Music Teacher

Tax guide for New Zealand self-employed music teachers and performers

Allowable Expenses

• Instrument costs — Instruments, strings, reeds, maintenance for teaching
• Music & scores — Sheet music, method books, digital sheet music subscriptions
• Studio / teaching space — Rent for teaching studio or home room proportion
• Vehicle expenses — Travel to students or performance venues
• Professional memberships — Music teachers' associations, SOUNZ, MENZA

Tax Tips

• Music scores purchased for student use are deductible teaching materials
• Instrument repairs and maintenance for teaching instruments are 100% deductible
• Recital and concert costs for student performances may be deductible

Frequently Asked Questions

Can NZ music teachers claim instrument costs?

Yes, instruments used for teaching can be claimed. If an instrument is also used personally, only the business proportion is deductible. Instruments costing over NZ$1,000 must be depreciated over their useful life.