An influencers' guide to tax

Being an influencer can be a highly lucrative career, but it comes with many responsibilities. One of the most important responsibilities of an influencer is to ensure that they are submitting their tax returns correctly and on time.


And it can be a daunting task to tackle the world of taxes, so having a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process can be invaluable.


This guide will provide you with all the information you need to ensure your taxes are filed correctly and avoid any costly mistakes.


Get ready to take control of your taxes with this influencer’s guide to tax by our specialist accountants for influencers...


Is influencing considered as a "real job" in HMRC's eyes?


For many influencers, their work is all done online, but does this mean it isn’t a ‘real job’ in the eyes of HMRC? No. Being an influencer is considered a "real job" in the eyes of HMRC, the UK tax authority.


As an influencer, you will be responsible for declaring your income to HMRC and filing your tax return on time.


HMRC views influencers as self-employed individuals, and thus, you are required to register for self-assessment.



This means that you will be subject to the same tax regulations as any other self-employed individual. This includes registering to pay income tax and national insurance contributions (NIC).


It is important to note that HMRC does not differentiate between full-time, part-time, and freelance work, so as an influencer, you will still be liable for the same taxes as any other self-employed individual. Additionally, you may also be required to pay VAT if your annual turnover is over £85,000.


So, as an influencer, it is important to keep accurate records of your income and expenses. This includes invoices, receipts, bank statements, and any other document that may be useful for filing your tax returns.


Additionally, you should also make sure that you declare your income accurately and pay the correct taxes on time.


Being an influencer is indeed a real job in the eyes of HMRC and so it is important to take taxes seriously in order to avoid costly mistakes.


Do influencers make enough to be taxed?


First of all, you need to be aware that you are responsible for filing your taxes correctly and on time. Whether you make enough to be taxed or not, you need to make sure that you are declaring your income and paying whatever tax is required on it correctly and accurately.


And as for whether influencers make enough to be taxed, generally, it’s a yes. Influencers can become highly successful and make a considerable amount of money, and this income needs to be declared on your tax returns. The amount of tax you will owe will depend on your total income and your tax bracket.


The good news is that, even if you are making enough to be taxed, you don’t necessarily have to pay all of the taxes due. There are a number of tax deductibles available to influencers that can help reduce the amount of taxes owed. It’s important to make sure you are taking advantage of all the deductions available to you in order to minimise your tax liability.


How do self-employed influencers pay tax?


When it comes to self-employed influencers, taxes are usually paid through the Self-Assessment system. This system requires you to file a Self-Assessment tax return every year to HMRC, which is due by the 31st of January. This tax return will include all your income, such as sponsored content and other collaborations, as well as any expenses you have incurred.


So, when submitting your tax return, you will need to declare your total income, which will be subject to income tax. You will also need to declare any expenses that are related to your business, such as advertising, travel expenses, and accommodation expenses.


These expenses can be deducted from your total income, which will reduce your taxable income and help you save money.


In addition to income tax, self-employed influencers may also be liable to pay National Insurance Contributions, depending on the amount of income they earn. This is a tax that is collected by HMRC to pay for state benefits, such as the state pension and maternity allowance.


Finally, self-employed influencers may also need to pay taxes on any profits they make from their business. This is known as corporation tax, and it is usually charged at a rate of 19%. By understanding how taxes work and filing your returns correctly, you can make sure you are paying your fair share and avoiding any costly mistakes.


How do limited company influencers pay tax?


If you are a limited company influencer, then you will need to pay taxes differently than other influencers. Generally, limited company influencers must pay taxes on their profits rather than their income. This is because your company is seen as a separate entity from you, so it must pay its own taxes.


In order to pay tax bill as a limited company influencer, you will need to file a tax return with HMRC. This tax return must include all of your income, business expenses, and profits for the year. Once your tax return is complete, you will need to calculate how much tax you must pay. This will depend on the profits of your company, as well as the applicable tax rate.


After calculating the amount of tax you owe, you will then need to submit your payment to HMRC. You may also have to pay other taxes as a limited company, such as income tax and VAT. Income Tax is paid on any money that you take out of the company, such as dividends or salary. You can also be liable for VAT if your company’s turnover is above the VAT threshold.


It is important to ensure you are aware of all of your tax obligations as a limited company and that you are paying the correct amount on time. Failure to do so can result in fines or other penalties!


What happens if I submit my tax returns incorrectly?


If you are an influencer and you submit your tax returns incorrectly, it can have serious consequences. Depending on the exact nature of the mistake, you may be liable for fines, interest payments, or even criminal charges. Even if your mistake is minor, it can lead to delays in your tax return processing and significantly affect your finances.


It is, therefore, essential that you take the time to make sure your tax returns are correct and accurate. This is why it is important to seek the advice of a professional tax advisor. They will be able to provide you with the best advice and ensure that your tax returns are submitted correctly and on time.


When filing your tax returns, be sure to double-check all the information you are providing to make sure it is accurate. Check for errors or miscalculations, and ensure all your deductions are legitimate.


Additionally, make sure you are filing your returns on time, as late filing can incur penalties. And, peradventure you do a mistake, make sure you let the government know as soon as possible.


Depending on the circumstances, the government may be able to waive any fines and penalties that you have incurred. It is important to act quickly and to provide as much information as possible to the government to help them make a decision.

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How can Capture Accounting help me?


Our accountants are invaluable when it comes to filing taxes, especially for influencers. With an accountant at your side, you can be rest assured knowing your taxes are being filed correctly and on time.


Here are 3 ways they can help you:


  1. Accountants are familiar with the tax laws and regulations that apply to influencers. So they can help you make sure you're taking advantage of all the common tax deductions and credits available to you.

  2. They can also provide advice on how to organise your financial records and help you make smart decisions about your finances that can save you money in the long run.

  3. Accountants are also a great resource for answering any questions you may have about taxes or filing returns. They can provide detailed advice and guidance, which can be especially helpful when you're dealing with complex tax situations.


Overall, an accountant can be a great asset to any influencer when it comes to filing taxes. They can provide valuable advice, help you make the right decisions, and ensure that your taxes are filed correctly and on time.


So, if you're looking for some extra help with your taxes, consider enlisting the services of an accountant. With Capture Accounting, no matter what stage of your influencer career you are in, we can help you take control of your taxes and make sure you are filing them correctly.


With our expertise and advice, we will ensure that you are making the most of the deductions and credits available to you and preparing for the future.


Conclusion


The vast majority of social media influencers don't need to worry too much about taxes. What they do need to worry about, however, is how to file their tax returns. Filing your tax returns correctly is important, but there are other factors that you should take into account, such as how much tax you owe and where you live.


If you are on the higher end of the tax bracket, then you will need to pay more taxes on your income than someone who falls in a lower tax bracket. Additionally, if you live in a country with a higher tax rate, then you will need to pay more in taxes, so it's important to pay attention to where you live when filing your taxes.


So, as an influencer, know that you are not exempted from paying taxes. And when it comes to paying taxes, you will need to file a tax return with HMRC. This tax return must include all of your income, expenses, and profits for the year. It is also advisable you seek the help of a professional tax advisor who will ensure you are paying the correct taxes on time and taking advantage of common tax deductions and credits available to you.


To learn more about how to manage your finances as an influencer, check out our helpful blogs:

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Reza Hooda, Founder of Capture

Meet Reza


Reza is an accounting expert, content creator and founder of Capture Accounting. He regularly shares his knowledge here and on other channels such as LinkedIn.


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