Performance Accountancy

01/09/2026

Registering as self-employed? Be careful with the date.

In the next episode of The Backstage Pass, James explains a small HMRC detail that can cause a very expensive headache.

When HMRC asks when you started earning, putting a date between 1st and 5th April can make it look like you need to file a tax return for the year just ended. Miss that return, and penalties can follow.

For performers, musicians and creatives starting freelance work, gigs or teaching, this is one date field worth getting right.

Watch James explain it here:

28/08/2026

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

26/08/2026

Auditions can be expensive, but can you claim the costs?

Travel, self-tapes, scripts, accompanists, coaching, rehearsal space and some preparation costs may be allowable if they are genuinely for your self-employed work.

The key is keeping clear records and knowing where HMRC may see a cost as personal rather than business.

We’ve put together a simple performer’s checklist to help.

Read it here:
https://www.performanceaccountancy.co.uk/audition-expenses-tax-deductible-in-the-uk-the-performers-checklist/

25/08/2026

PAYE job and self-employed work? National Insurance can catch you out.

In the next episode of The Backstage Pass, James explains something that surprises a lot of performers, musicians and creatives.

If you’re employed and also self-employed, your National Insurance doesn’t simply merge into one neat figure. Your PAYE income is dealt with through Class 1 National Insurance. Your self-employed profits may also be subject to Class 4 National Insurance.

So if you have a day job, a teaching role, theatre contract, casual PAYE work, freelance gigs, session work or other self-employed income, it’s worth understanding how both sides interact.

James breaks it down clearly in this episode, without the jargon. Watch here below:

24/08/2026

Filing your Self Assessment? Don’t let small mistakes become expensive ones.

For performers and musicians, tax returns can be tricky. Gigs, teaching, royalties, agent income, touring, expenses and PAYE work all need to be handled properly.

We’ve put together a guide to the most common Self Assessment mistakes performers should avoid in 2026.

Read it here: https://www.performanceaccountancy.co.uk/common-self-assessment-mistakes-uk-a-performers-guide-to-error-free-filing-in-2026/

21/08/2026

HMRC’s new mileage rates

Another quick trip backstage with James - and this time we’re talking mileage. 🚗🎭

HMRC has updated the mileage rates, but what does that actually mean when you’re travelling for work? If your diary involves rehearsals, gigs, teaching, auditions and journeys all over the place, this is one worth knowing.

James gives us the quick version in this latest Back Stage Pass clip.

🎬 Have a watch - and make sure you’re using the right figures when you’re keeping those records!

07/08/2026

Restarting self-employment after a break?

Don’t assume your old UTR means HMRC still has you registered as self-employed. If you stopped before and are now freelancing again, you may need to re-register, even if you already have a UTR.

This can easily catch out performers, musicians and creatives moving between PAYE work, gigs, teaching and time away from the industry.

We’ve explained what to check here:
https://www.performanceaccountancy.co.uk/knowledgebase/restarting-self-employment-after-a-break/

What to do if you were self-employed years ago, stopped, and then start again If you were self-employed in the past, stopped for a number of years, and later start working for yourself again, there are a few important steps that must be followed — even if you already have a UTR (Unique Taxpayer Re...

06/08/2026

Making Tax Digital is here for Performers with a turnover of £50,000+, and still there is uncertainty!

Not sure what it means, when it affects you, or what software you’ll need? We’ve pulled everything together in one simple hub, built specifically for performers, actors, musicians and creatives.

Take a look here:
🔗 https://www.performanceaccountancy.co.uk/making-tax-digital-for-performers/

Got a question that isn’t covered? Drop us a message.

05/08/2026

MTD myth-busting: “Quarterly submissions mean four tax returns a year.”

Nope.

This is one of the biggest misunderstandings around Making Tax Digital. Under MTD, quarterly updates are summaries of your business income and expenses. They are not full tax returns. HMRC guidance is very clear on this: quarterly updates are summaries, not tax returns.

That means you are not doing four full tax returns a year. You are sending regular updates from your digital records, usually through software such as Untied or Xero.

For performers, musicians and creatives, this really matters. Your income might come from gigs, teaching, agents, royalties, touring, freelance work or multiple projects, so keeping things organised during the year makes the final tax return much easier.

James, our Backstage Manager, breaks it down clearly in this episode, without the jargon or panic. Watch the latest episode of The Backstage Pass below

30/07/2026

Can performers claim training expenses on their tax return? 🤔

The answer is... sometimes. If you're investing in training to improve or maintain the skills you already use in your profession, the cost may be tax deductible. However, if the course is helping you move into a completely new area of work, the rules are different.

For performers, this can be a grey area.

Acting workshops
Singing lessons
Dance classes
Screen acting courses

Can you claim them? Our latest Knowledge Base article explains more. Read the full guide here:
🔗 https://www.performanceaccountancy.co.uk/knowledgebase/can-i-claim-training-expenses-on-my-tax-return-as-a-musician-or-performer/

If you're ever unsure before booking a course, it's always worth checking first.

://www.performanceaccountancy.co.uk/knowledgebase/can-i-claim-training-expenses-on-my-tax-return-as-a-musician-or-performer/