Are You Missing Out on Tax Deductions? A Guide on Allowable Expenses for Creatives in the UK
Feb 6
3 min read
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If you’re a singer, artist, influencer, or performer, chances are you’re spending money to make money. The good news? Many of those costs can be claimed as business expenses, reducing your tax bill and leaving more cash in your pocket.
But a lot of creatives miss out on deductions simply because they don’t realise what they can claim. Here’s a breakdown of some allowable expenses you should know about.
1. Equipment & Gear
If you use it for work, it’s probably claimable. This includes:
Musical instruments, microphones, amps, DJ decks
Cameras, tripods, lighting for content creation
Art supplies, canvases, paints, digital design tools
Laptops, editing software, hard drives
If it helps you create, perform, or promote your work, keep the receipts—you may be able to deduct it from your taxable income.
2. Work-Related Travel
Not all travel is claimable, but if you’re heading to gigs, client meetings, or production shoots, you can claim costs like:
Mileage if you drive for work-related journeys
Train, bus, or taxi fares if they’re business-related
Flights and accommodation for work trips (festivals, networking events, content shoots)
Your daily commute doesn’t count, but travel for work-related events does.
3. Marketing & Promotion
Every creative needs an audience, and getting your name out there costs money. Luckily, things like:
Website hosting and domain fees
Email marketing services
Social media ads and boosted posts
Professional photoshoots
…can be tax-deductible, since they help grow your brand.
4. Performance & Content Creation Costs
If you spend money to put on a show or create content, that’s a business expense. You can claim:
Venue hire for gigs, exhibitions, performances
Editing software and subscriptions (Final Cut Pro, Adobe Suite, Canva Pro)
Props, set design, costume expenses for productions
Even things like studio rental fees, live-streaming software, and digital subscriptions that support your creative process can count.
5. Home Office & Workspaces
If you work from home—even part-time—you may be able to claim a portion of:
Rent or mortgage interest (as a percentage of your workspace use)
WiFi and phone bills
Office furniture (desk, chair, storage)
It’s not about claiming your whole rent but rather a fair percentage based on how much space you use for work.
6. Training & Professional Development
Staying at the top of your game takes investment. If you’re learning skills to improve your craft, you can claim:
Vocal coaching, music lessons, acting workshops
Online courses (e.g., video editing, marketing for creatives)
Books, industry magazines, subscriptions to creative tools
If it helps you improve in your profession, it could be tax-deductible.
7. Professional Services
Need expert help to run your business smoothly? These expenses are also claimable:
Accountant or bookkeeper fees
Legal advice for contracts and copyright
Insurance (public liability, professional indemnity)
What You Can’t Claim
Not everything is deductible. Personal expenses, fines, and everyday clothing (unless it's a costume) aren’t covered. If in doubt, check with an accountant (like us!) or HMRC’s guidelines.
Final Tip: Keep Those Receipts!
You don’t need to submit receipts with your tax return, but if HMRC ever asks, you’ll need proof. Use an expense-tracking app or a simple spreadsheet to keep your finances in check.
Every penny you claim as an allowable expense reduces your taxable income, meaning you keep more of what you earn. So don’t let those deductions go to waste!
If you're ever in need of help with setting up a limited company, sorting out your bookkeeping, accounting and tax submissions or would like some personal financial coaching, drop us a line by clicking on the 'Contact Us' button at the top of the page and we'll be happy to help.
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