2021 Tax Updates for Union Performers

On March 8, the SAG-AFTRA President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement released its two-part 2021 Tax Updates for Entertainment Performers presentation. Hosting the session was Executive Vice President Ben Whitehair with National Board member Linda Powell, and leading the discussion was SAG-AFTRA New York Local Board member and Actors’ Equity Association Secretary/Treasurer Sandra Karas. 

In addition to her work as a performer, Karas has worked for 30 years as a lawyer and serves as the director of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. 

Part one of the presentation focused on preparing for tax season and an outline of items to bring when meeting with a tax preparer or filing independently. In addition to bringing employer documents, Karas noted that any economic relief from the state or the federal government, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, including the Economic Impact Payment, or “stimulus check,” would also need to be included. 

The second part of the presentation continued the conversation by focusing on managing expenses and the filing process. Karas provided helpful tips for calculating work-based expenses, including COVID-19 testing, and recommended documents and forms to make tracking purchases easier. 

Scroll below to watch the presentation in both parts. For more PTEOE videos, visit sagaftra.org/videos. 

For more information about VITA, click here. 

This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. The information provided is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for the advice of tax preparer/professional, legal or financial counsel. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided.