Accountants Makeup Artists
Helping You Stay Financially Polished While You Perfect Your Craft
As a makeup artist, your work is all about creativity, precision, and enhancing beauty—but behind the scenes, managing your finances is just as important. Whether you’re a freelance MUA, a bridal specialist, a cosmetics influencer, or running a salon, keeping on top of your accounts is essential to ensure your business thrives.
At Swan Books, we provide specialist accounting services tailored to makeup artists, helping with everything from self-assessment tax returns to VAT compliance, expense tracking, and business growth strategies. Let us handle the numbers while you focus on perfecting your artistry.
Key Accounting Considerations for Makeup Artists
- 📌 Registering with HMRC – Whether you’re a self-employed MUA or running a beauty business, you must register with HMRC. We help you choose the best structure for tax efficiency.
- 📌 Income Tax & National Insurance – Self-employed makeup artists must pay Income Tax and National Insurance. We ensure you set aside the correct amount to avoid unexpected tax bills.
- 📌 VAT & Thresholds – If your income exceeds £90,000 per year, you’ll need to register for VAT. We manage your VAT registration, returns, and help you claim VAT on business expenses.
- 📌 Bookkeeping & Record-Keeping – Keeping accurate financial records is crucial for HMRC compliance. We provide simple solutions to organise your income and expenses.
- 📌 Avoiding Late Filing Penalties – Your self-assessment tax return is due by 31st January each year. We ensure all filings are submitted on time to prevent fines.
- 📌 Working From Multiple Locations – Many makeup artists travel to clients, work in salons, or rent beauty spaces. We help you track expenses like travel costs, kit purchases, and chair rental fees.
- 📌 Tax Deductible Expenses – From makeup brushes to training courses, knowing what you can claim as an expense can significantly reduce your tax bill.
Why Choose Swan Books?
With over 17 years of experience in providing accounting services to the beauty industry, 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 Makeup Artists Expense?
Makeup & Kit Essentials
- 💄 Brushes, sponges, and applicators
- 🎨 Foundations, lipsticks, eyeshadows, and other cosmetics
- 👜 Makeup cases, organisers, and storage solutions
- 💡 Mirrors, ring lights, and portable studio setups
Studio & Work Expenses
- 🏠 Chair rental fees for working in a salon or shared space
- 🔌 A portion of home rent or mortgage if you have a home studio
- 📡 Business Wi-Fi and phone bills
- 🛠 Repairs and maintenance of salon or studio equipment
Marketing & Client Growth
- 📢 Advertising on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or Google
- 📸 Professional photography for your portfolio
- 🌐 Website hosting, domain fees, and booking software
Travel & Transport
- 🚗 Mileage and fuel costs for mobile makeup artists
- 🚕 Taxi fares or public transport to client locations
- 🛏 Hotel stays for bridal makeup bookings and events
Training & Professional Development
- 🎓 Courses for makeup techniques, bridal styling, or SFX makeup
- 📚 Beauty trade magazines and online tutorials
- 🎟 Entry fees for beauty expos and networking events
Personal Presentation & Maintenance
- 💆 Skincare and facial treatments (if required for client-facing work)
- 🖌 Hairdressing, nail treatments, and grooming for professional appearances
Employee & Business Costs (For Salon Owners)
- 👥 Wages and PAYE contributions for staff
- 📅 Pension contributions for employees
- 📝 Public liability and professional indemnity insurance
💡 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.
Accountants for Semi-Permanent Makeup Artists
If you specialise in semi-permanent makeup, such as microblading, cosmetic tattooing, or scalp micropigmentation, your tax and business structure may have additional considerations. Some aesthetic treatments may or may not be VAT exempt, depending on whether they’re classified as medical or cosmetic procedures. We provide tailored tax advice to ensure compliance and help you claim the correct expenses for specialised equipment, training, and licensing.
Should You Register as a Sole Trader or a Limited Company?
Deciding whether to remain a sole trader or register a limited company depends on your income and business goals.
- ✅ Sole Trader – Quick to set up and simple tax filing, but you are personally liable for business debts.
✅ Limited Company – More tax-efficient as profits are taxed at 19% Corporation Tax rather than higher self-employed tax rates, plus 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