Accountants for Hairdressers, Barbers & Salons
Helping You Manage Your Finances While You Focus on Your Business
Running a successful hairdressing or barbering business isn’t just about styling hair—it also requires careful financial management. Whether you’re a self-employed mobile hairdresser, rent a chair in a salon, or own a beauty business, keeping track of your income, expenses, and taxes is essential for staying compliant with HMRC regulations.
At Swan Books, we specialise in accountancy services for hairdressers and barbers, helping you with self-assessment tax returns, VAT compliance, expense tracking, and tax planning. We take care of the financial side of your business so you can focus on your clients and growing your brand.
Key Accounting Considerations for Hairdressers & Barbers
- 📌 Registering with HMRC – Whether you’re a sole trader or setting up a limited company, we guide you through the registration process and ensure you meet all legal obligations.
- 📌 Income Tax & National Insurance – If you’re self-employed, you must pay Income Tax and National Insurance contributions. We help you stay compliant and avoid unexpected tax bills.
- 📌 VAT & Thresholds – If your turnover exceeds £90,000, you’ll need to register for VAT. We handle registration, compliance, and help you claim back VAT where possible.
- 📌 Bookkeeping & Record-Keeping – Keeping accurate financial records is a legal requirement. We offer simple solutions to track your income and expenses efficiently.
- 📌 Payroll Services – If you employ staff, managing PAYE and workplace pensions can be complex. We ensure your payroll is processed accurately and on time.
- 📌 Tax Planning & Deductions – Many hairdressers overpay tax because they don’t claim all allowable expenses. We ensure you deduct everything you’re entitled to.
- 📌 Avoiding Late Filing Penalties – Missing tax deadlines can result in costly fines. We ensure your self-assessment tax return, VAT returns, and year-end accounts are submitted on time.
Why Choose Swan Books?
With over 17 years of experience in providing accounting services to hairdressers, barbers, and beauty professionals, Swan Books understands the unique financial challenges of your industry. Our friendly and professional service ensures you remain tax-efficient while growing your business.
There’s a reason we have nothing but 5 star reviews on Google.
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Charlie Baxter2025-02-06Stacey has been my accountant for 2 years now after having returned from setting up an online business in Australia and I can't recommend her enough! As each tax deadline approaches, she has been incredibly helpful, taking the time to explain things I’ve always found difficult to understand. She also tidied up my Xero accounting (a multiple currencies one 🤢), which I had left in a bit of a mess, and made sure everything was in order. On top of that, she helped me identify legitimate business expenses I could claim, which was a huge help. Highly recommend!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Jessica MacMillan2025-01-31Oh, Stacey where do I even begin? I first met Stacey in August 2024, and from that moment, I knew I wanted to switch accountants. Her presence is simply incredible. She’s not only extremely knowledgeable but also genuinely supportive of both you and your business, always striving to achieve the best outcomes. I’m so grateful to have met her and can’t wait to grow my business with Stacey by my side!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Tom Alderton2025-01-28Stacey is the best around 🙂Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Sophia Kelleway2025-01-28Stacy was fantastic with helping me sort out my self assessment, she made it so easy for me to understand and she was so easy to talk to. I can't recommend her enough🥰🥰 xxTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Alin Lebanov2025-01-28I cannot praise enough the quality of services offered by Stacey @ Swan Books along with her team. This is the first time I'm using their services and I would recommend them 100%. The whole process was so straight forward and the communication crystal clear. Definitely going ahead with them for the next financial year!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Ash2025-01-28Excellent service thanksTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Kirbie Shrimpton2025-01-22Stacey & her team are beyond helpful! I could not recommend them more, no question is a silly question! They make being a sole trader EASY! Soooo happy i found them!!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Harry Couture2025-01-14Brilliant service - I had a few complications that were easily ironed out and explained by Stacey. Would recommend to anyone!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Gina Toyer2025-01-08Brilliant and patient accountant highly recommendTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Ian Bement2025-01-03Great service, kept fully informed of when things would happen. Can't fault Stacey for the way she dealt with our tax returns. First time using Stacey, everything straight forward and all information presented to us in an easy to read/understand format.
Our Process
Initial Consultation
Understand your business, your challenges, and your aspirations.
Onboarding
Seamless integration with your existing systems, training provided if necessary.
Tailored Solutions
We propose a bookkeeping solution adapted to your unique needs.
Regular Check-ins
Periodic reviews to ensure your financials are on track and to address any concerns.
