The How to Tax Guide for influencers and content creators

How to: Register with HMRC

You need to let HMRC know that you have income to declare by 5 October after the tax year in which you become chargeable. Don’t make the mistake of thinking HMRC will tell you when you need to do something – the UK tax system puts the responsibility on you to find out what your obligations are and to deal with them.

Social media platforms often provide statements accessible on a professional dashboard, showing payout amounts and any tax that has been withheld internationally. This information from each platform used will serve as a good starting point for tracking your income.

You may also need to register for VAT if you are selling products or services digitally, particularly if your turnover exceeds the threshold, which is currently £90,000. See our VAT Online Platforms article.

How to: Deal with missed deadlines

Missing a deadline is easily done. If you are days, months, or even years late, you might want to bury your head in the sand, but the problem won’t fix itself. It is always better to take action late than not to take action at all.

HMRC gets lots of information. For example, social media platforms usually require your tax identification information (your National Insurance number and Unique Tax Reference number) before you receive income, the details of which are now routinely shared with HMRC.

It is better to voluntarily register with HMRC than wait for them to get in touch, as this impacts the penalties HMRC can charge.

How to: Keep records

You need to keep accurate information on your income and allowable expenses. There is no standard way of doing this, so you could save scanned/downloaded documents on your computer or have a ring binder with paper records.

The following helps simplify the process:

• Save your bank statements and highlight which entries are income and expenses. You may prefer to open a business bank account to keep these items separate from your personal (non-business) transactions.
• Save any invoices or receipts. If it’s not obvious what the expense relates to, annotate your copy to remind you. Your memory will be better in the moment you are spending the money rather than many months later when you are trying to prepare your tax return.
• Records must be kept for a minimum of six years from the end of the tax year in question.

How to: Identify income

Income may be generated from a wide range of sources, with the following examples:

• Social media platforms: AdSense, co-creation campaigns, live streaming, subscription and follower donations, and views.
• Brand ambassadorships, collaborations and sponsored trips.
• Consultancy, event appearances and public speaking.
• Selling digital products/services.
• Affiliate links.
• Licensing your content/User-generated content.
• Gifting and other non-cash benefits.

Quantifying non-cash benefits can be challenging to quantify but they are taxable. We recommend you take advice from a qualified professional.

It is important that all avenues of income are considered. HMRC treat any income you have generated as taxable, regardless of whether you have physically received it.

How to: Identify expenses

Expenses are complex. To be allowable, expenses must meet the test of ‘wholly and exclusively for the purpose of the business’.

For influencers and content creators, this could include:

• Marketing and advertising.
• Training e.g. editing courses.
• Editing software/licences.
• Lighting/tripods/home office space.
• Travel.
• Insurances.
• Products.

The expense should be restricted if there is some personal benefit.

If you have suffered any tax internationally, you may be able to claim a tax credit to reduce your UK liability.

How to: Prepare your Tax Return

Your return must be completed, filed and tax paid to HMRC by 31 January after the tax year, i.e. 31 January 2026 for the 2024/25 tax year (6 April 2024 – 5 April 2025). It is important to report all sources of taxable income and gains as appropriate. This will be different for everyone depending on your personal circumstances. If your turnover exceeds £50,000, you will need to do quarterly returns from 6 April 2026.

Your return can be completed by you or by a tax advisor on your behalf. If you would like assistance with your return for 2024/25, get in touch.

How to: Get help

Keeping on top of your tax affairs can eat up a lot of your time. There is a lot of free guidance on the HMRC website.

If you would prefer to save time learning about tax, accounting and VAT and have peace of mind that you are well advised about the things that matter, we can help. Get in touch with Crowe’s Tax Resolutions team or your regular Crowe contact.