Do I need licensing and tax stamp as a DJ??

oncall · #1 December 17th, 2007, 07:25 PM

can anyone tell me, do i need to go get some kind of legal tax number or licensing to be a mobile KJ/DJ. I have had a bar owner bring it up, but she was passing on some info from a Jukebox provider. No one has said anything to me in over two years of doing this. I want to be legal and not get in trouble though. I do file taxes and claim my income and expenses.
thanks,
On Call Karaoke
Randy Shideler

ddouglass · #2 December 17th, 2007, 07:36 PM

The licensing is not for you, but the bar. They need them from the music associations such as ASCAP to have you perform in their bar. The only time you would need a license is if you are doing private shows for over 300 people.

oncall · #3 December 17th, 2007, 07:59 PM

this bar owner says she doesn't have a license because she doesn't own the jukebox, someone else does??? Does that sound right?

George · #4 December 17th, 2007, 08:05 PM

The bar owner is wrong, where you are concerned.

Many cities have their own ordinances regarding jukeboxes.

http://www.ascap.com/licensing/licensingfaq.html

ddouglass · #5 December 17th, 2007, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oncall

this bar owner says she doesn't have a license because she doesn't own the jukebox, someone else does??? Does that sound right?

For the Jukebox, yes. The owner of the jukebox provides the license for that. However, that license does not cover other forms of entertainment. If ASCAP or BMI reps were to show up at the bar while you are playing, they would go to the owner of the establishment and not you to pay the fees for it.

{Edit} Good find George!

oncall · #6 December 17th, 2007, 08:18 PM

thanks guys, is there anything I should consider preparing for, joining groups or such that provide this kind of licensing. I've never played for over 300. Is there a website i can go to get the legal info and have it with me in case someone asks me again.
thanks again.
Randy

George · #7 December 18th, 2007, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oncall

Is there a website i can go to get the legal info and have it with me in case someone asks me again.
thanks again.
Randy

Didn't that link in my post work? That's ASCAP's take on it.

oncall · #8 December 18th, 2007, 10:37 AM

i missed the link, got it thanks

George · #9 December 18th, 2007, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oncall

i missed the link, got it thanks

Pay particular attention to #12...that's where your bar owner is misguided.

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