What to put on a performer invoice
Venues, event companies, theatres and studios often pay through an accounts team that has never met you. Make the invoice easy to match to the booking:
- The act's name and your legal name, if different, matching your W-9
- The engagement — venue, date, number and length of sets, or the session and project title
- Your fee — flat, per set, per hour or per day
- Rehearsals, travel, per diems and backline as separate lines, if your agreement covers them
- The booking reference or contract number, and the agent's name if there is one
- How and when you want to be paid
Example performer invoice
| Line item | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance fee – 2 × 45-minute sets, [venue], Nov 14 | 1 | $900.00 | $900.00 |
| Rehearsal – 2 sessions (hours) | 4 | $50.00 | $200.00 |
| Backline rental – drum kit and bass amp | 1 | $150.00 | $150.00 |
| Per diem – 2 days | 2 | $60.00 | $120.00 |
| Travel – mileage (round trip) | 210 | $0.70 | $147.00 |
| Total | $1,517.00 |
Bands and groups
If you're the bandleader, you can invoice the whole fee and pay the other musicians yourself — then their pay is a business expense for you, and you may need to send them a Form 1099-NEC if you pay any of them $2,000 or more in 2026. Alternatively, each musician invoices the venue separately. Agree which one the venue prefers before the gig.
Agents and commission
When an agent books you, the agent's commission is usually either taken from your fee before you're paid or invoiced separately. Show on your invoice which applies, so the venue doesn't pay commission twice. In the example, the note says the agent invoices separately.
Getting paid on the night
Small venues often pay cash or by app at the end of the night. Have the invoice ready on your phone, share the PDF, and give a receipt for cash — it's your record for tax time. Larger organisations usually need a W-9 and pay in 15–45 days.
Taxes for performers
Instruments, gear, rehearsal space, recording costs, travel to gigs, promotion and music subscriptions are common business expenses. Cash and tips are taxable income too. See how much to set aside with our 1099 tax calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Do I invoice before or after the gig?
Either. Many performers send the invoice a week before so it's approved in time, and mark it paid on the night. For sessions and theatre work, invoice at the end of each week or the run.
What is a per diem?
A daily allowance for food and incidentals while travelling for work, agreed in advance. List it as its own line with the number of days.
Should I charge for rehearsals?
If the booking needs rehearsals beyond your usual preparation, yes — agree a rate before you start.
Do venues send me a 1099?
Businesses that pay you $2,000 or more for 2026 must send a Form 1099-NEC. You have to report all your performance income either way.