Blackburn, others introduce bill to help musicians and musical creators with production expenses

Senator Marsh Blackburn (R-Tenn.) is among lawmakers attaching her name to bipartisan legislation aimed at providing financial relief to musicians who have been impacted by the pandemic.

The “Help Independent Tracks Succeed Act” proposes allowing musicians, technicians, and producers deduct up to $150,000 of recording production expenses in the year they are incurred rather than later years. A Copyright Alliance survey found nearly 90% of surveyed creators lost income due to the pandemic last year. Federal tax code allows for film, television, and theater productions to fully deduct expenses but not music production.

Blackburn, who represents a music hotbed area of Nashville, said in a statement, “The music from Nashville strikes a chord with folks across the nation, however, the unique burdens faced by the arts community forced many to stop writing, performing, and producing altogether. The HITS Act will provide targeted tax deductions to support our musicians and allow them to get back to work.”

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Representatives Linda Sánchez (D- Calif.) and Ron Estes (R-Kan.) also introduced the bill, the bill is cosponsored in the House by Representatives Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), and Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.).

Photo Courtesy: Marsh Blackburn Official Portrait