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Income Tax Deferral for the Self-Employed

If you are self employed, Income Tax payments due in July 2020 under the Self-Assessment system will be deferred to January 2021.

Published: 23 March 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Photograph of musician at home working on notation.
You will not be penalised for late payment or charged any late payment interest. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Anyone self-employed is eligible, and this offer will be applied automatically. During the deferral period you will not be penalised for late payment, or charged any late payment interest.

For more guidance on the coronavirus outbreak, see our Coronavirus Advice Hub.

Call on Government to properly protect freelance workers

Whilst we’re doing what we can to alleviate some of the financial pressure on musicians – we urgently need proper protections from Government for freelance workers affected by or self-isolating due to coronavirus.

We’re asking musicians to join us by writing to their MPs. We’ve even published a letter template if you’re not sure what to say – take action now.

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MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise

A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year.

Published: 31 July 2026

Read more about MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise
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Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians

New arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain will remove routine border checks for people crossing by land. While the agreement does not change existing rights to work in Spain or the EU, any time spent in Gibraltar will count towards musicians’ 90-day allowance for the Schengen area.

Published: 30 July 2026

Read more about Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians
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Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords

Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms.

Published: 28 July 2026

Read more about Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords
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