Taxation Ruling

IT 2009

Tax instalment deductions - authors and feature writers

May be releasedI 1103061

PREAMBLE

The question has been raised whether tax instalment deductions should be made where an author submits work to a publishing house on a speculative basis. Is the author an employee of the publisher?

RULING

Tax instalments need not be deducted where an author has the freedom to conduct his work activities as he pleases, submits work on a speculative basis and the publisher does not exercise control over the style or content of the work.

COMMISSIONER OF TAXATION
10 JANUARY 1983


82/4652 F4


5.1.83



81/3875
82/3692


SALARY OR WAGES :
EARNINGS OF AUTHORS
AND FEATURE WRITERS


221A