EIM62810 - Tax treatment of the entertainment industry: theatrical performers: fees paid to agents: amount of the deduction
Section 352 ITEPA 2003
Where a deduction is permitted by section 352 ITEPA 2003 it applies to fees paid either:
- under a contract with a person who carries on a trade or profession as an employment agency, or
- to a Co-operative Society that acts as agent for its members
To be deductible the fees must be calculated as a percentage of the earnings of the employment.
The amount of the fees that can be deducted, including any VAT payable on them, is limited to 17.5% of those earnings.
Agents fees are usually between 10% and 15% of a performer’s income, so the limit of 17.5% will normally cover an agent’s fee together with any VAT paid on it.
Where a performer requests a deduction and it does not breach the 17.5% limit it should usually be accepted. If, exceptionally, you wish to check whether a deduction is due you should ask the performer to produce documentary evidence.