SAG-AFTRA Statement Regarding Today’s Introduction of the Bipartisan Performing Artist Tax Parity Act

LOS ANGELES  — SAG-AFTRA today commended a bi-partisan group of lawmakers for introducing the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA). 

The new bill introduced by Reps. Judy Chu, D-Calif., and Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., would update the Qualified Performing Artist (QPA) deduction signed into law by President Reagan. SAG-AFTRA, with its sister union Actors’ Equity Association, has been working diligently to update the QPA.

SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris said,  “Our members incur costs simply in the process of applying for jobs that they might not secure. The introduction of the bipartisan Performing Artist Tax Parity Act is a major first step toward ensuring that performing artists will be safeguarded from future unintentional tax increases.

“We would like to thank Representatives Chu and Buchanan for introducing this bill. SAG-AFTRA members work hard to entertain people around the globe while providing for their families. Any slight changes in their income could be detrimental and it is imperative that tax reform protects our community of performing artists as well as hardworking middle-class Americans.”

About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.