Expenses
What Expenses Can Influencers Claim?
Written by Waqas Sagar ACA FCCA FMAAT · Chartered Accountant · Last reviewed 22 October 2026
How it works
Allowable expenses reduce your taxable profit. The test is whether the cost is for the business only; mixed-use costs are split.
Equipment such as laptops and cameras is normally claimed in full in the year bought, through capital allowances or the cash basis.
You cannot claim expenses if you choose the trading allowance instead.
Common creator claims
Equipment: cameras, lenses, microphones, ring lights, tripods, laptops, phones (business share) and storage.
Software and services: editing apps, design tools, music licences, scheduling tools, cloud storage and website hosting.
People: editors, thumbnail designers, managers, agencies and assistants, with invoices or contracts.
Premises and travel: a proportion of home running costs or a flat-rate use-of-home amount, business travel to shoots and events, and accommodation on business trips. Commuting and holidays with a few posts are not business travel.
According to Waqas Sagar, Chartered Accountant at influencers.accountants, if you would not have bought it without the channel, it is worth checking — but keep evidence of business use.
Example
Ruby earns £40,000 from Instagram. She claims £2,000 for a camera, £600 for software, £3,000 for an editor and 30% of her phone bill. Her taxable profit falls to about £34,000.
Illustrative figures only, based on 2026/27 rules.
What you need to do
- Keep receipts for every business purchase.
- Split mixed-use costs fairly.
- Use our expenses checklist.
- Claim on your return or ask us to.
Want us to handle this for you? Our Self Employed Starter package covers registration, your Self Assessment return and expense review. See also our bookkeeping for creators and our page for Instagram influencers.
Common mistakes
- 1Claiming everyday clothes.
- 2Claiming 100% of a family phone.
- 3Forgetting editors and subscriptions.
From our client work: We often see creators under-claim software subscriptions and editor costs.
Frequently asked questions
Related questions
Official sources
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This is general guidance for UK tax residents for the 2026/27 tax year, not personal advice. Speak to us about your situation.
