What this calculator does
When a band, a channel with several hosts or a collaboration earns money, someone has to divide it. This calculator takes the money received, removes a platform or distributor fee, a manager's or agent's commission and shared costs, and splits what is left among up to six people by their percentages. It warns you if the percentages do not add up to 100%.
The order of deductions matters
The calculator takes the fee first, then the commission on what is left, then the shared costs. A 15% commission on $5,000 is $750, but on $4,500 after costs it would be $675, so the order changes everyone's share. Contracts differ: some managers take their percentage of gross income, others of net income after certain costs. Use the order in your written agreement, and if you have none, agree on one before the money arrives.
Good habits for splitting creator income
- Write it down. A short written agreement should say who owns what (songs, recordings, the channel name and account), the percentages, which costs are shared and what happens if someone leaves.
- Two kinds of music splits. For songs, the split of the recording (master) money and the split of the songwriting (publishing) money can be different. Each is registered separately, and distributors can often pay each member's share of the master directly.
- Keep records. Save statements and payments so everyone can check the numbers.
- Taxes are per person. Each person pays tax on their own share. If one person receives the money and pays the others, they may need to send Forms 1099 and report only their own share as income; a group that works as a partnership has its own filing rules. Ask a tax professional how your group should set this up.
Frequently asked questions
What is a fair split for a band?
There is no rule. Many bands split equally, others give more to the songwriters or the person who does the business work. What matters is that everyone agrees in writing. The calculator works with any percentages.
Should the manager's commission come before or after costs?
It depends on the contract. Some managers take their percentage from gross income, others after certain costs such as touring or recording. Read your agreement; the calculator applies the commission after the platform fee and before shared costs.
Are names saved or shared?
No. Names stay on the page in your browser and are never put into a shared link or sent anywhere.
Who pays tax on split income?
Each person pays tax on the share they receive. The creator tax calculator can estimate the tax on your share; it is general information, not tax advice.