{"id":35490,"date":"2024-09-20T12:37:03","date_gmt":"2024-09-20T11:37:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/?p=35490"},"modified":"2026-01-26T16:01:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T16:01:25","slug":"allowable-expenses-for-fashion-industry-freelancers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/taxfix.com\/en-uk\/blog\/allowable-expenses-for-fashion-industry-freelancers\/","title":{"rendered":"Allowable expenses for fashion industry freelancers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Freelancing in fashion isn\u2019t always about runways and photoshoots: it\u2019s also about bookkeeping<\/a>, self-assessments and allowable expenses<\/strong>! But understanding what qualifies as an allowable expense can be just as tricky as landing a front-row seat at a major fashion show. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With fashion weeks happening left, right and centre this month, there\u2019s no better time for fashion freelancers to claim expenses<\/a>. From travel costs to wardrobe essentials, we\u2019re going to teach you how to make the most of them. \ud83d\ude4c<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div> \n\n

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As a fashion professional, you may already be aware of potential tax deductions but you\u2019d rather focus on Jonathan Anderson\u2019s next big move than your finances. That\u2019s where we come in. Let us handle your tax return<\/a> or book a\u00a0tax consultation<\/a> with one of our expert accountants.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div> \n\n

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What are expenses?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before we cut to the glitz and glamour of allowable expenses<\/strong>, let\u2019s set the stage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expenses are the costs associated with running a business or freelancing. You can deduct them from your earnings to reduce your tax bill. \ud83d\udcc9 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine we\u2019ve handed you an expenses cheat sheet. The number one rule would say this: \u2018expenses must be incurred wholly, exclusively and necessarily for the running of your business to be tax-deductible.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, for something to be an allowable expense, it must be directly tied to your role as a fashion freelancer. \ud83d\udc5a<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What expenses can I claim as a fashion industry freelancer? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Allowable expenses <\/strong>vary between individuals, even among fashion freelancers. What you can claim depends on your situation, sources of income and any tax-free allowances<\/a> you\u2019re already benefiting from. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s kick things off by strutting our way through some common allowable expenses <\/strong>for fashion freelancers:<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div> \n\n

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Travel: <\/strong>From jetting off to fashion weeks to dashing between client fittings, any work-related travel costs are deductible. Whether it\u2019s by train, plane or car, you should keep all<\/em> of your receipts as if they were hand-written by Anna Wintour herself. \u2708\ufe0f<\/p>\n

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Equipment: <\/strong>Whether you\u2019re shooting or editing the latest \u2018it girl\u2019 campaign, essential tools such as cameras, lighting equipment or editing software are eligible expenses. This also covers the cost of maintaining these items. Had to get your camera repaired? Don\u2019t worry!<\/p>\n

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Home office: <\/strong>Hosting virtual styling sessions from your home? Then, you can claim a portion of your utilities, phone bills and internet usage, depending on how much of it you use for freelancing. \ud83d\udca1<\/p>\n

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Subscriptions: <\/strong>Whether it\u2019s Photoshop or CanvaPro, any membership that boosts your creative work can be expensed.<\/p>\n

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Marketing:<\/strong> Printing sleek business cards or running a social media campaign are just some of the costs you may incur to promote your skills. Your personal brand should dazzle<\/em> and HMRC<\/a> is okay with that.<\/p>\n

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And the list goes on! You can also expense professional services (like tax accountants<\/a> \ud83d\ude09), educational courses that help with your professional development and any other miscellaneous costs like stationery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If these expenses are too broad for you, don\u2019t worry! You can check out our article, here<\/a>, on niche freelance expenses and get a better idea of how expenses work on a case-by-case basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key takeaway? Keep those receipts as if they were a limited edition handbag! Luckily for you, we\u2019ve got free bookkeeping tools<\/a> to keep your records chic and organised, ready for your tax return<\/a>, of course! <\/p>\n\n\n<\/div> \n\n

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Maximise your career as a fashion freelancer<\/h2>\n\n \n \n
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Why stress over expenses, when our accredited accountants can handle them for you? You focus on turning heads and we\u2019ll handle the tax headaches! \u2728<\/p>\n

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\n\n Start today <\/a>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n<\/div> \n\n
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Do I need to do a tax return?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, even fashion freelancers have to file a tax return! It might not be as glamorous as styling a celebrity or shooting the next cover of VOGUE, but it\u2019s crucial for keeping your freelance business runway-ready! \ud83d\udcf8<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the UK, if you\u2019re earning untaxed income over \u00a31,000, you\u2019ve got to file a Self Assessment<\/a>. Not only does this ensure HMRC knows all about your income, but it\u2019s also how you get to claim allowable expenses<\/strong>! Whether it\u2019s travel to fashion weeks, camera equipment or subscriptions to creative tools, a tax return is your VIP ticket to reducing the tax you pay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to register for Self Assessment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

New to Self Assessment? Don\u2019t worry! Here\u2019s how you can get started and make sure you\u2019re ready to claim all your allowable expenses: <\/p>\n\n\n<\/div> \n\n

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Log into your HMRC Business Tax accoun<\/b>t <\/span>\ud83d\udd11<\/span><\/p>\n

Use your <\/span>Government Gateway ID<\/span><\/a> to access your account and start the process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Follow the registration instructions<\/b><\/p>\n

The quicker you register, the sooner you can claim your expenses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Wait for your<\/b> Unique Taxpayer Reference<\/b><\/a> (UTR) number \ud83d\udcee<\/b><\/p>\n

UTRs are sent by post and usually take around 10 business days to arrive. (Or choose our Tax Return Plus plan and we can do it for you!)<\/span><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div> \n\n

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Already filed a tax return before? You\u2019re halfway there! \ud83c\udf89<\/p>\n\n\n\n