Accountants for Influencers: 2025 Tax Changes You Must Know

Introduction

The influencer economy grows stronger every year, and 2025 brings new tax changes that directly affect creators. As an influencer, you deal with brand deals, sponsorships, ad revenue, and affiliate income that often come from multiple sources. Without expert financial planning, you risk losing money or facing penalties. Accountants for influencers can help with this. They allow you to adapt to tax changes, avoid compliance mistakes, and protect your growing income.

In this blog, we break down the 2025 tax updates that every influencer needs to know and explain how working with the right accountant keeps your finances in check.

Digital Income and HMRC Scrutiny

HMR continues to focus more intently on digital profits. In 2025, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube will share more data with tax authorities. This means your brand collaborations, digital product sales, and even small affiliate payments will remain fully visible to HMRC.

You can no longer rely on hidden income streams going unnoticed. Influencer accountants make sure you accurately record all of your revenue streams and deduct allowable expenses from your liability. Without this guidance, you risk audits, fines, and unwanted attention from tax authorities.

VAT Threshold Updates

In 2025, the VAT filing requirement in the UK will change. Influencers earning from sponsorships and brand deals now need to monitor turnover more closely. Many influencers mistakenly assume VAT does not apply to digital income, but once you cross the threshold, you must register and comply.

An experienced accountant will guide you on whether voluntary VAT registration benefits your business. For example, influencers who work with global brands or outsource editing and production often recover VAT on expenses. This proactive step saves money while staying compliant.

Expenses and Allowable Deductions

One of the most significant benefits of hiring accountants for influencers is accurate expense tracking. HMRC is reviewing deductions more closely in 2025. Common influencer costs such as photography equipment, travel, editing software, and even part of your home office qualify as legitimate expenses.

However, the rules on personal vs. business expenses remain strict. For example, buying clothing for personal use does not count as an expense, but specific outfits purchased exclusively for a brand campaign might. Accountants help you structure these deductions correctly, reducing your taxable income without triggering red flags.

Social Media Side Hustles Count Too

Many influencers also run side hustles, such as selling presets, online courses, or digital products. In 2025, HMRC will apply more demanding reporting requirements on self-employed income, even from small projects. If you earn just a few hundred pounds on the side, you still must declare it.

With professional support, you keep these streams organised under one tax plan. Accountants help influencers integrate multiple incomes into a single, compliant strategy, so you pay the right amount of tax without overpaying.

The Impact of MTD for Income Tax

In 2025, Making Digital Taxes (MTD) will be extended to include more independent contractors. Influencers fall directly into this category. Instead of filing a single annual return, you now need to submit quarterly updates to HMRC.

This change demands accurate record-keeping throughout the year. If you miss deadlines, penalties follow quickly. With accountants for influencers, you can rely on real-time tracking, digital bookkeeping, and quarterly submissions handled on time. This not only avoids fines but also gives you a clear picture of your financial health every three months.

Building Long-Term Wealth

Tax planning for influencers is not just about compliance—it’s about building wealth. With income coming in waves from sponsorships, algorithms, and campaigns, financial stability becomes a challenge. Accountants provide strategies such as setting up a limited company, separating personal and business finances, and planning for pensions or investments.

By preparing early for the 2025 changes, you position yourself for long-term financial growth rather than reacting to tax deadlines with stress.

Why You Need Expert Guidance in 2025

Influencers who try to manage tax alone often face costly mistakes. Late filings, underreporting income, or misunderstanding VAT rules can result in penalties that eat into your earnings. On the other hand, working with accountants for influencers ensures that you:

  • Keep track of income across multiple platforms.

  • Claim the right expenses without risk.

  • Stay ahead of MTD quarterly deadlines.

  • Plan for VAT registration before crossing the threshold.

  • Build a long-term wealth plan that secures your future.

With tailored accounting advice, you protect both your brand reputation and your income.

Conclusion

2025 brings significant changes to influencer taxation, and staying ahead of these updates is essential. From stricter digital income reporting to VAT obligations and MTD deadlines, influencers face more financial complexity than ever. The right accountant helps you manage these shifts with confidence, saving money while protecting your reputation.

At JungleTax, we specialise in working with creators, making sure every tax rule works in your favour. Don’t wait until deadlines catch up with you.

Email: hello@jungletax.co.uk | Phone: 0333 880 7974
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FAQs

Do influencers need to pay tax in the UK?

Yes. HMRC treats influencer income as taxable earnings. This includes sponsorships, affiliate sales, digital products, and ad revenue.

How do I know if I need to register for VAT in 2025?

If your turnover crosses the updated VAT threshold, you must register. Accountants can assess whether early registration benefits your business.

What happens if I don’t declare small income streams?

Even small amounts from side hustles count as taxable income. Failing to declare them risks penalties once HMRC detects them.

How does Making Tax Digital affect influencers?

From 2025, most influencers must file quarterly tax updates instead of annual returns. Accountants help manage this transition smoothly.

Can accountants reduce my tax bill legally?

Yes. By identifying allowable expenses, structuring your business correctly, and planning, accountants lower your tax liability while keeping you fully compliant.