Uganda prepares to tax artistes

Ugandan artistes are in for hard times, the tax man is closing in with a bill that will make all entertainment events taxable.

According to the draft bill, all entertainers will be required to pay taxes on their income just like any other businesses.
This includes performing artistes, writers, producers, video makers and promoters who should also pay a certain percentage depending on their income.

The bill is set look at established artistes who command huge crowds and sell out concerts.

The up and coming artistes are safe for now because they are just making a name in the industry. The law is set to come into effect after the 2012-2013 budget is passed.

According to some of the mentioned artistes, they are fine with the law but they called on the government to fight all forms of piracy before embarking on taxation.

The types of taxes levied on artists include Income and Value Added tax. Income tax will be charged according to how much an artiste gets in a given period of time either monthly or annually.

All artistes are now required to get a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Uganda revenue authority.

The Citizen
11-May-2012