Freelancing in the film and TV industry is an exciting path — but when tax season rolls around, it can feel more like a horror flick than a blockbuster. As specialist accountants for the film and TV sector, we at Jungle Tax know the behind-the-scenes chaos, and we’re here to help you take control of your finances, claim what you’re entitled to, and stay HMRC-compliant.
Whether you’re a camera operator, editor, sound designer, actor, or production assistant — here are our top tax tips, tailored just for film and TV sector freelancers.
1. 📁 Keep Those Receipts – Every Penny Counts
It might seem small, but that train ticket to a location shoot or subscription to editing software is a tax-deductible expense. As specialist accountants for the film and TV sector, we constantly see freelancers lose money simply because they didn’t track everyday costs. Invest in a simple receipt app or spreadsheet — it will make your life easier at year-end.
Common deductible expenses include:
● Travel to and from shoots or auditions
● Equipment and tech (cameras, lighting, laptops)
● Editing or animation software
● Subscriptions (Spotlight, IMDb Pro, Adobe Suite)
● Training courses or workshops
● Home office costs (proportional rent, energy, internet)
Working on multiple contracts? Being paid via an agency or production company? You may fall under IR35, which affects how you’re taxed and whether you’re considered self-employed.
As specialist accountants for the film and TV sector, we help freelancers understand if their work is inside or outside IR35 — and what that means for taxes and take-home pay.
You will owe tax — the trick is to plan for it. A good rule of thumb is to save around 25%–30% of each job’s income. Freelancers in the film and TV world often face lumpy cash flow, so don’t get caught short when January hits.
Bonus tip from our specialist film and TV accountants: open a separate “tax savings” account and automate transfers after every payment you receive.
4. 📆 Register for Self-Assessment (if you haven’t already)
If you earn over £1,000 from self-employed work in a tax year, HMRC requires you to register for self-assessment. Missing the deadline can lead to fines.
Don’t panic — as specialist accountants for the film and TV sector, we’ll help you register properly, file your returns, and ensure all your freelance income is reported accurately.
5. 🧠 Consider Setting Up a Limited Company
Once you’re earning consistently over £35k–£40k per year, it might be more tax-efficient to operate through a limited company. This can reduce your tax bill and offer protection from personal liability.
As specialist film and TV accountants, we’ll tell you when the time is right to incorporate — and we’ll handle the paperwork, too.
6. 💼 Get Professional Help — You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Being a freelancer in film and TV is already a full-time hustle. Why add tax stress to the mix?
At Jungle Tax, we are specialist accountants for the film and TV sector. We understand how the industry works, what HMRC expects, and how to keep your finances healthy — from Spotlight stars to freelance runners.
🌟 Work with Jungle Tax – The UK’s Specialist Accountants for the Film and TV Sector
We’re based in Soho, in the heart of London’s creative industries, and we work with freelancers and creatives across the UK. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of credits under your belt, our team of specialist accountants for the film and TV sector is here to help you:
● Save money through smart tax planning
● Avoid penalties and missed deadlines
● Understand IR35, VAT, and company setup
● Claim every allowable expense
● Focus on your creative work — not the tax admin
📞 0333 880 7974
📍 9 Noel St, London W1F 8GQ
📧 hello@jungletax.co.uk
🌐 www.jungletax.co.uk
