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.
As a social influencer or content creator, your world revolves around building your brand, engaging with followers, and creating eye-catching content. But there’s one area you shouldn’t overlook—your finances. Knowing which expenses you can claim will help you reduce your tax bill and keep more of your hard-earned income. With HMRC’s rules in mind, remember that expenses must be incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of your trade. If you’re unsure, it’s best to speak to a tax professional.
Below are some expenses UK-based influencers and content creators could consider. Keep all receipts and documentation to ensure a smooth self-assessment process.
Equipment & Gear
📱 Smartphones & Tablets
Costs for devices used solely for filming, editing, or managing your social media presence.
📷 Cameras & Filming Equipment
Expenses for cameras, tripods, lighting rigs, microphones, and gimbals essential for content production.
🔧 Equipment Insurance
Premiums for insuring your camera, laptop, or other valuable equipment used in your business.
And more…
If it’s a dedicated business tool, chances are you can claim it.
Software & Subscriptions
💻 Editing & Design Software
Costs for video editing programmes, photo editing tools, and design software like Adobe Creative Cloud.
📈 Social Media Management Tools
Expenses for scheduling apps, analytics platforms, and engagement tracking services.
🎵 Stock Libraries & Music Subscriptions
Fees for stock photos, royalty-free music, and video libraries used in your content.
And more…
Any digital resource that helps create or improve your content may be deductible.
Marketing & Promotion
🌐 Website & Hosting
Costs for your website’s domain, hosting, and any professional landing pages to showcase your brand.
📢 Online Advertising & PPC
Expenses for sponsored posts, Facebook ads, Google Ads, and influencer marketing services.
📸 Branding & Graphic Design
Fees for logo design, brand consultants, and graphic designers who help elevate your online image.
🎁 Giveaways & Promotional Items
Costs for prizes and branded merchandise given to followers for promotional purposes.
And more…
If it’s aimed at boosting your audience, engagement, or brand visibility, it could be deductible.
Travel & Transportation
🚗 Business Travel
Mileage, taxis, train fares, and other transport costs for attending events, photoshoots, or meetings.
🏨 Accommodation
Hotel or Airbnb expenses when travelling away from home for work-related reasons.
🍽️ Meals While Travelling
Reasonable meal costs incurred when you’re away on a business trip or at an event.
And more…
Keep detailed records of where, when, and why you travelled.
Studio & Home Office
🏠 Use of Home as an Office/Studio
A portion of your rent or mortgage interest, utilities, and insurance if you use a dedicated space at home for content creation.
💡 Utilities & Maintenance
Costs for maintaining a well-lit, functional workspace, including electricity or repairs to a dedicated filming area.
📦 Storage Solutions
Expenses for shelving, storage boxes, or additional memory drives if necessary for your content work.
And more…
If it’s used solely for your business activities, it may qualify.
Professional Services
📑 Accountancy Fees
Costs for professional accountants who understand the influencer space and can handle your self-assessment.
⚖️ Legal Fees
Expenses for legal advice, contract reviews, and intellectual property guidance.
🛡️ Insurance
Public liability insurance or professional indemnity cover to protect your business activities.
🏦 Bank Charges & Interest
Business bank account fees, card machine costs, and related financial charges.
And more…
Expert support ensures compliance and can save money in the long run.
Education & Training
🎓 Courses & Workshops
Expenses for online courses, workshops, or seminars that help improve your content creation skills or brand strategy.
📚 Books & Online Resources
Costs for educational materials—books, online subscriptions, or tutorials that strengthen your craft.
And more…
If it helps you sharpen your professional skillset, consider claiming it.
Outsourcing & Freelance Help
👩🎨 Graphic Designers & Editors
Fees paid to professionals who handle tasks like video editing, photo touch-ups, or logo creation.
💻 Web Developers & SEO Specialists
Expenses for hiring professionals to manage your website, improve SEO, or develop new features.
🤝 Virtual Assistants & Moderators
Costs for administrative support—managing emails, moderating comments, or organising schedules.
And more…
If you’re paying someone to support your content business, it’s likely deductible.
Content-Related Purchases
🎮 Review Items
Non-gifted products you purchase specifically to feature or review in your content.
🎭 Costumes & Props
Costs for special outfits, props, or themed décor used solely for shoots or livestreams.
💄 Make-up & Hair Styling
Expenses for professional cosmetics, hair styling, or grooming when required for content production.
And more…
Everything that contributes directly to creating or improving your content can often be claimed.
Office & Administration
📠 Office Supplies
Stationery, postage, and other basic admin costs directly related to running your business.
📞 Phone & Internet (Business Portion)
A percentage of your phone and broadband bills corresponding to the business use.
💄 Make-up🪑 Office Furniture & Equipment& Hair Styling
Expenses for Desks, chairs, and ergonomic equipment used exclusively for your work setup. cosmetics, hair styling, or grooming when required for content production.
And more…
Just be sure to separate business use from personal use if the expense covers both.
