COLLATERAL DAMAGE

Since only a small percentage of artists are able to support themselves working full-time on their art, the vast majority rely on income from other salaried work. Now the Australian government is drafting legislation to limit artists’ tax deductions that could make it that much harder to earn a living wage. The government’s real target has been tax evasion by rich professionals, but artists writing off work expenses and losses will be the “collateral victims.” – Sydney Morning Herald