SOCAN Tariff for Live Concerts (2025–2027)

Summary#

The Copyright Board published the SOCAN Tariff 4.A – Popular Music Concerts (2025-2027) setting the fees that must be paid when SOCAN‑represented music is performed live at concert halls, theatres and similar places. The tariff sets a royalty of 3% of ticket revenue (or 3% of performers’ fees for free shows) with minimum fees of $49.93 (per‑event option) and $85.59 (annual option). The notice appeared in the Canada Gazette on May 9, 2026.

What it does#

• Applies to in‑person concerts and live performances at concert halls, theatres and other entertainment venues (including open‑air events) for the period 2025-2027.
• Sets the basic rate at 3% of gross ticket receipts for paid shows.
• For free concerts, sets the fee at 3% of the fees paid to performers (for example, festival performer fees).
• Gives promoters two ways to pay:
  • Per event: pay after each concert, with a minimum fee per concert of $49.93.
  • Annual: estimate and pay in advance, with an annual minimum that works out to $85.59 per concert under that calculation; final adjustments are made after the year ends.
• Requires reporting of basic event details and the revenue or performer fees within 30 days after each concert.
• Covers performances by lip‑synching or miming and counts DJs as “performers” when a DJ is the featured act and used in promotion.
• Excludes:
  • communication of music over the Internet;
  • live music in cabarets, cafes, clubs, cocktail bars, dining rooms, lounges, restaurants, roadhouses, taverns and similar places; and
  • recorded music at events held primarily for dancing.
• Allows SOCAN to audit user books on reasonable notice.
• Adds interest on late payments calculated daily at 1% above the Bank Rate (as published by the Bank of Canada); interest does not compound.
• States that amounts are shown before any taxes.

Who's affected#

• Promoters and organizers of concerts, festivals and open‑air events held at concert halls, theatres and similar venues.
• Venue owners/operators that host live concerts (unless the venue type is specifically excluded).
• Festival organizers who run “free” concerts where performers are paid.
• Featured DJs whose name is used in promotion.
• Songwriters, composers and music publishers represented by SOCAN, who receive the collected royalties.
• Small venues like bars, restaurants and clubs are generally excluded, so they are less likely to be affected.

Why it matters#

• Promoters and venues will need to budget for a charge equal to 3% of ticket sales (or performer fees), plus meet reporting and payment deadlines (reports due within 30 days; annual payments and estimates due by January 31).
• The minimum fees ($49.93 per event or $85.59 under the annual method) could be a noticeable cost for small shows or small festivals.
• Organizers of free concerts must track and report performer payments to calculate the fee.
• Late or incorrect payments can trigger audits and interest at 1% above the Bank Rate, creating a financial risk for organizers who don’t keep good records.
• The tariff aims to ensure songwriters and composers are paid when their works are performed live in covered venues.