Guides & FAQ

The business of gig work

Practical FAQs for musicians and freelancers operating as one-person contractors—taxes, books, invoicing, and rates—plus how GigLog fits in.

13 guides · 111 questions

GigLog provides recordkeeping and tax estimates. It is not a CPA, attorney, or tax advisor. Tax rules change—confirm with a qualified professional and official government sites linked on these pages.

Getting started as a one-person music business

Hobby vs business, LLC basics, EIN, and bank accounts for independent contractor musicians.

10 questions →

Income tracking, tips, and year-end contractor forms

How Form 1099-NEC works, why you report income without a form, and how to track tips separately for recent federal tip rules.

10 questions →

Taxes for freelance musicians

Self-employment tax, Schedule C, state income tax, and how GigLog Tax Planning helps you prepare—not file.

8 questions →

Quarterly estimated taxes for gig workers

When freelancers pay estimated taxes, how much to set aside (often 25–30%), and federal vs state due dates.

7 questions →

Business deductions, meals, and mileage for performers

Ordinary and necessary expenses, meal deduction pitfalls for musicians, mileage logs, gear, and receipts.

12 questions →

Sole proprietor vs LLC for musicians

When a one-person musician needs an LLC, what an EIN is for, and how GigLog fits a single tax profile.

4 questions →

Invoicing, deposits, and getting paid

Invoices, Form W-9, deposits and cancellation policies for bandleaders, and unpaid gig follow-up.

11 questions →

W-9, year-end contractor forms, and client paperwork

Form W-9 for musicians, EIN vs Social Security number, bandleader W-9 requests, and what GigLog can store.

4 questions →

Contracts, holds, and booking risk

Written terms, hold vs confirmation, double-booking, rehearsals, and records if payment is disputed.

6 questions →

Bookkeeping setup for a one-person music business

A simple bookkeeping system for independent contractor musicians, what to give your accountant, and how often to update the books.

6 questions →

Are my gig rates high enough?

How musicians decide if rates cover real hours, mileage, slow payers, and slow seasons—not just the face fee.

6 questions →

How GigLog helps at tax time

Tax Planning estimates, tip tracking, mileage, invoices, and what’s available now vs coming later.

12 questions →

More questions for freelance musicians

Long-tail answers on cash gigs, union dues, cancellation fees, first-year estimated taxes, and getting started.

15 questions →

Track gigs. Master your income.

GigLog helps musicians and freelancers manage bookings, earnings, tips, expenses, and tax estimates in one place.

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