In an industry as dynamic, high-pressure, and unpredictable as entertainment, having your finances in check isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Whether you’re an actor, musician, comedian, or stage performer, your income doesn’t come with a neat monthly payslip. From royalties and one-off gigs to international earnings and merchandise sales, the numbers can get messy fast.
That’s why working with specialist accountants for the entertainment sector in London isn’t just a luxury—it’s your competitive advantage.
At Jungle Tax, we specialize in helping entertainers organize their finances, reduce their tax burden, and plan for a sustainable, profitable career. Here’s how we do it—and why you need us on your team.
The Entertainment Industry Is Not Like Other Businesses
When you’re in entertainment, no two months are the same. You might have a high-paying job one month and none the next. Your income sources might include:
- Ticket or streaming revenue
- Royalties and licensing
- Sponsorships or brand deals
- Merchandise and online sales
- Touring and live performances
- Freelance directing, filming, or consulting gigs
Each of these income streams comes with different financial rules. If you’re not tracking everything correctly, you could either overpay in taxes or underreport and face penalties.
We act as your financial director behind the scenes—so you can focus on your performance, not paperwork.
Why You Need a Specialist Accountant in Entertainment
You wouldn’t hire a general manager to direct a film—so why trust your creative career to a generic accountant?
Here’s what makes us specialist accountants for entertainment sector in London:
- We understand residuals, royalties, and intellectual property income
- We manage multi-currency income from international projects
- We help with project-based budgeting and cash flow forecasting
- We know what deductions apply to your career (wardrobe, travel, makeup, equipment)
- We help you stay compliant with HMRC and avoid fines
In short, we know your world. And we know how to help you keep more of what you earn.
What You Can Claim (And Might Be Missing Out On)
If you’re not claiming all your business-related expenses, you’re leaving money on the table.
Common tax-deductible expenses for entertainment professionals include:
- Cameras, lights, and production gear
- Travel to gigs, shoots, or rehearsals
- Accommodation during tours or festivals
- Wardrobe, costumes, and makeup for roles
- Editing software or subscriptions like Adobe or Final Cut
- Mobile phone bills (if used for work)
- Union or membership fees (Equity, BECTU, MU, etc.)
We make sure every expense that qualifies is tracked and included—so your tax bill is as low as legally possible.
Your Income: Freelance or Business?
HMRC cares about how your income is structured.
If you’re getting paid regularly for gigs, even if it’s through an agent, you’re seen as running a business. That means you should register as:
- A sole trader
- Or a limited company
We help you choose the right setup for your current goals and future ambitions. Want to reduce tax liability, protect your personal assets, or bring on a business partner? We’ll guide you.
Navigating Global Income & Tax
Work on a Netflix show in the US? Performed at a music festival in Europe? Got paid in dollars, euros, or cryptocurrency?
With income coming from various countries and currencies, things get complicated.
We help you:
- Convert and report foreign earnings properly
- Avoid double taxation
- Stay fully compliant in the UK
You stay creative—we keep you legal and in control.
Planning for a Financially Strong Future
We don’t just help with taxes. We help you build a plan.
What happens when the gigs slow down? What about investing in your own production company? Want to buy a home, save for retirement, or support your family?
We help with:
- Forecasting your income
- Structuring your business for long-term success
- Setting budgets and targets
- Creating savings and investment plans
We’re more than accountants—we’re your financial growth partners.
Making Life Simpler for Busy Entertainers
Long days on set. Late nights in rehearsal. Touring. Last-minute flights.
We get that your schedule doesn’t allow time for spreadsheets and admin. That’s why we’ve designed a system that’s:
- Online-first (no need to visit an office)
- Transparent (monthly updates and dashboards)
- Flexible (direct access to your accountant when you need help)
- Smart (integrated with tools like Xero and QuickBooks)
We’re not here to confuse you. We’re here to make life easier.
Real Client Stories
“Before Jungle Tax, I was getting fined every year for late filing. Now, I don’t even have to think about it—they’ve got me covered.”
— Indie Film Director, London
“I didn’t know I could claim part of my rent or phone bill. Jungle Tax saved me over £3,000 last year!”
— TV Presenter, Manchester
“They really understand the chaos of our industry—and they work around it.”
— Theatre Performer, Edinburgh
Start Early, Avoid Big Mistakes
The sooner you get expert accounting help, the better. We help new entertainers:
- Register with HMRC
- Set up bookkeeping systems
- Track income and expenses
- Get the right insurance
- Avoid common tax traps
Starting out? Let’s build your career on solid financial foundations.
Growing with Your Career
As your fame and income grow, so do your financial needs. From expanding into production to handling royalties and team payroll, we help at every level.
We offer strategic guidance for:
- Scaling your personal brand
- Starting a side business or production house
- Hiring staff or collaborators
- Protecting your intellectual property (IP)
You’re not just a performer—you’re a business. And we treat you like one.
What About Gifting and Sponsored Collaborations?
Free clothes? Paid trips? Gifted gear?
These might be taxable. We help you:
- Record gifts properly
- Report collaborations accurately
- Stay HMRC-compliant
No more surprises. Just clarity and confidence.
FAQs – Specialist Accountants for Entertainment Sector in London
1. Do I need a specialist accountant if I’m just starting out?
Yes! Starting with the right setup helps you avoid costly mistakes later—and helps you keep more of what you earn.
2. Can I claim wardrobe and makeup as expenses?
If it’s used strictly for professional purposes (e.g. stage or screen), yes—it’s tax deductible.
3. What if I work internationally?
We help you manage international income, handle currency conversion, and avoid double taxation.
4. How do I register my entertainment business?
We guide you step-by-step to register as a sole trader or limited company, depending on your goals.
5. Can I claim travel costs for auditions and gigs?
Yes. Travel related to professional performances is usually deductible.
6. What’s the best way to track all my payments and expenses?
We set you up with smart bookkeeping tools, tailored to your lifestyle, with monthly guidance and reports.
7. Do I have to pay VAT?
If you earn over the VAT threshold (£90,000+), yes. We handle your VAT registration and filings.
Ready to Make Showbiz Simpler?
At Jungle Tax, we take the stress out of finances for creatives. Whether you’re playing gigs, filming, or rehearsing for the West End, we’ve got your back.
Tailored advice, clear tax planning, and support for growth.
Let us handle the numbers—so you can stay in the spotlight.