Accountants for Content Creators
Let us tackle your finances, so you can focus on building your brand
Allowable expenses for a content creator, whether they are a blogger, YouTuber, social media influencer, or freelance writer, are business-related costs that can be deducted from their business income when calculating taxable profit. Here are some common allowable expenses for content creators:
- Business Structure: Decide on the most appropriate business structure, such as operating as a sole trader or setting up a limited company. The choice can impact your tax liability and legal responsibilities.
- Business Bank Account: Open a separate business bank account to keep your personal and business finances separate. This makes it easier to track income and expenses, as well as prepare for tax reporting.
- Income Tracking: Keep detailed records of all your income sources, including payments from clients, sponsorships, ad revenue, affiliate marketing, and any other revenue streams.
- Expense Tracking: Maintain a record of business-related expenses, such as equipment, software, subscriptions, travel, marketing costs, and any expenses related to content creation.
- Receipts and Invoices: Save receipts for your business expenses and send professional invoices to clients or sponsors. This documentation is essential for tax deductions and tracking payments.
- Accounting Software: Consider using accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or FreshBooks to manage your finances, track income and expenses, and generate financial reports.
- Tax Obligations: Be aware of your tax responsibilities, including income tax and potential Value Added Tax (VAT) if your income exceeds the threshold. Consult with a tax professional or accountant to ensure you meet all tax requirements.
- Record Keeping: Maintain an organised filing system for all financial documents, including invoices, receipts, and contracts, making it easier to access information when needed.
- Self-Assessment: In the UK, self-employed individuals typically complete a Self-Assessment tax return to report income and expenses. The deadline for this is usually January 31st for the previous tax year.
- Professional Advice: Given the unique financial aspects of the content creation industry, it’s advisable to consult with an accountant or tax advisor who understands the specific challenges and opportunities in this field. They can help you optimise your financial management and tax strategies.
- Budgeting: Create a budget to plan your expenses and allocate resources effectively. This can help you manage irregular income and save for taxes.
- Intellectual Property Rights: Be aware of intellectual property rights when creating content. Ensure you understand copyright laws, licensing agreements, and royalty income if applicable.
Effective accounting is crucial for the financial health and compliance of your content creation business. Staying informed about industry-specific regulations and tax requirements is essential, and professional guidance can help you navigate the complexities of managing your finances as a self-employed content creator.
Why Choose Swan Books?
Swan Books brings over 17 years of trusted accounting experience in for YouTubers, Influencers, Bloggers and more. We don’t just see numbers; we see people thriving and communities growing. We have many accounting clients who rely on content creation, and they often commend our friendly, professional, and approachable style. Beyond mere testimonials, our track record of success and our commitment to ensuring businesses flourish stands as our proud testament. Discover the Swan Books difference today.
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.
What Can a Content Creator Expense?
Allowable expenses for a content creator, whether they are a blogger, YouTuber, social media influencer, or freelance writer, are business-related costs that can be deducted from their business income when calculating taxable profit. Here are some common allowable expenses for content creators:
- Equipment and Technology: The cost of cameras, video equipment, audio recording equipment, computers, software, and other technology used for content creation is deductible.
- Home Office Expenses: If you work from home, you can claim a portion of household expenses, including rent, mortgage interest, utilities, and internet, that are directly related to your business use.
- Professional Fees: Fees paid to graphic designers, web developers, and other professionals for services related to your content, website, or branding are allowable expenses.
- Marketing and Promotion: Costs associated with advertising your content, running ad campaigns, and promoting your work, such as social media ads or sponsored posts, can be deducted.
- Subscriptions and Memberships: Expenses for memberships in professional organisations, stock photo or video services, or other content creation platforms can be claimed.
- Training and Professional Development: Expenses for courses, workshops, conferences, and online training relevant to content creation can be deductible.
- Travel Expenses: If you travel for business-related purposes, such as attending events or filming on location, travel costs, including mileage, accommodations, and meals, can be claimed.
- Insurance: Premiums for business insurance, such as liability insurance or camera equipment insurance, are generally allowable expenses.
- Office Supplies: Expenses for office supplies like stationery, paper, and printer ink used for your content creation are deductible.
- Stock Media and Licensing: Costs for purchasing stock images, music, or video clips for your content can be claimed.
- Bank and Credit Card Fees: Fees associated with business bank accounts and credit card processing can be allowable expenses.
- Accounting and Bookkeeping Fees: Fees paid to a professional accountant or bookkeeper for managing financial records are deductible.
- Website Hosting and Domain Costs: Expenses related to hosting your website and domain registration are generally allowable.
- Safety Equipment: Costs for safety equipment, such as protective gear or health and safety measures for filming, can be deductible.
It’s important to keep detailed records and receipts for all these expenses and any others specific to your content creation business. When completing your tax return, you can deduct these allowable expenses from your total business income to calculate your taxable profit.
Stacey has been wonderful. I started a business and was totally overwhelmed and stressed about my tax return. Stacey made me feel instantly at ease and really did take care of EVERYTHING and more. Worth every single penny! She's been so supportive and I'm so glad I was put in contact with her. I have found my accountant for life. Thank you!
Bobbie Golder
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
£
45
00
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Registration of you and your business self employment with HMRC.
Self Assessment Tax Returns
£
250
00
Prices From -
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
varies
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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
varies
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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
£
175
00
Prices From -
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
£
65
00
Prices From -
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
£
20
00
Per Payroll -
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