Tax Deductions for Content Creators: Save Money on Your Corporation Tax

If you’re a content creator running your own business in the UK, you’ve got some great opportunities to claim tax deductions. These deductions can lower your corporation tax bill, meaning more money in your pocket to invest in your next big project. But with so many expenses to consider, it’s important to know what you can claim.

Here’s a rundown of the key things you can claim, along with some common issues to keep in mind.

What Can Content Creators Claim for Tax?

As a content creator, you’re probably spending money on everything from filming equipment to travel for shoots. The good news is, many of these expenses are tax-deductible, which can help reduce your tax bill. Here's what you can claim:

1. Photoshoots & Production Costs

Photographer & Videographer Fees

Hiring a photographer or videographer to help with your content? That’s a legitimate business expense. If you’re creating high-quality visuals for your brand or social media, you can claim these costs.

Studio Hire

Renting a studio to shoot your content? Claim that. It’s a valid business expense if it’s for your work.

Props & Set Design

Props, backdrops, or any other set items you buy for shoots are deductible. So if you’ve got a wardrobe full of cool stuff for your content, keep those receipts.

2. Editing & Post-Production

Freelance Editors

Paying editors to help you with post-production? These costs can be claimed as business expenses. If they’re helping with video editing, sound editing, or photo editing, don’t forget to write it off.

Editing Software

Subscriptions to software like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or Final Cut Pro are deductible. Even if you use them for personal projects, as long as they’re mainly for your business, you’re good to go.

3. Branded Clothing & Merchandise

Clothing for Content

If you buy branded clothes or custom T-shirts specifically for shoots or videos, you can claim them as business expenses. But if you wear them casually outside of work, you’ll need to adjust the claim to reflect that.

Custom Merchandise

Any items you create for your brand, like T-shirts or mugs, are also deductible if they’re for promotion or resale. 

4. Access to Locations (e.g., Gyms, Studios)

Gym Memberships for Content

If you’re a fitness influencer or you use the gym to create workout videos, you can claim your gym membership as long as it’s mainly for business use. If you’re also hitting the gym for personal workouts, you’ll need to divide the cost.

Event Tickets & Venue Access

If you’re attending or hosting events (like product launches, brand partnerships, or influencer meet-ups), the cost of tickets or venue hire can be claimed. For example, if you’re filming at a particular location, you can claim the cost of getting in or renting the space. 

5. Editors, Designers, and Contractors

Freelance Creatives

If you hire freelancers to help with your content—whether it’s an editor, graphic designer, or a social media manager—those costs are tax-deductible. Anything you pay to help grow your business is a legitimate expense.

Consultancy Fees

If you hire a business consultant or someone to help with legal or accounting advice, their fees are also tax-deductible. 

6. Travel, Accommodation & Food

Business Travel

If you’re travelling for content creation—whether it’s to shoot in a different location, collaborate with another creator, or attend a business event—those travel expenses can be claimed. This includes train, plane, and car costs.

Overnight Stays

If you’re travelling overnight for work, you can also claim accommodation and food expenses. Just make sure the trip is primarily for business purposes.

Meals on Business

If you’re meeting a client or fellow creator to discuss business, you can claim the cost of meals. But if it’s more of a social event with business on the side, it might not qualify. 

7. Tools & Tech for Content Creation

Recording Equipment

Cameras, microphones, lighting kits—if it’s used to create content, it’s tax-deductible. Keep an eye on any new gear you buy, because they can all count as expenses.

Software & Apps

Subscription services for editing apps, scheduling tools, or analytics programs are all part of running a content business, so you can claim them too.

8. Business Services & Admin Costs

Accountants & Bookkeepers

If you hire an accountant to help with taxes or a bookkeeper to manage your finances, those costs are deductible. A good accountant can save you far more than they cost.

Legal Advice

If you get legal advice on contracts, intellectual property, or partnership agreements, those fees are also tax-deductible. 

9. Subscription Services & Online Tools

Subscriptions for Content Research

If you’re subscribing to online platforms (like YouTube Premium + ) to keep up with trends or gather inspiration, you can claim these costs. Just make sure it’s for business use—if you’re watching it for personal reasons too, you’ll need to split the cost.

Music & Stock Content

If you buy music or stock footage to use in your videos, these costs are fully deductible as they directly contribute to the content you produce.

Common Issues & Tips to Avoid

Mixed-Use Expenses

If you use something for both business and personal use (like your home office or car), you can only claim the business portion. So keep track of your personal use to ensure you're not over-claiming.

Personal Items

If you receive free products from brands for your content, they are tax-deductible only if you use them for business. If the item is used outside of work, it might need to be reported as income.

Record-Keeping

Always keep receipts and records of every expense. You’ll need these if HMRC asks for proof, and they can also help you spot areas where you might have missed deductions.

Need Help Navigating Your Tax Deductions?

Sorting out your tax deductions can be confusing, but with the right support, it’s not as tricky as it seems. If you’re unsure about whether something can be claimed or how to keep track of your expenses, get in touch with a tax advisor who understands the ins and outs of the content creation world.

We’re here to help you save money and stay on top of your tax filings, so you can focus on what you do best—creating amazing content!