Performance Accountancy

13/07/2026

Not sure what expenses you can claim?

You’re not alone.

For performers, musicians, actors and creatives, expenses can be tricky.

Travel, mileage, agent fees, props, teaching aids, sheet music, headshots, showreels, training and paying other performers may all come up — but not everything is automatically allowable.

Some costs, like gym memberships, medical costs, old tax bills and entertaining agents, can cause problems if claimed incorrectly.

That’s why we’ve created a handy guide: Expenses for Performers.

Download it here: https://www.performanceaccountancy.co.uk/allowable-expenses/

11/07/2026

Running a charity concert? Be careful how the money flows.

If you sell tickets and the income goes through your business account, that income may still count as business income — even if you later donate the proceeds to charity.

The donation doesn’t always work like a normal business expense that simply cancels out the income. That can distort your accounts and create unexpected tax issues.

So before you organise a charity event, it’s worth getting advice on the best structure.

Good intentions are brilliant. Clear records are essential.

Read the full blog here: https://www.performanceaccountancy.co.uk/knowledgebase/the-issue-of-charity-concerts-and-income/

10/07/2026

A chance to listen in on the hottest gossip in town ;)

*places tongue firmly in cheek and begins typing*

Take a listen here - https://vimeo.com/1208453816

A chance to listen in on the hottest gossip in town ;) *places tongue firmly in cheek and begins typing* The mercury may be soaring inside Performance Palace and across the nation but we all know the hottest ticket in town right now is Making Tax Digital! *continues typing as the heat sends me into....

09/07/2026

Picking an accountant isn’t just about finding someone who can file a tax return.

It’s about finding someone who understands how you work. In Episode 7 of The Backstage Pass, James talks about choosing the right accountant for you.

For performers, musicians and creatives, your finances often don’t fit neatly into a standard template. You may have income from:
✅ gigs
✅ teaching
✅ agents
✅ royalties
✅ touring
✅ freelance projects
✅ multiple creative roles

So it matters that your accountant understands the industry, asks the right questions, and gives advice that fits your life.

The right accountant should make you feel supported, not confused.

12/06/2026

Summer Travelling and Taking Your Instruments Overseas

Before you pack your suitcase and head for the airport, it’s worth taking a moment to check the practical side. For musicians and performers, travelling with instruments can involve more than just getting them safely onto the plane.

Think about:
✅ insurance
✅ customs paperwork
✅ proof of ownership
✅ repair or replacement costs
✅ carrying valuable equipment through airports
✅ keeping receipts and records for business travel

A little planning now can save a lot of stress later - https://www.performanceaccountancy.co.uk/knowledgebase/taking-my-instrument-abroad-for-work/

11/06/2026

Why do accountants ask for ID checks?

It might feel like admin for the sake of admin, but it’s actually an important part of getting you set up properly. In Episode 6 of The Backstage Pass, James explains why ID checks are needed and what clients can expect during the process.

It’s all part of making sure we meet our responsibilities, protect our clients, and keep everything compliant from the start.

The good news? We try to make it as simple and painless as possible. James talks through what’s involved, why it matters, and how it fits into the wider onboarding process at Performance Accountancy.

Watch Episode 6 below ⬇️

10/06/2026

Directors and PSCs — Companies House ID verification is still causing confusion.

Since 2025, Company Directors and People with Significant Control have needed to verify their identity with Companies House. This affects small companies too including one-person companies and dormant companies.

You’ll usually only need to verify once, and you can do this through GOV.UK One Login.

Once done, you’ll receive a personal code. Keep it safe, as it will be needed for future Companies House filings. Don’t wait until your confirmation statement is due.

Need help getting started? We can guide you through the setup over Zoom.

Book a call here: https://www.performanceaccountancy.co.uk/booking/louise/30-client-consult

://www.performanceaccountancy.co.uk/knowledgebase/id-verification-for-directors-and-pscs-for-companies-house/

09/06/2026

Thinking about switching accountants but not sure what happens next?

In Episode 5 of The Backstage Pass, James talks through the process of switching to Performance Accountancy.

We know changing accountants can feel awkward, especially if you’ve been with someone for years. But it doesn’t have to be stressful.

James explains what happens behind the scenes, what information we need, and how we help make the move as smooth as possible.

For performers, musicians and creatives, having an accountant who understands your world can make a real difference. Different income streams. Agent statements. Touring. Teaching. Royalties. Expenses that don’t fit a standard box.

That’s exactly why the right support matters. Watch Episode 5 here - click below.

08/06/2026

What Expenses Can I Claim? Louise's Straight-Talking Version repeated. Why? Beacause I keep getting asked this question.

Here’s the simple rule:

❌ Entertaining your agent at dinner? No.
❌ That “inspirational” weekend in Paris? Probably not.
❌ Clothes you could wear off stage? Usually no.

The grey areas are where people get caught out.

Claim too little – you overpay tax.
Claim too much – you invite questions.

If you’re guessing, you’re gambling. I’d rather you weren’t gambling with HMRC. Have a read of our Allowable Resources here - https://www.performanceaccountancy.co.uk/allowable-expenses

02/06/2026

Can I just have MTD reviews instead of full bookkeeping support?

That’s exactly what James is talking about in Episode 4 of The Backstage Pass.

Not everyone needs a full done-for-you service.

Some performers, musicians and creatives are happy to manage their own records in Untied, Xero, or another MTD-compatible system - but still want someone to check things over before anything goes too far.

That’s where an MTD review can help.

It gives you:
✅ a second pair of eyes
✅ reassurance that things are being recorded properly
✅ a chance to catch mistakes early
✅ support without handing over everything

For performers, where income and expenses can be a little less straightforward, a review can be a really useful middle ground.

James explains how this works and when it might be the right option for you.