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For Makeup Artists

Tax Return for Makeup Artists

Complete your Self Assessment in 8 minutes. Claim all your allowable expenses and submit directly to HMRC.

  • Track booking income
  • Kit expense tracking
  • Travel cost support
  • MTD-ready for 2026

Example Tax Calculation

Based on typical makeup artists earnings £30,000/year

Gross Income£30,000
Expenses5,500
Taxable Profit£24,500
Income Tax£2,386
National Insurance£716

*Illustrative example based on 2024/25 tax rates. Your actual tax depends on your specific circumstances.

Allowable Expenses for Makeup Artists

Claim these tax-deductible expenses to reduce your tax bill

Makeup Kit

Foundations, palettes, brushes, and professional products.

Tip: Keep receipts for all kit purchases.

Travel Expenses

Mileage and travel costs to clients, shoots, and weddings.

Tip: Log all business travel with dates and destinations.

Training and CPD

Makeup courses, masterclasses, and skill development.

Tip: Keep certificates and receipts.

Insurance

Public liability and professional indemnity insurance.

Tip: Insurance is fully deductible.

More expenses you can claim

Kit storage and cases
Disposables and hygiene supplies
Phone and booking software
Accounting software fees
Marketing and portfolio
Agency fees

How to File Your Tax Return

Follow these simple steps to complete your Self Assessment

1

Gather Your Documents

Collect income records, receipts, and expense statements

2

Enter Income & Expenses

Add your earnings and claim allowable expenses with our guided flow

3

Review Your Calculation

See exactly how much tax you owe with real-time calculations

4

Submit to HMRC

File your tax return directly to HMRC in minutes

Key Deadlines for 2024/25 Tax Year

Don't miss these important dates

5 April 2025

Tax Year Ends

Calculate your final income and expenses

5 October 2025

Register for Self Assessment

If this is your first year self-employed

31 January 2026

Online Filing Deadline

Submit your tax return and pay any tax owed

6 April 2026

MTD Starts (£50k+)

If your income exceeds £50,000, you must use MTD software

Late Filing Penalties

1 day late: £100 fixed penalty

3 months late: £10/day up to £900

6 months late: 5% of tax owed or £300 (whichever is higher)

12 months late: Additional 5% or £300

Plus interest on any tax paid late. Avoid these costs by filing early with QTax.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about tax returns for makeup artists

Do makeup artists need to register as self-employed?

If you work freelance and invoice for bookings, you must register for Self Assessment.

Can I claim kit costs?

Yes. Makeup products and tools are allowable business expenses.

What about travel to weddings?

Travel to clients and wedding venues is a deductible expense.

Related Guides

Explore tax guides for similar professions

Ready to File Your Tax Return?

Join thousands of UK makeup artists who trust QTax for their Self Assessment