Finance and Tax

Advice for musicians on getting paid and managing finances. We can help musicians with invoicing and payment assistance, signposting to potential sources of funding and helping make sure you receive what you are due.

Guidance and advice

Tax and Accounting Guide

Our guidance on tax and tax saving opportunities, tailored for employed and self-employed musicians.

Pensions

Things for musicians to consider about pension depending on your working practices and employment history

Financing and Funding

Organisations that can help fund your music business

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTDfIT)

MU Recommended Rates of Pay

Invoicing

Overseas Taxation and National Insurance

Member services

Tax Advice Helpline

Free consultation and discounted fees on selected tax advice

Tax Investigation Insurance

Claim a fee reimbursement of up to £100,000 in the event of a HMRC investigation or dispute

Unpaid Fee Recovery

You can ask the MU for help on any and every payment issue owed to you personally, relating to your career as a musician

Financial Assistance

Grants and funds you can access when you are an MU member

Contract Advisory Service

The MU can help you make sure the contract you sign is fair and includes all of the necessary clauses

Personal Accident Cover

MU members can claim financial benefits in the event of an accident at work

MU Pension Scheme

A scheme to make and receive pension contributions

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

Latest news and features

Person sorting a large pile of papers with lots of individual colourful clips.

Home Made Agreements: Key Information

Bookings and an increase in ‘home made’ agreements were on the agenda at the latest MU’s Wales and South West England Regional Committee meeting. What does that mean for you?

Published: 16 December 2022

piano lesson conducted online with laptop and iphone on tripod

YouTube Tutorials: How They Can Benefit You and Your Business

YouTube is a valuable tool for enhancing music teaching, adding revenue and expanding your global reach. Here, three musicians discuss how the platform works for them.

Published: 13 December 2022

Circle of pink plastic chairs against a solid block pink background

Free Places on Coaching and Mentoring for Creatives Course for MU Members in Wales

CULT Cymru’s Leadership and Management endorsed coaching and mentoring course is open again for applications, usually £300 to attend, the course is free to MU members (less £50 deposit).

Published: 07 December 2022

Zoom into spotlights over a theatre stage, not turned on.

Subsidised Rates Increase for MU/UK Theatre

New Subsidised rates have now been agreed for members for the MU/UK theatre agreement, and will be backdated to May 2022.

Published: 02 December 2022

Quiet figure sits at the end of a dock, watching a sun rise over a body of water.

Resources for National Stress Awareness Week

Work related stress is a trade union issue. For National Stress Awareness Week running 7-11 November we’ve put together a reminder on the resources available to members.

Published: 11 November 2022

See all latest news

Upcoming events

Upcoming

View from back stage of a band performing.

08 Apr 2026

Legal Webinar – A Guide to Live Work (Rescheduled)

A legal overview of playing live, covering promoters and agents, self-organised events in traditional and unusual venues, and international touring and showcases, delivered by Scottish law firm Harper Macleod. Available to members in Scotland.

Online (Zoom)

Upcoming

A tiny guitar amp sits on sand with the sun setting behind it.

10 Apr 2026

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Derry

This is an opportunity to ensure that your equipment is safe, and that you are able to provide assurances for your insurance, venues and bookers. Available for all MU members based in Derry and the North West of Ireland.

Derry

Upcoming

Young woman on director's chair on stage, in front of empty theatre seats.

15 Apr 2026

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians

A free networking event to support female musicians and musical directors in theatre, hosted by Nimax Theatres and supported by the MU.

London

See all events

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Finance and Tax

Guidance and advice

Tax and Accounting Guide

Pensions

Financing and Funding

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTDfIT)

MU Recommended Rates of Pay

Invoicing

Overseas Taxation and National Insurance

Member services

Tax Advice Helpline

Tax Investigation Insurance

Unpaid Fee Recovery

Financial Assistance

Contract Advisory Service

Personal Accident Cover

MU Pension Scheme

Get MU membership today

Explore our member services

Latest news and features

Home Made Agreements: Key Information

YouTube Tutorials: How They Can Benefit You and Your Business

Free Places on Coaching and Mentoring for Creatives Course for MU Members in Wales

Subsidised Rates Increase for MU/UK Theatre

Resources for National Stress Awareness Week

Upcoming events

Upcoming

Legal Webinar – A Guide to Live Work (Rescheduled)

Upcoming

Free Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), Derry

Upcoming

Ladies of the Stave: Networking Session For Female Musicians