Tax & Compliance for the Entertainment Industry

Entertainment Industry Tax Specialists

Tax compliance in the entertainment industry goes beyond standard BAS lodgements. From crew payroll tax obligations to QAPE-qualifying expenditure, Count Out Loud ensures your tax affairs are accurate, on time and optimised for your specific situation.

Income Tax Returns

We prepare income tax returns for production companies, SPVs, freelancers, sole traders and partnerships across the entertainment sector. Our team understands industry-specific deductions, income averaging provisions for performers, and the unique timing issues that come with project-based income.

BAS & GST

Quarterly or monthly BAS lodgement, GST registration advice, and ongoing compliance. We handle the complexities of GST on production services, international co-productions and digital content revenue streams.

Read: GST for Film Production Australia →

Payroll Tax & Superannuation

Entertainment industry payroll involves short-term contracts, multiple ABN holders, and the critical distinction between employees and contractors. We ensure you meet superannuation guarantee obligations and state payroll tax thresholds.

Read: ABN vs Employee in Film Production →

Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)

Location catering, travel allowances, accommodation for remote shoots — FBT in the entertainment industry has its own set of rules. We help you minimise FBT exposure while keeping your crew happy.

Single Touch Payroll (STP)

All employers must report through STP. For productions running short-term crews across multiple projects, we set up efficient STP reporting that scales with your production schedule.

ATO Compliance & Lodgement

Late lodgement penalties can add up fast — especially for production companies managing multiple entities. We keep your lodgement obligations on track and handle ATO correspondence on your behalf.

Read: Penalty for Late Lodgement →

Director Identification Numbers

All company directors need a Director ID. If you’re setting up an SPV for a new production or incorporating your freelance business, we’ll guide you through the process.

Read: Director Identification Number Guide →

Get Your Tax Right

Whether you’re a one-person content creator or a production company with a $50M+ slate, Count Out Loud has the entertainment industry tax expertise to keep you compliant and optimised.

Contact us for a consultation →

Disclaimer: This content is general information only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. It does not take into account your individual circumstances. You should seek professional advice from a qualified accountant or tax agent before acting on any information contained here. Tax laws change frequently — information on this page was current at the time of publication but may not reflect the latest legislation. Contact Count Out Loud for advice specific to your situation.