Accountant for Actors, Performers & Theatre Companies
Companies999 provides dedicated accountancy for the theatre and performing arts industry across the UK. Actors, musicians, directors, producers, freelance performers, production companies, and theatre venues — we understand irregular income, complex expense rules, creative industry tax reliefs, and Arts Council compliance.
What We Offer
Tailored services for you
Tax Returns for Performers
Self Assessment tax returns for self-employed actors, musicians, directors, and performers, including those with mixed PAYE and freelance income.
Production Company Accounts
Annual accounts preparation and Corporation Tax returns for production companies, theatre companies, and touring organisations.
Theatre Tax Relief
Claiming Theatre Tax Relief (TTR) under Corporation Tax for qualifying production companies, maximising your relief on eligible expenditure.
Expense Management
Guidance on allowable expenses for performers and production companies, including touring costs, costumes, wigs, make-up, travel, accommodation, and agents' fees.
Payroll Services
PAYE payroll for permanent and short-engagement cast, crew, and technicians, including weekly and monthly pay runs for production schedules.
Grant & Funding Compliance
Financial reporting and compliance requirements for Arts Council England funding, local authority grants, and other arts funding bodies.
Theatre Tax Relief
TTR is available to qualifying production companies for live theatrical productions. It provides an additional deduction of up to 80% of qualifying core expenditure (100% for touring), generating a payable tax credit of up to 20–25% of qualifying costs. We handle the entire claim process from identifying expenditure to preparing CT600 schedules.
Expenses for Performers
Self-employed performers can claim: agent fees, Equity subscriptions, costumes for specific roles, wigs and theatrical make-up, casting photos and showreels, travel to auditions and work, touring accommodation, vocal coaching and dance classes (maintaining existing skills), instrument maintenance, and scripts/sheet music. We ensure all legitimate claims are made.
Mixed PAYE and Self-Employment
Many performers combine PAYE employment (theatre contracts, TV) with self-employment (freelance, voiceovers, teaching). Your return must account for all sources. We prepare self assessment covering everything and advise on setting aside appropriate tax throughout the year.
Arts Council Grant Compliance
Organisations receiving Arts Council England, local authority, or charitable trust funding often have specific financial reporting conditions. We ensure accounts meet funder requirements and prepare additional reports as needed.
Why Choose Us
Trusted by theatre professionals
The performing arts sector has its own financial landscape and most accountants don't get it. We understand project-based income, the tax implications of freelance performance work, and how to maximise creative industry tax reliefs so you keep more of what you earn.
Software We Work With
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Theatre Tax Relief?
An additional tax deduction for qualifying production companies, generating credits of 20–25% of qualifying expenditure.
Can actors claim agent fees?
Yes. Agent fees and commission are a deductible expense for self-employed performers.
What expenses can performers claim?
Equity subs, costumes, wigs/make-up, casting photos, travel, touring accommodation, vocal coaching, and instrument maintenance.
How do I handle mixed PAYE and self-employment?
We prepare self assessment covering all income sources, accounting for PAYE already deducted.
Do you help with Arts Council compliance?
Yes. We prepare accounts meeting funder requirements and financial monitoring returns.
Can you set up a production company?
Yes. Structure advice, incorporation, and setup for TTR claims from day one.
Do you work with musicians?
Yes. Orchestral players, session musicians, and those with mixed teaching and performance income.
Related Services
Ready to talk about your theatre accounting needs?
Whether you're an emerging performer or an established production company, we're here to help. Call us on 0121 638 0905 for a free discovery call.