Payment

[odin70]

I have a gig this saturday, and i would like to have the money the same day as the gig. Is this a reasonable demand? The band leader wants me to send him a bill. I dont know him and my gut feeling tells me it would be best to have the money right after the gig. What do you think?

[Floyd Eye]

I agree. Make this request/demand at the earliest possible convenience though.

[john m]

The band leader wants to consider you a private contractor.

By submitting a bill, he can deduct your labor w/o paying SS and income tax. There's an annual cap on how much he can pay you before sending you a 1099. That cap used to be $599, not sure what the current amount is since I don't do paying gigs anymore.

[crijan]

I'm sure the tax laws are different in Norway than the USA, but regardless I'd ask for a compromise. You provide him with an invoice before or at the gig, he provides you with the cash at the gig.

[Floyd Eye]

It's still $599.00.

[odin70]

Originally Posted by crijan

I'm sure the tax laws are different in Norway than the USA, but regardless I'd ask for a compromise. You provide him with an invoice before or at the gig, he provides you with the cash at the gig.

Ill think i will go for that

[Smokin' Toaster]

He may be getting a check and needs time to cash it and distribute the money. He may want documentation that he's paid you.

Bottom line - If you don't trust him with your money for a couple of days, don't play the gig.

[Floyd Eye]

If you don't get cash at the gig, then you should be signing a contract, period.

[phatbass]

Around here, everyone knows everyone and any scam artists are soon found out. Ask around and odds are someone will know him.

Although I prefer cash on the night, I don't really have any issues with getting paid a few days after the gig.

[Staccato]

1099 clarification: Some businesses follow the law, and others do not-whether by intention or otherwise. A business owner (or employee or agent) is required to collect/retain the name, street address, and tax ID number for contractors receiving nonemployee compensation of $600 or more (Payments for services performed for a trade or business by people not treated as its employees. Ex: Subcontractors.)

In reality, the employees in the accounting, or tax end of a business (or CPA) may, or may not collect that information, and report the earnings to the Internal Revenue Service. Business owners, or small businesses (or band leaders) may comply with reporting requirements, or they may mistakenly report incorrect amounts, forget, or ignore the requirement in deference to the law (statutes). Some businesses report any, and all amounts paid to contractors, and others report correct amounts (or incorrect amounts) earned if the records indicate the contractor was paid $600 or more. Often records for payments to musicians are omitted, entered incorrectly, or double counted.

As a tax practitioner, I've seen all of the above.

[Floyd Eye]

That is $600 per year by the way.

[bassbrad]

Some band leaders, particularly older established ones, have at times seemingly obtuse business practices. Especially in cases where payment is made by check, time to process the check and book keeping and other practices. In your case I would have a bill ready to present at the gig, you can try to work out being paid in cash but it may not happen.
There have been band leaders that only paid for the previous gig IMO this was a way to keep the band coming and it worked to a degree.

[Stumbo]

The band leader is protecting himself due to the fact that the check he gets paid with may not clear.

All checks deposited clear overnight so if he deposits the check the next available banking day, it may be Tues. until he has the money from the gig to pay you.

My concern is if the check doesn't clear that he won't pay you stating exactly that. IMO, the band needs to be paid regardless if the check clears. The band leader should have enough cash on hand to pay everyone.

By making you wait for the check to clear and if it doesn't, he would rather stiff you for the money and tell you "as soon as I get paid, you'll get paid". That's bull, you did the work and he owes you the money.

+1 on presenting him with bill. Actually, you can send it/present it to him before the gig. Why wait? Maybe you can get him to cover half your fee up front?

BTW, are you a sub for the gig? or a regular member of the band?

[mrpackerguy]

I would never defer payment. I get paid immediately after the gig or I don't play.