxation regulations.

Gathering the Necessary Documents

The first step in filing your taxes as a voice actor is gathering all of the necessary documents. These documents include any income or expense information related to your work as a voice actor, such as 1099s from clients, invoices for services rendered, and receipts for business expenses. 

You should also have records of any deductions you may be eligible for such as home office expenses or equipment purchases. Having these documents on hand will make it easier to accurately report your income and deductions when filing your return.

After gathering the necessary documentation, you can then opt to submit your tax return electronically via a platform like TurboTax or H&R Block, or through the mail using IRS Form 1040-ES. 

If you opt to file electronically, there are many services that walk you through the procedure and ensure it is correctly completed and submitted in a timely manner. If mailing in your return instead, make sure it is postmarked before April 15th each year so that it arrives within the deadline set by the IRS (US Residents).

Alternatively, there are several online payment options available including direct debit from checking accounts which allow taxpayers more flexibility when making their payments quickly and securely without having to worry about late fees associated with missed deadlines.

Filing taxes as a voice actor can be an intimidating process, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation and knowledge, you’ll be ready for tax season. Now that we’ve discussed filing your taxes, let’s look at how to keep track of your finances throughout the year.

Keeping Track of Your Finances as a Voice Actor

This section will discuss strategies for keeping track of finances as a voice actor, such as creating an accurate record of income and expenses, organizing financial records throughout the year, and using accounting software such as TurboTax to manage finances.

Maintaining an exact log of revenue procured from voice acting gigs is indispensable. You should also keep detailed records on any business-related expenses incurred during this time period. 

Some examples include items such as equipment purchases or repairs, travel costs related to auditions or performances, and marketing materials used for promotion purposes. Keeping these records organized can help make filing taxes easier at the end of the year.

Working With a Professional Tax Preparer or Accountant

When it comes to filing taxes as a voice actor, working with a professional tax preparer or accountant can be beneficial. It is important to choose the right professional for you and your specific needs. 

Consider their qualifications, experience, and fees when making your decision. It’s also essential to find out that they have experience working with freelance vocal performers. 

Once you have chosen a professional tax preparer or accountant, there are certain steps you should take before meeting with them. Organize all of the necessary documents such as income statements from clients and receipts for any expenses related to your work as a voice actor. 

Additionally, create an accurate record of all income and expenses throughout the year by using accounting software or keeping detailed records manually if needed. This will help ensure accuracy when filing taxes each year.

FAQs 

Here are a couple of the most commonly asked questions about filing taxes as a voice actor:

How do voice actors pay taxes?

Voice actors pay taxes in the same way as any other self-employed individual. US Residents who are voice actors must report their earnings to the IRS, and accordingly pay taxes on a federal and state level, depending on where they reside. 

Additionally, voice actors may be required to make estimated tax payments throughout the year if their expected tax liability exceeds a certain amount. US voice actors who are deemed independent contractors by the IRS must also pay self-employment taxes, comprising Social Security and Medicare contributions.

Are voice actors self-employed?

Yes, voice actors are self-employed. Voice actors often take on independent projects, with the autonomy to establish their own fees, select jobs they desire to pursue, and determine when and where they will record. 

Voice actors may also be hired by production companies or studios for specific projects. In either case, they are responsible for their own taxes and other business expenses associated with being a freelancer.

Wrapping Up

Financial responsibilities and tax duties specific to voice performers exist. Whether they are seasoned pros or newcomers to the industry, voice actors must understand how to file their taxes correctly. By doing so, you can make sure that you are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations so you can keep earning money doing what you love most.