Expenses Actors can claim on their Personal Tax Return

This article has been written with the intention to act as a resource for actors when preparing their personal tax returns each year. 

For more in depth and tailored advice  on expenses and reliefs you may be able to claim as an actor Book a consultation and speak to one of our specialist accountants.

Alternatively contact us via email or telephone.

If you work as a full-time actor or actress, there are a number of expenses that can be claimed on your annual tax return.  

The core expenses you can claim as an Actor

 Clothing, Makeup and Props

 Clothing, Makeup and Props that exist “wholly and exclusively” for the purpose of work can be claimed on your personal tax return. Many actors will find they incur these expenses for work such as rehearsals and auditions.

You can claim this expense under Business Expenses

Travelling for research

 Travel is a common method of research for many actors. Whether it be for an existing role or a potential role, travel expenses that have been made for the purpose of work can be claimed either fully or partially on your self assessment. 

You can claim them under Deductible Travel Expenses

Computer and other devices costs

 Computers, iPads, Mobiles are  all essential for most professions in today's world. As an actor, if you have to use a device to research a role or obtain work, the cost of the computer and laptop is claimable against tax. In order for the cost to be fully claimable to the computer should be used for work purposes only. 

 For these reasons, it’s possible to claim a deduction for a percentage of the purchase for the laptop. This will also apply for the price of any software used, such as Word, and computer hardware such as printers, iPads, and flash-drives.

You can claim this expense under Capital Expenses.

Household bills

 Your household bills could be deductible if you use your home as an office. The amount you claim will have to be apportioned appropriately. 

Go to our home as an office calculator to work out how much you can claim on your personal tax return.

 You can claim this expense under Home Office Deductions.

PPE and other safety equipment

PPE and any other equipment that is necessary for keeping your workplace safe are claimable against tax.

You can claim this expense under Business Expenses

Education and Accreditations 

Training courses and accreditations needed to conduct and improve work are claimable against tax

You can claim this expense under Business Expenses

Subscriptions and memberships

Memberships to software such as Microsoft and Adobe, as well as to organisations such as Director UK or Spotlight are claimable against tax.

You can claim this expense under Business Expenses

Agent fees

Agent fees that exist to gain or improve your work are claimable against tax. Many of our clients' agents will send their expenses directly to us, so that we can add them in immediately!

You can claim this expense under Business Expenses

We specialise in tax of creative industry professionals

We have over 15 years of experience dealing in tax for the creative industries. If you need any help at all do not hesitate to contact us