Let’s get your money sorted, so you can focus on creating.
Are you a content creator, influencer, or digital entrepreneur in the UK? This could be getting paid to post on TikTok, working with brands, selling online products, or just starting to monetise your platform. You’re part of a growing (and seriously exciting) space.
But here’s the thing, once you start earning from your content, you’re officially running a business. And that means, taxes, tracking income, expenses, and keeping HMRC happy.
At Future Cloud, we want to provide accounting tips for creators, freelancers and side hustlers, to get their finances in shape. So, here’s a simple guide to help you stay organised, save on tax, and take your content biz seriously (without boring you in the process).
Track all your creator income
Why it matters for UK influencers and content entrepreneurs.
Most creators have multiple income streams, including:
- Brand sponsorships and collaborations
- YouTube AdSense and platform payouts
- Affiliate marketing
- Patreon, Ko-fi, and fan support platforms
- Digital product sales (like presets, eBooks, courses)
- Coaching, consulting, or freelance work
If you don’t keep track of all your income, your Self-Assessment tax return could be inaccurate, and that means potential penalties from HMRC.
How to do it:
- Use a spreadsheet or accounting software like QuickBooks, FreeAgent, or Xero
- Log every payment with the date, amount, and who paid you
- Keep invoices, contracts, and payment confirmations (digital copies are fine)
Claim all allowable business expenses
As a self-employed content creator, you can reduce your taxable income by claiming business expenses. This means you’ll only pay tax on your profit, not your full income.
Common tax-deductible expenses for UK influencers:
- Equipment: cameras, lighting, microphones
- Software: Adobe Suite, Canva Pro, editing tools
- Website costs: domain, hosting, email tools
- Phone and internet (business use only)
- Travel for shoots, brand events, or collabs
- Home office expenses (a portion of rent, utilities)
- Professional services: accountants, VAs, editors
Just remember, expenses must be wholly and exclusively for your business.
Know your key tax deadlines (and avoid fines)
HMRC doesn’t mess around with deadlines. As a self-employed creator, you’ll need to file a Self-Assessment tax return each year and pay any tax you owe.
Key HMRC deadlines for UK creators:
- 5th October – Deadline to register for Self-Assessment (if it’s your first time)
- 31st January – Deadline to file your return and pay your tax
- 31st July – Second payment on account due (if applicable)
Set calendar reminders or work with an accountant (us) to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Use a separate bank account for business
Even if you’re not running a limited company, having a separate bank account for your creator business makes life 10x easier.
Benefits:
- Clear separation of business vs personal spending
- Easier income and expense tracking
- Looks more professional to brands and clients
- Simplifies your tax return (and saves you hours)
Some great options for creators include Starling Bank, Monzo Business, or Tide, many have free plans for freelancers.
Should you set up a limited company?
If you’re earning over £50,000 per year from your creator business, or working with big-name brands, it might be time to think about going limited.
Benefits of becoming a limited company:
- Potential tax savings
- Limited liability (your personal assets are protected)
- More credibility with brands and agencies
But it also means more admin and legal responsibilities. Talk to an accountant (us) to find out if it’s right for you based on your income, goals, and business model.
Need help with your creator finances?
You don’t need to figure it all out alone.
You’re not “just” an influencer, you’re a business owner.
And just like any other business, managing your finances is key to growing, outsourcing, and staying sustainable long-term. The sooner you get things organised, the more confident you’ll feel, and the more you can focus on doing what you love.
From Self-Assessment help to full-service accounting, Future Cloud is here to support your business grow.
Pop us an email: info@future-cloud.co.uk
Or book in a call with us today.
And don’t forget to follow us on social media for the latest updates, tips, and more!
