Creative professions: copyright (Creative Shelter), artist certificate & miscellaneous income.

Details

• Main source (Creative Shelter): https://www.creativeshelter.be/
• Additional sources referenced on this page:
  • Artist allowance (vi.be): https://vi.be/advies/de-kunstwerkuitkering
  • Amplo: https://www.amplo.be/nl/
  • Miscellaneous income (Cultuurloket): https://www.cultuurloket.be/kennisbank/personenbelasting-de-belasting-die-je-als-individu-betaalt/divers-inkomen-de-cultuursector

Overview: how can you receive income in creative professions?

Depending on your situation, creative professionals often combine:

• Salary (employee contract / payroll)
• Self-employed income
• Copyright remuneration (when protected creative works are delivered and contracts are set up correctly)
• Miscellaneous income (when artistic income is occasional and separate from your professional activity; the tax authorities ultimately decide)

Copyright via Creative Shelter

Creative Shelter positions itself as a way to organise copyright remuneration through invoicing so freelancers may keep more net (when applicable). They stress that copyright is not only for writers or musicians, but can also be relevant for e.g. copywriters, graphic designers and photographers.

Practical note: copyright requires that you actually deliver protectable creations and that contracts/invoices reflect this. When in doubt, run a simulation with an accountant.

Section 1 — Artist certificate & artist allowance (former “artist status”)

The artist certificate and artist allowance are part of the framework for working in the arts sector. They can affect social protection/benefits and how you organise contracts.

Start here: https://vi.be/advies/de-kunstwerkuitkering

Section 2 — Miscellaneous income in the culture sector (Cultuurloket)

Cultuurloket explains “miscellaneous income” as a residual category. Income from artistic performances may be taxed as miscellaneous income when it is occasional and separate from your professional activity; the tax authorities decide.

They mention that occasional income is typically taxed at 33% (+ municipal tax) and that there is no flat-rate cost deduction (actual costs must be proven).

Section 3 — Working via Amplo (payroll)

Amplo positions itself as “the freedom of a freelancer, the protection of an employee”, allowing you to work without needing a self-employed status.

Source: https://www.amplo.be/nl/