Don, you hit the nail on the head, my friend. I've done this analysis several times on this and other forums. The breakdown, or bottom line, so to speak, is how much do you net from a $125 per hour job? In real terms, it's usually less than $50 per hour net. Most musician/entertainers are not business people - that's a fact! They rarely look at the bottom line, then at the end of the year, wonder how in the hell they are going to pay the taxes on their income. I know several that deal strictly in cash, never keep records or receipts and figure no one will ever find out - HA! Two of my fellow entertainers discovered this is not, and never has been, the case. The IRS nailed them both to the tune of more than $20,000 in taxes, fines and fees, and that was after they had to shell out another $10,000 for a high priced tax attorney.

Bill, stick to your guns. If they don't ask, then you don't have to worry about it. If they do, give them a price, one that you feel is fair. If they don't go for it, it's their loss.

Good luck,

Gary