Authors & Writers
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Accountancy Services for Authors & Writers
Whether you submit occasional articles or you’re a full-time author, we can help you optimise your tax and understand your accounts – even if you choose to work abroad.
Our tax accountants will ensure you only pay what’s due and are fully compliant with the law, so you can make the most of your money and continue doing what you love.
What can Authors & Writers claim for?
Expenses are defined as being necessary for the operation of your business. Here are some examples of typical tax deductions available for writers and authors:
Are you claiming for?
- Marketing costs – business cards, reprints of your work
- Website costs – hosting and maintaining a website to promote your work
- Travel expenses – train tickets, petrol costs
- Accommodation – hotels during overnight stays for business
- Computing equipment – laptops, printers and editing software
- Insurance for your computing equipment – protect your livelihood
- Commissions – fees paid to literary agents
If you are self-employed and work from home then we can advise you on household costs which can be offset including heating, using a room as an office and phone services.
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- Financial Management
- Expert Tax Support.
- Tax Efficient Image Rights.
We can help maximise your earnings and
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We look after the complicated stuff so you can concentrate on what you do best.
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Your Questions, Answered
How is entertainment accounting different from regular accounting?
Entertainment accounting involves managing fluctuating income, international tax obligations, royalties, residuals, brand deals, and performance-related expenses. We specialize in ensuring that industry professionals remain tax-efficient, compliant, and financially secure, no matter how complex their earnings structure is.
Can you help with international tax if I work abroad?
Yes! Many of our clients work internationally, tour globally, or earn revenue from multiple countries. We provide expert guidance on double taxation treaties, VAT requirements, and foreign income reporting to keep you compliant while maximizing your earnings.
What expenses can entertainment professionals claim for tax deductions?
Common tax-deductible expenses include:
✔️ Travel and accommodation for work
✔️ Agent and management fees
✔️ Equipment and wardrobe (if industry-related)
✔️ Studio rental and production costs
✔️ Professional training and coaching
✔️ Marketing, websites, and self-promotion
We help identify all legitimate deductions to reduce your tax bill while ensuring full compliance.
Do I need to register for VAT as an entertainer?
VAT registration depends on your income level and type of work. If your turnover exceeds £90,000 (UK threshold), VAT registration may be required. However, we assess your situation to determine the best VAT scheme for your specific needs, including handling VAT on overseas income and digital earnings.
Can you help with royalty tracking and image rights management?
Absolutely! We assist musicians, actors, content creators, and other entertainment professionals in tracking royalties, negotiating contracts, and setting up image rights companies to protect and maximize earnings while remaining tax-efficient.
Still have questions? We’re here to help, reach out to us anytime!
Accountants for Authors & Writers
Specialist Accounting & Tax Support for Authors, Journalists & Freelance Writers
Writing is your passion, but managing finances, tax obligations, and publishing contracts can be complex.
Whether you’re a self-published author, traditionally published writer, journalist, or content creator, The Showbiz Accountant provides expert financial support tailored to your career.
How We Help Authors & Writers
Tax & Compliance Made Simple
We handle your self-assessment tax return, ensuring you only pay what’s necessary while claiming all allowable deductions.
If you earn from book sales, advances, royalties, or freelance commissions, we help manage multiple income streams and provide tax planning strategies.
We also offer VAT guidance for high-earning authors and assistance with HMRC investigations.
Managing Royalties & Advance Payments
Authors and writers receive payments from various sources, including publishers, literary agents, and international royalties.
We track your income, ensure you’re paid correctly, and help structure payments efficiently to avoid unexpected tax bills.
By keeping meticulous records of your earnings and expenses, we ensure you remain compliant with tax regulations and avoid any unpleasant surprises come tax season.
Business Structure & Financial Planning
Choosing the right business structure is crucial for optimising your tax obligations and protecting your assets.
Whether you operate as a sole trader, limited company, or partnership, we provide tailored advice on the best setup for your writing career.
We assist with company formation, VAT registration, and payroll if you employ assistants or researchers.
Our financial planning services help you budget effectively and plan for long-term financial stability, ensuring that you can focus on your creative endeavors without financial stress.
Claiming Expenses & Reducing Tax Bills
Writers have various business expenses that can reduce tax liability. We help you claim deductions for:
- Writing equipment, laptops, and software
- Research materials, books, and subscriptions
- Office rent or home office costs
- Travel for book tours, events, and interviews
- Marketing, website costs, and self-publishing expenses
- Agent and PR fees
With our expert guidance, you’ll maximise tax savings and keep more of your earnings. We understand the nuances of allowable expenses and ensure that you take full advantage of all available deductions, reducing your taxable income and increasing your net earnings.
Financial Education & Ongoing Support
Beyond handling your immediate financial needs, we believe in empowering our clients with knowledge.
We offer workshops and one-on-one sessions to help you understand the financial aspects of your writing career better.
From deciphering publishing contracts to understanding the implications of different revenue streams, our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
Why Work with The Showbiz Accountant?
We specialise in supporting authors and writers, understanding the challenges of fluctuating income, contract work, and publishing royalties.
Our fixed-fee pricing ensures transparency, and you’ll have a dedicated accountant who knows the business inside out.
Beyond tax support, we provide financial advice to help you build a sustainable writing career. We pride ourselves on our industry-specific expertise and our commitment to helping you achieve financial success.
By working with The Showbiz Accountant, you gain a partner who is as invested in your success as you are.
Our proactive approach means we’re always looking for ways to optimise your financial situation, from identifying new deductions to advising on the best ways to invest your earnings.
