While most crew members working with PRG are employed as W2 workers, production gigs often involve multiple employers, short-term contracts, and travel across state lines, which can create confusion. Bronstein says the key is not memorizing tax rules, but understanding how the structure of your work affects how you should prepare throughout the year.

“In this business, income isn’t always consistent, and people may work for several companies in the same year,” she explains. “That makes organization, record-keeping, and planning much more important than people realize.”

Below are a few of the most common financial pitfalls Bronstein sees among live event professionals — along with practical habits that can help make tax season less stressful.

Tracking and Staying Organized

Because many live event professionals work on short-term projects for multiple employers throughout the year, Bronstein says organization is one of the most important habits crew members can build — regardless of whether they are W2 employees, independent contractors, or both.

“In this industry, income isn’t always coming from one place, and it isn’t always consistent,” she says. “Keeping good records throughout the year makes a huge difference when tax season comes around. Waiting until the last minute to figure everything out is where most people run into trouble.”

Bronstein recommends keeping track of pay stubs, contracts, and work dates as the year goes on, rather than trying to reconstruct everything later. Even simple systems — spreadsheets, apps, or organized folders — can make filing easier and help avoid mistakes.

Planning Beyond the Current Tour

Project-based work can make it easy to focus only on the next job, but Bronstein says it’s also important to make time for the bigger picture. “When you don’t have a traditional employer providing retirement plans or benefits, those responsibilities fall on you,” she explains. “That doesn’t mean you need to do everything at once, but it does mean you need to be intentional about it.”

She encourages live event professionals to think about taxes, savings, retirement, and future goals as part of their working life — not something to put off until later.

“Even small, consistent steps make a difference over time. The earlier you start building those habits, the more flexibility you have down the road.”

Preparing for Seasonality and Gaps Between Jobs

Unlike many traditional careers, live event work often comes in cycles. Touring schedules, seasonal events, and production timelines can all create periods of intense work followed by slower stretches.

“One of the realities of this industry is that income isn’t always steady month to month,” Bronstein says. “You might have a very busy season followed by a quiet one, and if you’re not prepared for that, it can create a lot of stress.”

She advises crew members to think ahead during busy periods and set aside money when possible, rather than assuming the same level of work will continue year-round.

“Planning for the slower times is just as important as managing the busy ones. When you expect those shifts, they’re much easier to handle.”

Working Across Multiple Employers and States

For many live event professionals, it’s common to work for several companies in the same year, sometimes in different states, which can make tax filing more complicated than expected.

“A lot of people don’t realize how much their situation can change depending on how they’re employed for each job,” Bronstein says. “You might be a W2 employee on one project and freelance on another, and those differences affect how your taxes are handled.”

Travel can add another layer of complexity.

“When you’re working in multiple states, there may be additional filing requirements depending on the situation. That’s why it’s important to keep good records and talk to a qualified tax professional if you’re unsure.”

Bronstein says understanding how your work is classified — and keeping track of where and when you worked — can prevent surprises later.

“In this industry, variety is normal. The key is making sure your paperwork keeps up with your career.”

ECCHO Live as a Resource

Programs like ECCHO Live’s financial wellness initiative are designed to help live event professionals navigate these realities. The program offers approved applicants access to one-on-one sessions with a qualified professional who understands the industry’s unpredictable income cycles and project-based work structure, providing guidance tailored to the needs of touring and production crews.

As the live event industry continues to rely on flexible, project-based work, access to clear information and trusted resources can help crew members plan and manage the financial side of a career on the road.