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.

See all news

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

Get public liability insurance for musicians
Access expert legal support
Be represented in your profession
Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Continue reading

Naomi Pohl and Dave Webster outside the European Parliament building.

MU Joins Policymakers in Brussels to Discuss UK–EU Cultural Exchange

This week, the MU joined a creative industries delegation in Brussels to discuss strengthening cultural exchange between the UK and the EU, including removing barriers to cross-border touring.

Published: 25 March 2026

A young female musician in a recording studio playing keyboard and singing into a microphone.

Belfast Council Passes Motion for Basic Income for Artists Scheme

Belfast City Council has backed a motion for a pilot Universal Basic Income scheme for artists in Northern Ireland. The move boosts calls to strengthen the country's creative sector, creating a level playing field for every artist.

Published: 25 March 2026

A red dartboard painted on a wooden block with the outline of a rocket launching upwards. Next to it are other wooden blocks with black targets.

Introducing our MU Future Leaders for 2026

The Musicians' Union announces the first cohort of members to take part in our MU Future Leaders activist development programme in 2026.

Published: 23 March 2026

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl standing in front of Number 10 Downing Street, along with general secretaries from unions across the country.

MU General Secretary Raises AI Concerns with Prime Minister

The MU has welcomed the Government’s rethink on AI but has emphasised the importance of copyright reform to the Prime Minister. While the shift away from an opt-out system is positive, we continue to call for Government intervention to ensure musicians are fairly paid as AI licensing grows.

Published: 19 March 2026

A world map of the middle east with the Iranian flag pinned on Iran.

MU Statement on Conflict in Iran

Alongside the TUC, the MU condemns the dangerous escalation of military actions, precipitated by the US-Israeli attacks on Iran that flout international law and undermine prospects for peace.

Published: 18 March 2026

All news and features

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches