Manatee Review

Congressman Vern Buchanan and Congresswoman Judy Chu have introduced the Performing Arts Tax Parity Act (PAPTA) to assist struggling actors and performers. This legislation aims to update the Qualified Performing Artist (QPA) tax deduction, which was originally signed into law by President Reagan in 1986.

Buchanan emphasized the financial struggles of many performing artists, stating, "An overwhelming majority of performing artists are lower-income and middle-class Americans struggling to make ends meet." He expressed pride in working with Congresswoman Chu on this bipartisan effort to update the law and provide necessary tax relief for performing artists nationwide.

Chu highlighted the widespread presence of creative professionals across the country, noting that most are not A-list stars. She said, "In this demanding industry, working class entertainers shouldn't have to choose between meeting their basic needs and paying for essential business expenses."

Senators Mark Warner and Thom Tillis have introduced companion legislation during the 118th Congress. The current tax code allows working artists an above-the-line tax deduction for work-related expenses but has not been updated since its inception. Currently, it is only available to those earning less than $16,000 annually.

The proposed bill seeks to increase the income ceiling to $100,000 for individuals and $200,000 for married joint filers. It also includes an automatic Consumer Price Index adjustment to ensure continued relevance as living costs rise.

The legislation has received support from various organizations including the Motion Picture Association, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Americans for the Arts, League of American Orchestras, Theatre Communications Group, National Independent Venue Association, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Actors’ Equity Association, America Federation of Musicians (AFM), and Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE).

Charlie Rivkin from MPA stated that PAPTA strengthens economic security for the creative workforce. Matthew D. Loeb from IATSE commended Buchanan and Chu's persistence in addressing financial hardships faced by entertainment workers. Jamie Bennett and Suzy Delvalle from Americans for the Arts highlighted the bill's potential impact on employee-based artists' ability to deduct business expenses.

Simon Woods from League of American Orchestras praised efforts supporting tax fairness for musicians. Erica Lauren Ortiz from Theatre Communications Group emphasized the importance of correcting tax rules affecting theatre artists. Stephen Parker from National Independent Venue Association called it a lifeline for independent stages.

Mitch Glazier from RIAA acknowledged Buchanan and Chu's leadership in prioritizing PATPA as a means to foster new talent in music. Brooke Shields from Actors’ Equity Association urged action on this oversight in tax reform that affects arts professionals financially.

Tino Gagliardi from AFM supported PAPTA as a commonsense update benefiting working musicians. Jennifer Dorning from DPE underscored its significance in reducing employment barriers for creative professionals.

Buchanan serves as vice chairman on the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee with jurisdiction over tax policy.