Pages 1, 2, and 3 of the Artists' Tax Guide - Your Comprehensive Resource for UK Self-Employed Tax, Income Tax, and Tax Laws

Self-Employed Tax Advice for Artists, FREE with Artists’ Union England Membership

This guide provides an overview of tax matters for artists, outlines the essential steps to follow, and signposts where to go for more help.


   


Are you an artist navigating the complex world of taxes in the UK? Are you looking for guidance on self-employed artist taxes? Look no further! Welcome to the Artists’ Union England's comprehensive guide to self-employed tax advice.

What is this guide?

This guide is intended to give you a handy overview of the key tax issues for artists, the main steps you need to take to keep your tax affairs in order and where we can help.

At Artists’ Union England, we understand the unique challenges artists face when it comes to taxes. That's why we've partnered with the Musicians’ Union to provide you with essential insights into managing your taxes as a self-employed artist.

The Basics

Keeping on top of your tax obligations is often time-consuming and the many different rules and regulations can make it seem tricky.

There are two types of income relevant to artists:

  • Earnings from employment – income from working for an employer e.g. a gallery or museum
  • Trading income – self-employed income e.g. from trades, professions, and vocations


UK Artists at Protest with Banner 'Industry without Art is Brutality Artists Union England' - Tax Considerations for Self-Employed Artists

Tax and National Insurance if you’re employed:

Your employer is responsible for deducting Income Tax and National Insurance from your salary via the Pay as You Earn (PAYE) system and paying it to HMRC on your behalf. You may still be required to complete a tax return if you are a higher rate taxpayer, and any additional tax due will be payable on 31 January of each year.
 

Frequently Asked Tax Questions

  1. How to Register for Self-Employment?  Read more →
  2. How Much Tax Do I Pay as a Self-Employed Person?  Read more →
  3. What are the Allowable Expenses for Artists?  Read more →

Not a Member? Unlock the Full Guide with Artists’ Union England Membership

If you're not already a member, now is the perfect time to join Artists’ Union England. Membership grants you exclusive access to the full PDF guide and a wealth of other resources tailored to artists like you. Sign up today to empower your artistic career and ensure your taxes are in order.
 
 
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Further Reading


Artists’ Union England is an active union and is constantly campaigning, producing resources and signposting opportunites for its members:

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Membership Benefits

A membership to Artists’ Union England gets you professional support and access to resources. That means you’ll get:

  • Public and Products Liability (PPL) insurance
  • 30 minutes FREE legal advice
  • Access to resources about artists’ issues
  • FREE training and study opportunities
  • Tax guidance

Your membership means help will be there when you need it and we’ll constantly campaign for artist’s rights.


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Artists’ Union England supports freelance artists based in England. in England.


Membership costs £42 annually – equivalent to £3.50 per month