Tips for Independent Artists - Preparation part 1
Over the coming weeks will be investigating some tips for independent artists. This week and next week we will look at preparation. This stage is about gathering all the information.
Preparation - Income
So where is your money or resources coming from?
Contracted work: Write a list of anyone that you have outstanding invoices either to submit or pending payment. Email them or ring them and invite them to a time to discuss the payment plan for these outstanding amounts. Also check all your contracts and make sure that you understand what you’re entitled to in terms of superannuation, workcover or cancelled contracts and modified fees.
Other resources pending: Write a list of anyone that might owe you money / resources and follow up with them about payments schedule / trade schedule. Sometimes resource sharing is even more important. Check out some of the Share Economy resources this seems like it is going to become even more important moving forward.
Centrelink: it is worth investing some time in working out what you are eligible for from Centrelink. The phone lines can take over an hour and getting into your local branch can also take a long time. If you are feeling very worried about your situation, or at risk of becoming homeless you can request a phone or face to face meeting with one of their social workers, this assists even further.
Australian Taxation Office (ATO): It’s worth keeping an eye on their web site and seeing what you are eligible for. Knowing about tax payments and tax returns is really important. If your registered for GST have you got all this sorted for claiming and paying.
NEIS: Individuals not in employment, education or training who are interested in running their own business may be eligible for New Business Assistance with NEIS. New Business Assistance can help by providing accredited small business training, personalised mentoring and support from a NEIS provider in the first year of the new business to help the individual put their business idea into practice and NEIS Allowance for up to 39 weeks and NEIS Rental Assistance for up to 26 weeks (if eligible).
