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Accountancy Services for Production
Whether you’re working for a theatre or TV company, are on tour with an orchestra or a rock band you don’t want to hear your hard-earned money slipping down the drain.
Our qualified accountants have many years of experience, so with their help, you can be sure that you’re paying the right levels of tax, whether you’re working in your own studio or you’re on tour.
What can sound or lighting engineers claim for?
Expenses are defined as being necessary for the operation of your business. Here are some examples of typical tax deductions available for sound or lighting engineers:
Are you claiming for?
- Marketing costs – promoting yourself with flyers
- Website costs – hosting and maintaining a website to promote your capabilities
- Travel expenses – train tickets, petrol costs
- Accommodation – hotels during overnight gig trips
- Equipment – if you built your own studio it is likely to be treated as capital, Similarly, you may invest in your own lighting rig or specialised lighting equipment, this is likely to be capital expenditure
- Computing equipment – laptops, specialised audio or lighting control software
- Equipment repairs – fixing equipment if it becomes damaged
- Equipment Insurance – protect your livelihood
- Commissions – fees paid to agents for gigs
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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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 Production Companies & Theatres
Specialist Accounting & Tax Support for Film, TV, Theatre, and Media Production
Managing the financial side of production can be complex, with multiple income sources, production budgets, and tax obligations to handle.
Whether you run a production company, manage a theatre, work as a freelance producer, or handle crew finances,
The Showbiz Accountant provides expert financial support tailored to the media and entertainment industry.
How We Help Production Companies & Theatres
Tax & Compliance Made Simple
We handle tax returns, corporation tax, and VAT compliance, ensuring your production company or theatre meets all tax obligations while maximising reliefs.
If you work internationally, we provide guidance on tax treaties, withholding tax, and HMRC investigations.
Our goal is to minimise your tax burden while ensuring complete compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Managing Production Budgets & Cash Flow
From securing funding to managing payroll for cast and crew, keeping finances in check is critical to a successful production.
We help you track income, control costs, and plan cash flow effectively to avoid overspending.
Our team ensures you meet financial deadlines, handle investor reporting, and optimise funding allocations.
By maintaining a steady cash flow and managing budgets meticulously, we help you avoid financial pitfalls and ensure the smooth running of your production or theatre.
Business Structure & Financial Planning
Choosing the right structure is essential for production companies and theatres.
Whether operating as a sole trader, limited company, or partnership, we provide tailored advice to ensure tax efficiency. We assist with company formation, payroll setup, VAT registration, and long-term financial planning to support business growth.
Our comprehensive financial planning services include retirement planning, investment advice, and strategies to grow your wealth over time.
Claiming Expenses & Reducing Tax Bills
Film, TV, and theatre production come with significant expenses. We help you claim deductions for:
- Equipment, cameras, and post-production software
- Studio hire, location fees, and set design costs
- Travel, accommodation, and per diems for cast and crew
- Marketing, distribution, and promotional expenses
- Legal fees, contracts, and licensing costs
We also help production companies and theatres access industry-specific tax reliefs such as Film Tax Relief (FTR), High-End Television Tax Relief (HETV), and Theatre Tax Relief (TTR). With our expertise, you’ll maximize tax savings and keep more of your 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 production or theatre better.
From deciphering 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 specialize in the entertainment industry, working with production companies, independent filmmakers, theatre managers, and media professionals. Our fixed-fee pricing ensures transparency, and our deep industry knowledge means we understand the financial challenges of production and theatre management. Beyond tax support, we offer business growth advice to help you scale successfully.
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.
By working with The Showbiz Accountant, you gain a partner who is as invested in your success as you are.
Our comprehensive services ensure that every aspect of your financial management is covered, allowing you to focus on delivering outstanding productions and performances.
