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October/November 2026 | maconmagazine.com 77 creative independent contractors stay in compliance with the IRS and the Georgia Department of Revenue. 1 Make estimated tax payments. Self-employed individuals who expect to owe $1,000 or more when their tax returns are filed must generally make quarterly estimated tax payments to the federal and Georgia governments. The deadlines for these payments are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is extended to the next business day. 2 Report your income on your annual tax return. The IRS explains that you must report all income even if it comes "from part- time, temporary or side work." It doesn't matter whether the company or individual paying you sends you an IRS Form 1099-NEC or other information return. Income must also be reported if it's "paid in any form, including cash, property, goods, or virtual currency," the tax agency adds. Keep in mind that many artists receive payments through platforms like PayPal, Venmo, or Etsy. These platforms may issue an IRS Form 1099-K if your sales exceed certain thresholds and a copy will be sent to the IRS. 3 Decide on a business entity. Many artists, musicians, writers, and other creatives file their tax returns as sole proprietors because it's simple and requires no formal registration. You can always convert to another entity later, including a limited liability STORY BY ELLEN KATZ C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S ! . . . B U T N O W YO U O W E TA X E S Earning income? T he moment you sell a painting, book a gig playing music, or get paid an advance for writing a book, you're not just an artist — you're a small business. That comes with tax obligations. Lindsey Hopkins, a successful Central Georgia artist, says that handling financial tasks is a challenge for many people. "Artists naturally gravitate toward the right-brain creative work, but being a successful working artist also requires some left-brain attention to finances and business," she explains. Here are five quick tips to help