Whether you're a freelance designer, a stage performer, a filmmaker or the proud owner of a one-person theatre company in your spare room, business expenses are something you need to know about. Not because they’re thrilling (they’re not), but because they can save you money, simplify your tax return, and make you feel like an organised creative legend.
So, what actually is a business expense? Let’s dive in. No calculator required.
It’s All About the Business Bit
First up, a business expense is something you buy that helps you run your business. Think of it like this – if your purchase helps you do your work, promote your work, travel for your work or deliver your work, you might be in expense territory.
Bought a microphone to record your podcast? That’s a business expense. Booked a train to go meet a client? That’s another one. Printed 500 flyers for your upcoming art show? You’re on fire.
On the other hand, if it’s something that you just like or were probably going to buy anyway – like fancy shoes or a holiday in Lisbon – it’s not going to fly with HMRC. Tempting as it is.
The Classic Expense Hits
There are some all-time favourites when it comes to business expenses. Here’s your backstage pass to the big players:
Equipment – laptops, cameras, instruments, tools of your trade
Software – editing apps, subscriptions, anything you genuinely use for work
Travel – taxis, trains, buses, mileage (just not the Uber you took to the pub)
Office costs – stationery, printer ink, tea bags (yes, even the good ones)
Marketing – website hosting, design work, ads, snazzy business cards
Professional fees – accountants, legal advice, training courses
And don’t forget about home office expenses if you work from your kitchen table surrounded by toast crumbs and inspiration. You can claim a portion of your bills based on how much space and time your work takes up.
Grey Areas and Glittery Confusion
Now, this is where things get juicy. Some expenses live in the mysterious in-between zone. That fancy blazer you wear for every client meeting? Technically clothes – and HMRC usually says no to clothes, even if you only wear them for work. Brutal, right?
Food is another big question mark. A sandwich you grab during your normal working day? Probably not. A meal while travelling for a job in another city? More likely. That entire charcuterie board for your brainstorm session? Hmm… you’re on thin salami.
When things get fuzzy, this is your cue to call in the pros. Which brings us to our absolute favourite people: creative industry accountants.
These are the brilliant minds who understand that your “work expenses” might include gaffer tape, a fog machine and twelve wigs. They won’t bat an eye. In fact, they’ll probably help you figure out if the glitter glue you used on a client project is claimable (spoiler: it probably is).
How to Keep It All Tidy
You don’t need to be a spreadsheet wizard. Just stay consistent. Keep your receipts. Take pictures of them. Use a simple accounting app. Create categories. Track as you go. Do not – we repeat, do not – wait until January and then cry into a shoe box full of scrunched-up invoices.
Working with creative industry accountants can turn this from a mess into magic. They know your industry, they know the weird and wonderful ways you work, and they’ll keep HMRC happy while you get back to the fun stuff.
Celebrate Your Expenses
Expenses are not a scary word. They’re a part of your story. They’re the backdrop to your creative journey. Every train ticket, paintbrush, hosting fee and business coffee is a little step on the road to building something amazing.
So next time you wonder whether that thing you just bought counts as a business expense, stop and ask: Does this help me do what I do? If the answer’s yes, give it a round of applause – and write it down.
Just don’t claim your dog as a freelance intern. Even the best creative accountants have their limits.
