how to approach taxes and the actor?

No big deal. If your full-time job pays you on a W-2, that income goes somewhere else on your taxes than the Schedule C you use for your acting.

And yes, you still deducting any expenses that come with your acting - regardless of how much or little you make in that particular venture.

You always report income, not matter what its source. And LOTS of people have tax returns showing income from many sources: a regular job, investments, rental property, self-employment (independent contractor) side work, whatever. It all goes on your taxes.

It doesn't hurt to get professional help - especially if you're unsure where on the forms the different sources go.

If your intention is still to make a profit as an actor (even if it is not full time acting) your allowable costs relating to the acting are still deductible.

You should note, though, that i used the term "allowable costs." Certain costs incurred by performers are not deductible in many cases. Costs frequently disallowed by the IRS include make up and costumes (there are some exceptions for make up, and costumes have to meet the not suitable for normal wear requirement).

The most common reasons seen for performers in tax trouble relates to disallowed expenses. Interestingly, there are a good number of tax court cases involving actors and singers. Usually those disputes involve what is a personal vs. a business expense.

You have been filing taxes with a schedule C for self employment. You continue to do that, adding in your W-2 income on the 1040. Your Schedule C will continue to have your income and expenses for your acting.

www.irs.gov

self employment