Press Releases

Reps. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) and Linda Sánchez (D-California) have reintroduced the Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act – legislation that allows qualified sound recording producers and artists to deduct 100% of production expenses in the year they are incurred. This would provide parity with film, television and live theatrical productions that already benefit from this tax provision.
 
"Music is a powerful language that connects people of varying generations, backgrounds and experiences, and we should encourage music creators – those writing, singing, playing or producing – by providing immediate expensing for their costs," said Rep. Estes. "I’ve been a fierce advocate for immediate expensing when Americans design, research and develop new products and services here in our own country, and we should do the same for the small businesses and content creators in the music industry. The HITS Act that I'm reintroducing with Rep. Sánchez doesn’t just impact songwriters, but it’s a jobs bill with benefits across the music industry, allowing music creators the ability to expense their costs faster and use capital more quickly on other projects, which in turn frees up money for more hours in the studio, compensation for sound techs, and funding for marketing."
 
"Music is a universal language that unites us and brings joy to our lives," said Rep. Sánchez. "However, for many independent creators, producing music is a constant financial challenge. Our bill provides immediate relief, giving creators the ability to reinvest in their craft without the burden of delayed tax deductions, ensuring they can continue creating the music that connects us all."
 
"The independent music ecosystem faces unprecedented challenges as industry consolidation threatens our sustainability and survival. The HITS Act offers responsible tax relief, recognizing artists' vital contributions to American culture, our quality of life, and economic growth. We thank Representative Estes and Representative Sánchez for supporting the independent creative class that strengthens our communities and bridges divides," said Adam Hartke, Kansas independent music advocate, venue owner and artist manager.
 
"In today's changing music landscape, creators need more support than ever before," said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. "The HITS Act will provide commonsense tax reform so that artists and songwriters are empowered to keep making new music. The Recording Academy thanks Representatives Ron Estes and Linda Sánchez for their leadership on this important issue, along with Senators Blackburn and Cortez Masto, and our members are committed to seeing the HITS Act become law this Congress."
 
"For working songwriters and musicians, tax benefits can mean as much as pure income when it comes to paying the bills," said Bart Herbison, Executive Director of NSAI. "The HITS Act provides a more fair and efficient way for record producers, artist and songwriters to receive tax benefits for expenses they incur in making the music we all love, namely in claiming them in one year versus over several. The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) supports this important legislation and encourages Congress to adopt it."
 
"The reintroduction of the HITS Act is a much-needed step toward tax savings for recording artists, their label partners, and songwriters that will enable them to reinvest in new projects," said Dr. Richard James Burgess MBE, President and CEO of A2IM. "HITS will create jobs and increase the recorded output of American music creators, especially for small players in the indie sector that can lack access to capital. The exact same tax relief has long been available to other creative sectors, so we are thankful to our congressional champions."
 
The HITS Act is supported by the Recording Academy, which represents thousands of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers and music professionals. Additionally, the legislation is endorsed by the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), American Federation of Musicians (AFM), Artists Rights Alliance, ASCAP, Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), BMI, Christian Music Trade Association (CMTA), Church Music Publishers Assoc., Digital Media Association (DiMA), Future of Music Coalition, Global Music Rights, Gospel Music Association (GMA), Music Artists Coalition (MAC), National Independent Talent Organization (NITO), National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), National Music Publishers’ Association, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), SAG-AFTRA, SESAC, Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL), Songwriters Guild of America (SGA), Songwriters of North America (SONA) and SoundExchange..
 
The HITS Act provides critical tax relief for independent artists, songwriters and labels by allowing up to $150,000 in music production expenses to be deducted in the year they are incurred. This aligns the music industry with other creative sectors, such as film, television and live theater, which already benefit from similar tax incentives.