Accountants for Musicians: Why Choosing a Specialist Matters

Being a musician in the UK isn’t just about writing songs, recording tracks, or playing live shows — it also means juggling a patchwork of income streams, from gigs and royalties to session work and teaching. When it comes to tax, this complexity can quickly turn into a headache. That’s where having the right accountants for musicians makes all the difference. But should you go with a generic accounting firm, or is it worth seeking out a specialist?

At Creative and Numbers, we work exclusively with creatives, including musicians, so we understand the challenges that come with irregular income, touring, and chasing down payments. Here’s what you need to know before deciding who to trust with your finances.

1. Musicians Have Unique Tax Needs

A generic accountant may be great with standard small businesses, but musicians don’t fit neatly into that box. Your income could come from:

• Gigs and live performances

• Streaming royalties

• Merch sales

• Session playing

• Teaching lessons

• Licensing deals

  
  

Each of these sources can be taxed differently, and not every accountant will know how to piece it all together. A specialist music accountant understands how to treat each type of income and make sure you’re not overpaying tax.

2. Touring Brings Extra Complexity

Heading off on tour, whether in the UK or overseas, adds another layer of tax admin. Travel expenses, accommodation, equipment costs — they all need to be tracked properly if you want to claim them back. If you tour internationally, tax treaties come into play too. An accountant for musicians will know what you can and can’t claim, and how to handle overseas income without double taxation.

3. Knowing What You Can Claim as a Musician

Musicians often miss out on legitimate tax deductions simply because they don’t realise what qualifies. Did you know you may be able to claim:

• Instrument and equipment purchases

• Studio hire

• Travel between gigs

• Marketing and PR costs

• Professional memberships (like the MU)

  
  

A music accountant won’t overlook these — they’ll make sure every allowable expense is accounted for.

4. Irregular Income Needs Careful Planning

Musicians rarely get paid in neat monthly instalments. One month might be packed with gigs, the next might be quiet. HMRC still expects tax to be paid on time, though. A specialist accountant for musicians can help smooth out the ups and downs by:

• Advising on Payments on Account

• Helping you budget for tax bills

• Making use of allowable losses when income dips

5. Royalties and Rights Management for Musicians

Royalties from streaming, radio play, or sync deals can be tricky. You might be paid from the UK, but also from foreign collection agencies. Different contracts also come with different tax rules. An accountant for musicians can untangle this web and make sure you report everything correctly while not overpaying.

6. Company or Sole Trader for Musicians?

Many musicians start out as sole traders, but as income grows, setting up a limited company might be more tax-efficient. The decision isn’t straightforward — it depends on your income level, expenses, and future plans. An accountant for musicians can talk you through the pros and cons, rather than giving one-size-fits-all advice.

7. Avoiding Costly Tax Mistakes

The last thing you want is HMRC knocking on your door because something’s been filed incorrectly. Music accountants are used to handling the quirks of musician finances, so they’ll spot red flags before they become issues. They’ll also keep you compliant with Making Tax Digital (MTD), which is changing how self-employed people file tax returns.

8. Getting Paid on Time as a Musician

Late payments are common in the creative world, and chasing invoices is the last thing most musicians want to do. An accountant who works with creatives won’t just file your tax return — they’ll also help set up proper bookkeeping systems so you can keep track of what you’re owed and when.

9. Peace of Mind with Music Accountants

At the end of the day, you want to focus on making music, not stressing about tax returns. Having an accountant for musicians means fewer nasty surprises and more time to do what you love.

Why Work With Creative & Numbers?

We specialise in helping UK musicians and other creatives take control of their finances. Whether it’s untangling royalties, setting up bookkeeping that works for irregular income, or making sure you claim every allowable expense, we’ve got your back.

Final Thoughts on Accountants for Musicians

Accounting for musicians is not the same as accounting for any other type of business. Choosing a specialist could save you money, time, and stress — and ensure you stay on the right side of HMRC.

If you’re a musician looking for an accountant for musicians UK who gets it, Creative and Numbers is here to help. Get in touch today and let’s talk about how we can support your music career.