advice from someone that has some experience of dealing with the taxation of Artists.

Hi Guys,

Needing advice from someone that has some experience of dealing with the taxation of Artists.

Artist will work on a project for 3 years and sales will come from an exhibition in year 3 (also have commission and other sales in the meantime). Lets say costs are low. As a sole trader cannot account for his own time, is there some accounting method to account for the sale / profit over the 3 years and satisfy Revenue? In a past inspection, Revenue informed him that he can't spread it over 3 years. The individual feels aggrieved as he was landed with a PRSI bill of €9k plus.

Problem 1 - PRSI
All income is being recognised in one year when it relates to 2 / 3 years work. Large PRSI bill as a result.

Problem 2 - Pension.
As no contributions are made in year 1 or 2, he only gets credit for 3rd year contribution. Essentially, they regard him as unemployed for 2 years even though he was working towards this exhibition. He can make voluntary contributions through form VC1 for €253 per annum but he feels this is unfair.

Does anyone have any experience in this area?
Would setting up a company to commission him to do the work and give commission help in any way??

I think you should contact Visual Arts Ireland who have a lot of experience in this area.

Thanks Brendan. Did find some useful information on it.

However, if anyone has direct experience or any solutions on this, I would be grateful to hear!