US and UK Tax Specialists for American Citizens: Plan for Creators

Content creation has gone global. Many American YouTubers, influencers, and digital entrepreneurs now live and work in the UK — earning income from brand deals, ad revenue, and digital platforms that cross borders. But when it comes to taxes, that global lifestyle brings complex challenges.

That’s where US and UK Tax specialists for American citizens make all the difference. Managing taxes in two countries means navigating two distinct systems — the IRS and HMRC — while avoiding double taxation and staying compliant with both.

If you’re a content creator earning globally but living in the UK, this guide will help you understand your obligations, key reliefs, and how expert guidance can save you from costly mistakes.

Understanding the Tax Landscape for US Citizens in the UK

Unlike most countries, the United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income, no matter where they live. So, even if you’ve relocated to London, you must still file a US tax return. At the same time, the UK taxes you based on residency.

Without proper planning, you could face tax liabilities in both nations. That’s why US and UK Tax specialists for American citizens exist — to bridge the gap between the two tax systems and ensure that every dollar (and pound) is accounted for correctly.

Example:
A New York-based content creator relocated to Manchester, where they continued to earn income through YouTube and TikTok sponsorships. Without dual tax advice, she paid tax in both countries on the same earnings. After consulting JungleTax’s international team, her tax filings were optimised through the US-UK tax treaty, saving her over £8,000 in one year.

The Biggest Tax Challenges for Cross-Border Creators

Working across borders adds excitement to your creative career, but it also adds complexity to your tax life. Understanding where your income is taxed — and how — is crucial.

Cross-border tax compliance experts identify and manage these common challenges:

1. Double Taxation Risk: Without strategic planning, you could pay tax twice — once to the IRS and again to HMRC.

2. Foreign Tax Credits: Claiming credits for taxes paid abroad requires careful documentation and knowledge of both systems.

3. Residency Rules: Determining whether you’re a UK tax resident can change your filing obligations entirely.

4. Platform Income Reporting: Income from YouTube, Patreon, or OnlyFans often gets misclassified, leading to inaccurate tax returns.

5. Currency Conversion: Reporting income in USD and GBP correctly ensures your filings match IRS and HMRC standards.

Each of these challenges can lead to penalties if mismanaged. That’s why partnering with a dual-specialised firm like JungleTax is essential for peace of mind.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

If you earn income as a content creator while living abroad, hiring US and UK Tax specialists for American citizens isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. These professionals understand how to balance compliance with both IRS and HMRC without overpaying or underreporting.

The right accountant will:

• File your US tax return accurately while applying relevant foreign income exclusions.

• Handle your UK self-assessment submission under HMRC’s rules.

• Ensure both systems recognise your legitimate business expenses and deductions.

• Prevent overlap through the US-UK tax treaty.

Without expert coordination, it’s easy to misreport foreign income, miss relief opportunities, or pay more than required.

The US-UK Tax Treaty Explained

The US-UK Tax Treaty is designed to prevent double taxation for Americans living in the UK. It specifies which country has the right to tax different types of income.

For most content creators, the treaty ensures that if you pay tax in one country, you can claim a credit or exemption in the other. However, the rules vary depending on your income type — such as royalties, advertising revenue, or self-employment earnings.

For example, if your YouTube income is taxed in the UK as self-employment income, the IRS allows you to claim a Foreign Tax Credit for taxes paid to HMRC. This offsets your US liability, reducing or eliminating double taxation.

This system, while fair, is complex. That’s why working with expat tax planning for creators professionals is key — they know how to apply treaty benefits correctly and avoid compliance errors.

Claiming Tax Reliefs as a US Creator in the UK

Dual-nation creators can access several reliefs and exclusions if their tax planning is structured correctly. The two most important ones are:

1. Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE):
   If you qualify under the physical presence or bona fide residence tests, you can exclude up to $126,500 (2024 figure) of foreign-earned income from US taxation.

2. Foreign Tax Credit (FTC):
   This credit offsets US tax owed by the amount of foreign tax you’ve paid. It’s beneficial if your UK tax rate exceeds your US rate.

These mechanisms prevent double taxation, but they require careful documentation. Your accountant must track all income sources, taxes paid, and dates of residency.

Example:
A US influencer living in London earned £70,000 in 2024 from brand sponsorships and affiliate links. Through the FEIE and FTC, her accountant ensured zero double taxation while maintaining compliance with both the IRS and HMRC.

Managing Business Expenses Across Two Systems

Content creators often operate as self-employed individuals or limited companies. Both the US and UK allow deductions for business-related expenses, but the classification rules differ slightly.

Everyday deductible expenses include:

• Equipment (cameras, microphones, lighting)

• Software subscriptions (editing, analytics, cloud storage)

• Travel related to content production

• Professional fees (agents, accountants)

US and UK Tax specialists for American citizens help ensure expenses are claimed appropriately under both systems. For instance, an expense recognised under HMRC might need conversion or adjustment to fit IRS standards.

Using a unified accounting system — such as QuickBooks or Xero, integrated by JungleTax — helps streamline data between both countries.

Banking, Payments, and Withholding Considerations

Creators working with US and UK brands often receive payments from multiple sources — PayPal, Wise, or direct deposits from platforms like Google AdSense. These transactions can trigger tax obligations in both jurisdictions if not managed carefully.

An experienced cross-border tax compliance accountant ensures:

• Payments are tracked with the correct exchange rates.

• Withholding taxes from foreign clients are reclaimed where applicable.

• Each platform’s payment reports are aligned with your filings.

By consolidating all financial data through cloud accounting software, you’ll always know where your income originates and how it’s taxed.

The Role of Accountants in Long-Term Tax Planning

Your relationship with your accountant shouldn’t end after tax season. US and UK Tax specialists for American citizens help develop long-term strategies that support financial growth, including retirement savings, investment planning, and incorporation advice.

They can help you decide whether forming a UK limited company, maintaining US LLC status, or setting up a dual-entity structure offers the best tax efficiency for your goals.

Example:
A US podcaster relocated to London and earned six figures annually through brand partnerships. By restructuring his business with JungleTax, he optimised dividend payments, reduced US self-employment tax, and achieved better control over his cash flow.

Why Choose JungleTax for Dual-Nation Compliance

At JungleTax, we understand that international tax compliance for creators isn’t just about forms — it’s about financial clarity. Our team of US and UK Tax specialists for American citizens works exclusively with content creators, influencers, and digital entrepreneurs who operate globally.

We help you:

• Stay compliant with both HMRC and IRS.

• Minimise your overall tax burden.

• Claim every eligible relief and deduction.

• Avoid costly penalties or audits.

Whether you’re filming in London or collaborating with brands in Los Angeles, we make your international tax life stress-free and straightforward.

Final Thoughts

Managing taxes across two countries can be daunting, but with the right strategy and expert support, you can keep more of what you earn — legally and efficiently. Partnering with US and UK Tax specialists for American citizens ensures that your global income stays compliant, optimised, and tax-efficient.

For expert help with your taxes, contact JungleTax today at hello@jungletax.co.uk or call 0333 880 7974.