Reviewed by a Qualified Accountant
This content has been reviewed by our qualified chartered accountants. However, you should always check with a professional. If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Running an artistic business involves a wide range of activities and expenses, from purchasing materials to promoting your work. Managing these expenses can be complex, but as accountants for artists, we’re here to provide clarity and support. This guide highlights the essential expenses you can claim, allowing you to focus on your art while optimising your tax savings.
Materials & Supplies
🎨 Art Supplies
Costs for paints, canvases, brushes, and other materials essential for creating art.
🖌️ Materials & Consumables
Expenses for items used in the creative process that get used up quickly, such as clay, paper, and inks.
And more…
There’s plenty more material related costs you could claim as an artist. Just follow the golden rule: a deduction is allowed for expenses incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of the trade.
Studio & Workspace
🏢 Studio Rent
Costs for renting a dedicated studio space.
💡 Studio Utilities
Expenses for utilities in your studio space, such as electricity, heating, and water.
🔧 Maintenance & Repairs
Costs for maintaining and repairing your studio space and equipment.
🏠 Use of Home as Studio
Partial cover of rent or mortgage interest, utilities, and insurance if you work from home.
And more…
There’s plenty more studio related costs artists could claim. Just follow the golden rule: a deduction is allowed for expenses incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of the trade.
Equipment
📸 Cameras & Equipment
Costs for purchasing and maintaining cameras and other equipment used in your art.
💻 Computer & Software
Expenses for computers, printers, and software used for creating and promoting your art.
🔒 Equipment Insurance
Costs for insuring your artistic equipment.
And more…
There’s plenty more equipment related expenses you could claim. Always check with a tax professional if you aren’t sure.
Travel & Transportation
🚗 Mileage & Travel Expenses
Travel costs for attending exhibitions, client meetings, and sourcing inspiration.
🏨 Accommodation
Costs for hotels or Airbnb when travelling for business purposes.
🍽️ Meals While Travelling
Expenses for meals when travelling outside your home city for work.
🅿️ Parking & Tolls
Costs for parking fees and road tolls during business travel.
And more…
There’s plenty more travel expenses you could claim. Always check with a tax professional if you aren’t sure.
Marketing & Promotion
🌐 Website & Hosting
Expenses for maintaining a professional website and online presence.
📢 Advertising & Promotion
Costs for online advertising, social media promotion, and printed promotional materials.
📸 Photography & Videography
Expenses for professional photography and videography to showcase your work.
And more…
There’s plenty more marketing expenses you could claim. Always check with a tax professional if you aren’t sure.
Professional Services
📑 Accountancy Fees
Fees for professional accounting and tax services.
⚖️ Legal Fees
Expenses for legal advice and services related to your art business.
🛡️ Insurance
Costs for business insurance, including public liability.
🏦 Bank Charges & Interest
Charges from your business bank account and card machine fees.
And more…
There’s plenty more professional expenses you could claim. Always check with a tax professional if you aren’t sure.
Education & Training
🎓 Courses & Workshops
Expenses for attending art-related courses, workshops, and seminars.
📚 Educational Materials
Costs for books, magazines, and online subscriptions that support your artistic development.
And more…
There’s plenty more educational expenses you could claim. Always check with a tax professional if you aren’t sure.
Office & Administration
📠 Office Supplies
Expenses for stationery, office supplies, and postage.
💼 Professional Memberships
Fees for memberships in professional art organisations.
📞 Phone & Internet
Costs for phone and internet services used for your business.
And more…
There’s plenty more expenses you could claim. Always check with a tax professional if you aren’t sure.
Miscellaneous
👗 Exhibition & Performance Costs
Expenses for entering competitions, renting exhibition spaces, and associated costs like framing and hanging fees.
📦 Shipping & Postage
Costs for shipping artwork to clients or galleries.
🎁 Client Gifts
Expenses for business-related gifts.
🎟️ Event Tickets
Costs for attending events, exhibitions, and shows for research and inspiration.
