Invoicing and VAT responsibilities for artists and organisers using Gigevate

A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR ARTISTS & ORGANISERS USING GIGEVATE

Gigevate provides the tools to discover, connect, agree, and transact securely. However, it is important to be clear about one key responsibility. Gigevate does not create, issue or manage performance fee invoices between artists and organisers. Invoicing and VAT responsibilities remain between the artist and the organiser.

 

This guide explains:

  • What Gigevate does and does not handle
  • Who is responsible for invoicing
  • When invoicing should take place
  • General VAT guidance for common EU scenarios
  • How to avoid confusion before payment is made

 

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional accounting or tax advice.

 

WHAT GIGEVATE DOES AND DOES NOT HANDLE

WHAT GIGEVATE DOES

  • Booking requests and confirmations
  • Clear agreed booking terms
  • Secure handling of booking payments
  • Platform fee invoicing where applicable

WHAT GIGEVATE DOES NOT DO

  • Issue performance fee invoices
  • Collect VAT on behalf of artists
  • Decide VAT treatment for performance fees
  • Act as a tax or accounting intermediary

 

The performance fee agreement and invoicing is a direct relationship between the artist and the organiser.

 

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR INVOICING

ARTIST RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Issuing an invoice for their performance fee
  • Applying VAT if required based on their tax status
  • Including correct legal and tax information
  • Keeping their own accounting records

ORGANISER RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Requesting an invoice from the artist
  • Providing correct company and VAT details
  • Checking whether VAT applies
  • Storing invoices for their financial records

 

Invoicing expectations should always be discussed before payment is made.

 

WHEN INVOICING SHOULD TAKE PLACE

To avoid confusion or disputes, we strongly recommend the following order:

  1. Booking terms are agreed on Gigevate

  2. VAT expectations are clarified between parties

  3. The organiser requests an invoice from the artist

  4. The artist issues the invoice

  5. Payment is completed through Gigevate

 

Handling invoicing before payment ensures clarity for both parties.

 

GENERAL VAT GUIDANCE

EUROPEAN UNION CONTEXT

VAT treatment depends on several factors, including:

  • The artist’s country of establishment
  • The organiser’s country of establishment
  • Whether the artist is VAT registered
  • Whether the organiser is VAT registered

 

The guidance below is general information only.

 

ARTIST IS VAT REGISTERED

  • The artist must issue a VAT invoice
  • VAT may apply depending on the organiser’s location
  • Reverse charge may apply for cross-border EU services

ARTIST IS NOT VAT REGISTERED

  • No VAT is charged on the invoice
  • The invoice should clearly state “VAT not applicable”

 

CROSS-BORDER EU BOOKINGS

  • Reverse charge may apply if both parties are VAT registered
  • Both VAT numbers must appear on the invoice
  • The invoice should state “VAT reverse charged”

NON-EU BOOKINGS

  • EU VAT may be outside scope
  • Local tax rules may apply depending on the situation

 

Because VAT rules vary by country and circumstance, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified accountant if you are unsure.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT PLATFORM FEES

Gigevate may issue its own invoice for platform fees where applicable.

 

This invoice:

  • Relates only to the Gigevate platform fee
  • Is separate from the performance fee
  • Does not replace the artist’s invoice

 

Artists must still issue their own performance invoice to the organiser.

SIMPLE PERFORMANCE INVOICE TEMPLATE

Artists may use the following structure as a basic invoice template.

 

PERFORMANCE INVOICE TEMPLATE

Artist Name or Legal Entity
Address
Country
VAT number (if applicable)

 

Invoice Number
Invoice Date

Bill To
Organiser Name or Legal Entity
Address
Country
VAT number (if applicable)

 

Description
Live performance fee for [Event Name] on [Event Date]

 

Amount
Performance fee €XXX

 

VAT
€XXX or “VAT not applicable”

 

Total
€XXX

 

Payment Terms
As agreed between parties

 

 

This template can be adapted to meet local legal requirements.

 

 

WHY CLEAR INVOICING MATTERS

Clear invoicing protects everyone involved.

 

It helps ensure:

  • Legal and tax compliance
  • Accurate financial records
  • Fewer disputes after events
  • Professional working relationships

 

Most invoicing issues arise when expectations are not clarified early.

 

HOW GIGEVATE CAN ASSIST

While Gigevate does not issue performance invoices, we can:

  • Provide guidance through this article
  • Help clarify platform processes
  • Assist communication if disputes arise

 

Our role is to provide structure, not replace professional obligations.

 

FINAL RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

To be clear:

  • Artists are responsible for issuing performance invoices
  • Organisers are responsible for requesting and storing invoices
  • VAT responsibility lies with the party issuing the invoice
  • Gigevate does not manage performance fee invoicing

 

Using Gigevate does not remove tax or invoicing obligations.

 

CONCLUSION

Understanding invoicing and VAT responsibilities is essential for working professionally and confidently on Gigevate.

We encourage all artists and organisers to review this guide before completing bookings.

If you are unsure about your obligations, please consult a qualified accountant or tax advisor