Tax Return for Musicians
Complete your Self Assessment in 8 minutes. Claim all your allowable expenses and submit directly to HMRC.
- Track gig and royalties income
- Instrument and gear expenses
- Travel and rehearsal costs
- MTD-ready for 2026
Example Tax Calculation
Based on typical musicians earnings £28,000/year
*Illustrative example based on 2024/25 tax rates. Your actual tax depends on your specific circumstances.
Allowable Expenses for Musicians
Claim these tax-deductible expenses to reduce your tax bill
Instruments and Equipment
Guitars, microphones, amps, and other essential gear.
Tip: Keep receipts and note business use.
Studio and Rehearsal Space
Costs for studio hire and rehearsal rooms.
Tip: Keep invoices for each session.
Travel to Gigs
Mileage, public transport, and parking for performances.
Tip: Log dates and event locations.
Marketing and Promotion
Music distribution, press photos, and promotional campaigns.
Tip: Keep receipts for ads and distribution fees.
More expenses you can claim
How to File Your Tax Return
Follow these simple steps to complete your Self Assessment
Gather Your Documents
Collect income records, receipts, and expense statements
Enter Income & Expenses
Add your earnings and claim allowable expenses with our guided flow
Review Your Calculation
See exactly how much tax you owe with real-time calculations
Submit to HMRC
File your tax return directly to HMRC in minutes
Key Deadlines for 2024/25 Tax Year
Don't miss these important dates
5 April 2025
Tax Year Ends
Calculate your final income and expenses
5 October 2025
Register for Self Assessment
If this is your first year self-employed
31 January 2026
Online Filing Deadline
Submit your tax return and pay any tax owed
6 April 2026
MTD Starts (£50k+)
If your income exceeds £50,000, you must use MTD software
Late Filing Penalties
1 day late: £100 fixed penalty
3 months late: £10/day up to £900
6 months late: 5% of tax owed or £300 (whichever is higher)
12 months late: Additional 5% or £300
Plus interest on any tax paid late. Avoid these costs by filing early with QTax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about tax returns for musicians
Do musicians need to register as self-employed?
If you earn over £1,000 from music work, you must register for Self Assessment.
Can I claim instruments as expenses?
Yes. Instruments and equipment used for performances are allowable expenses.
What income should I report?
Report income from gigs, royalties, teaching, and any music-related services.
Ready to File Your Tax Return?
Join thousands of UK musicians who trust QTax for their Self Assessment