FAQ

Yes, royalty earnings are subjected to taxation.

COMPASS requests for music cue sheets and playlists from music users. Where possible, one hundred percent analysis of the music used will be logged to distribute the royalty, as in the case with concerts. However, this may not be possible and/or feasible for all types of music usage. For example, it will not be cost efficient for COMPASS to monitor the songs played on the various stations round the clock on a daily basis. Thus sampling is done. Performances that are omitted in the analysis due to sampling, are compensated by royalty known as UPA or Unlogged Performance Allocations (see distribution rules: https://compass.org.sg/about-us/corporate-governance/). Members should submit programme returns to the Society whenever their works are used both locally and internationally. This should be done as soon as possible, preferably with supporting documents upon request.

Performing royalties are processed twice yearly (May and November). However, where the royalty amount in May does not exceed S$100 and S$1000 respectively for local Members and international Societies, the amount will be withheld and distributed together with the November distributions. Payment will be made 1 week after the processing.

Royalties received from international Societies are distributed independently of the local distributions and are done within this 2 distributions upon the receipt of the statements from the overseas societies.

Reproduction Royalties amounting to $50.00 or more are distributed to Members upon receipt, otherwise it will be combined with Performing Rights Royalty distribution. Statements will be issued with details of the song usage.

No. COMPASS does not pay the arranger any royalty unless specifically instructed by the original copyright owner(s). Note that permission should always be sought from the copyright owner(s) before making an arrangement of the work.

Not necessary. COMPASS has reciprocal agreements with many similar performing Societies around the world including those in Hong Kong, USA, UK and Australia. Under these agreements, COMPASS’s repertoire is assigned to these Societies and vice versa. Through such an arrangement, COMPASS Members’ works are controlled and administered by these foreign Societies in their respective countries, which means that if your works are performed in their territories, you get paid via COMPASS.

If one of the interested parties of a COMPASS originated work is not a Member, the royalties of the non-member will be placed in the Non-Member Special Account (SN). The royalties will be held until the non-member becomes a Member, upon which the amount will be released. If the non-member does not become a Member by the following Distribution period, such royalties will be placed in the Undistributable Royalties Special Account (SU), to be distributed with the subsequent general distribution. For non-COMPASS works, the CISAC Warsaw Rule will apply if only one of the writers is identified at the time of distribution.