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.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
vanessa mar2025-07-01Second year in - Stacey truly is the best and amazing to work with. Her patience, warmth and clarity are unmatched. Extremely happy with the service!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Gary Butler2025-06-29After making the booking for a new customer enquiry the process and response from Stacey couldn’t have been better. Stacey was prompt with the return call, took the time to get to know my situation, was knowledgeable and very helpful with information and explaining the next steps. Looking forward to receiving the details for those steps and impressed with professionalism shown from the off.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Dani Avis2025-06-03I met Stacey as a networking event, and I am so bloody glad I did. She is so experienced, so knowledgeable and has helped me massively in such a short amount of time. Answered every question I have (which is a lot) because I generally had no idea what I had to do with tax’s with starting my own business. I feel so at ease now I have her as my accountant and recommend her highly to anyone and everyone!! XxTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Living With Leanne2025-04-15Couldn't recommend Stacey enough for everything accounting! She is efficient, informative, supportive and trustworthy. She supports my small business and ensures that everything runs smoothly when it comes to submitting my tax returns which I am so grateful for! Thank you Stacey!!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Chloe Turner2025-04-14My first year working as self employed and Stacey has been so helpful and supportive, making my first tax year as a small buissness straightforward and stress free. Thankyou so much! ♡Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Sam Davis2025-04-14Brilliant service from start to finish and would highly recommend, will certainly be using swan books for many years to come. ThanksTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Emma Cook2025-04-09Stacey is the best accountant we have would definitely recommend her to anyone, she’s so friendly and very helpful and always there to help us . Thank you for your hard work xxTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Emma Spencer2025-04-09I have used Stacey’s services now for the past few years. She has been fantastic, always have a prompt reply with any queries. Highly recommend!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Ted Nellie2025-03-28I own a preschool that Stacey has helped me to manage and completely turn around to become thriving when I wanted to give in. She is so personable and always very reliable and honest. I wish I had met her at the beginning of my business but thank goodness I have found her now. Thank you Stacey for being a breath of fresh air and making the accounts so understandable!!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Samantha Harvey2025-03-13Stacey is honestly the loveliest most informative person, I was completely clueless about everything and she has taken her time to explain things and reassure me on anything I’m unsure about. Thank you so much! Highly recommend x
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