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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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 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