Help with Schedule C - What Professional Activity Code should I use as a music composer?

The 812990 code your CPA used is for "All Other Personal Services," which is kind of a catch-all category. While it's not technically wrong, there might be better options for your specific situation as a music composer. Since you're creating original musical compositions, code 711510 for "Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers" would be more appropriate. This code specifically covers composers, songwriters, and other creative professionals who produce original work. Using this code better represents your actual professional activity and aligns more precisely with what the IRS wants to know about your self-employment income. That said, using the previous code won't necessarily trigger any issues - the IRS mainly uses these codes for statistical purposes. But for accuracy's sake, 711510 would be the better choice going forward.

I had a similar situation with my photography side business! I was using the wrong code for years until I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) after getting confused about business codes. I uploaded my previous returns and got an analysis that pointed out several inconsistencies, including my professional code. The tool highlighted that I was using a retail code instead of a creative professional one, which made a big difference in how my business was categorized. It also flagged some deductions I'd been missing for years as a creative professional. Might be worth checking out if you're transitioning from a CPA to self-filing - it's like having a digital second opinion on your work.

Just wanted to follow up - I tried taxr.ai after seeing the recommendation here. My situation was similar (musician with income in multiple states) and it actually identified several music-specific deductions I'd been missing. The professional code issue was just the tip of the iceberg! It flagged that certain equipment expenses should have been categorized differently and showed how I could properly deduct studio space in my home that I'd been too nervous to claim before. Definitely worth the time for creative professionals doing their own taxes!

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Musician here! I specifically use 711510 (Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers) for my composing work on Schedule C. My tax preparer says this is the best code for composers, songwriters, arrangers, and other music creators who are producing original work. If you're only selling sheet music that others have created (like a retailer), that would be different. But since you're creating original compositions and getting royalties, commissions, etc., 711510 is definitely the way to go.

Don't forget to consider if your music composition qualifies for Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction! A lot of creative professionals miss this. The professional code can impact this too.

Great question! I'm a freelance musician and composer who went through this exact same situation a few years ago. I'd definitely recommend switching to code 711510 (Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers) as others have mentioned - it's much more accurate for what you're actually doing. One thing I wish I'd known earlier: make sure you're tracking all your composition-related expenses properly. Things like music software subscriptions, instrument maintenance, studio equipment, and even a portion of your internet bill if you're distributing music online can all be legitimate deductions. Since you're transitioning from having a CPA handle everything, it's worth doing a deep dive into what business expenses you might have been missing. Also, keep detailed records of your royalty payments and commission work - the IRS likes to see clear documentation of creative income streams. Good luck with your first self-filed return!