Sector
Royalties, gigs, brand deals and production budgets, all accounted for
For musicians, creators, performers, crew and production companies with income arriving from a dozen places in several currencies.
What makes media different
Many sources, many currencies, lumpy income
Income comes from streaming royalties, PRS and PPL, sync fees, touring, merchandise, sponsorships and platform payouts, often net of foreign withholding tax and in currencies that move between earning and receiving.
It is also lumpy, so a career defining year can be followed by a quiet one while the tax bill from the good year is still being paid. Production companies can claim creative industry reliefs for film, television, video games, theatre and music, which are generous but exacting.
Who we act for
Every kind of media business
Musicians and performers
Recording, live, publishing and merchandise income across territories.
Content creators
Platform income, brand deals and gifted products, which HMRC now sees directly.
Actors and crew
Schedule D income, agents' commission and Equity deductions.
Production companies
Film, television, games and theatre companies claiming creative industry reliefs.
What we handle
Individuals and production companies
Sole trader and company bookkeeping for performers, creators and crew, with royalty and platform income reconciled to the statement rather than the bank. Foreign tax credits on overseas earnings and withholding tax reclaimed where a treaty allows.
Touring accounting, including per diems, crew payments and the costs that are deductible against a tour. Agents' commission and management deals recorded correctly rather than netted off.
Creative industry tax relief records for production companies, averaging relief for creative artists with fluctuating profits, and VAT on services supplied to overseas platforms and clients.
Packages
- Sole Trader Essentials £39 a month
- Sole Trader Plus £69 a month
- Company Core £99 a month for production companies
- Company Growth £179 a month with payroll
Averaging relief smooths a spike
Authors, composers and other creative artists can average profits over two years, which can save a substantial amount after one exceptional year. It is easy to miss and has to be claimed on the return.
Questions
Frequently asked
Do I pay tax on gifted products?
Usually yes, if they are provided in return for promotion. The value is trading income, and HMRC receives data from the major platforms.
How do foreign royalties work?
Tax is often withheld at source abroad. A treaty may reduce the rate, and you can usually claim relief in the UK for the tax actually suffered, but you need the statements to prove it.
What is averaging relief?
Creative artists can average their profits over two consecutive years, reducing the tax where one year was much better than the next. It applies to authors, composers and similar creators.
Can touring costs be deducted?
Yes, where they are incurred for the tour: travel, accommodation, crew, equipment hire and commissions. Personal costs and anything with a dual purpose need care.
Do I need a limited company?
For steady income above the higher rate threshold, often yes. For irregular income where you need everything you earn, usually not. We compare both on your figures.
Speak to someone who knows media
Book a free 30 minute call and we will tell you what matters for your business and what it would cost.
Or just pick up the phone
+44 7456 385980info@taxmesh.co.uk
