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For Music Teachers

Tax Return for Music Teachers

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

  • Track lesson income
  • Instrument expense tracking
  • Teaching material support
  • MTD-ready for 2026

Example Tax Calculation

Based on typical music teachers earnings £30,000/year

Gross Income£30,000
Expenses3,000
Taxable Profit£27,000
Income Tax£2,886
National Insurance£866

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

Allowable Expenses for Music Teachers

Claim these tax-deductible expenses to reduce your tax bill

Instruments and Equipment

Teaching instruments, music stands, and equipment.

Tip: Expensive instruments may qualify for capital allowances.

Sheet Music and Materials

Sheet music, exam books, and teaching resources.

Tip: Keep receipts for all purchases.

Travel to Students

Mileage and travel costs for home visits.

Tip: Log all lessons with dates and locations.

Home Studio Costs

Proportion of rent and utilities for teaching space.

Tip: Use simplified expenses or calculate actual costs.

More expenses you can claim

Instrument maintenance and repairs
Online teaching software
Phone and internet
Accounting software fees
Marketing and website
Exam board 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 music teachers

Do music teachers need to register as self-employed?

If you teach privately and invoice for lessons, you must register for Self Assessment.

Can I claim instrument costs?

Yes. Instruments used for teaching are allowable expenses or capital allowances.

What about exam accompaniment fees?

Income from exam accompaniment should be declared as self-employment income.

Related Guides

Explore tax guides for similar professions

Ready to File Your Tax Return?

Join thousands of UK music teachers who trust QTax for their Self Assessment