Year-End Finalisation
Ensure everything is aligned, compliant, and ready for HMRC submissions.
Solutions We Use
We leverage cutting-edge accounting software to provide seamless financial management and reporting:
- Xero: For real-time financial tracking and insights, ideal for small businesses that value accessibility and efficiency.
- QuickBooks: Offering an intuitive platform for bookkeeping and financial management, perfect for keeping small businesses informed.
- Sage: Known for its comprehensive features that cater to more complex small business needs, from payroll to inventory management.
- Dext: Streamlining document management and expense tracking, ensuring that every financial transaction is captured accurately.
What Can Hairdressers & Barbers Expense?
Keeping track of your allowable expenses can reduce your tax bill. Here are some common deductions:
Salon & Equipment Costs
- 💇 Styling chairs, mirrors, and workstations
- ✂️ Scissors, clippers, hairdryers, and straighteners
- 🧴 Shampoos, conditioners, and styling products used on clients
- 📦 Stock purchases for resale (if you sell hair care products)
Premises & Operational Expenses
- 🏢 Salon rent and business rates
- 🔌 Utility bills (electricity, water, heating, broadband)
- 🛠 Maintenance and repairs of salon equipment
- 📝 Business insurance, including public liability
Marketing & Client Growth
- 📢 Advertising (Google ads, Facebook promotions, flyers)
- 🌐 Website hosting, domain names, and booking software
- 📸 Photography for social media promotions
Travel & Transport
- 🚗 Fuel costs and mileage for mobile hairdressers
- 🚕 Taxi fares when traveling for business purposes
- 🛏 Hotel stays for industry events and training courses
Training & Development
- 🎓 Courses and qualifications to enhance your skills
- 📚 Trade magazines and industry publications
- 🎟 Entry fees for professional hair shows and networking events
Employee Costs (For Salon Owners)
- 👥 Staff wages and PAYE contributions
- 📅 Pension contributions for employees
- 👔 Uniforms or branded salon clothing
💡 Tip: Always keep receipts and records of your expenses to support your claims with HMRC. We can help you track and manage your expenses efficiently.
💡 Keeping receipts and accurate records is essential when claiming expenses. We ensure all your costs are recorded properly for tax efficiency.
Should You Register as a Sole Trader or a Limited Company?
If you’re self-employed, deciding whether to remain a sole trader or transition to a limited company can impact your taxes and financial liability.
- ✅ Sole Trader – Simple to set up, but you’re personally liable for business debts. Income Tax is paid on all earnings.
✅ Limited Company – More tax-efficient, as profits are taxed at 19% Corporation Tax rather than higher self-employed tax rates. Offers limited liability protection.
💡 Not sure which is best for you? We can advise on the best business structure for your needs.
Our Pricing
At Swan Books, we tailor our pricing to fit your business’s specific needs. Our bookkeeping services ensure that your business finances stay up-to-date using leading cloud accounting software like Quickbooks or Xero. Whether you prefer monthly or quarterly updates, we keep you informed about your business profits consistently. We cover all areas of bookkeeping, ensuring thoroughness and precision.
The pricing for our bookkeeping services varies based on the volume of transactions each month. For a customised quote and a detailed breakdown, please contact us.
Registration
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Registration of you and your business self employment with HMRC.
Self Assessment Tax Returns
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Preparation of tax calculation, preparation and submission to HMRC and financial statements
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Prices may vary based on your business records. Please get in contact for a free consultation.
Bookkeeping
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Keeping your business finances up to date with cloud accounting software Quickbooks or Xero. Monthly or Quarterly updates providing you updates of business profits. All areas of bookkeeping undertaken.
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Prices vary permitting to volume of transactions each month.
Books Clean Up
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If your accounts are in need of a tidy up and you want to upgrade your internal procedures for easier processes, you have come to the right place!
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Prices vary client by client, please get in touch to discuss further.
VAT Returns
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Quarterly VAT returns prepared and submitted with Making Tax Digital compliant software with all deadlines met.
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Prices start from £175.00 per quarter
Power Hour
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One to one power hour discussing your business accounting and how to make improvements to make your finances run more efficiently within the cloud software of your business alongside training on how to get the best of your software.
Payroll
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All aspects of payroll processes ensuring all tasks are carried out by all deadlines and RTI compliant.
- Weekly or monthly payrolls
- Pension administration completed
- RTI compliant with HMRC
- Payroll year end service and reporting