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Completing a Self Assessment

How Self Assessment works for self-employed musicians, and time limits to adhere to.

Last updated: 06 November 2023

Self Assessment and the current year basis

There are two stages to self-assessment:

  • Completing your tax return, detailing all your taxable income for the tax year and claiming any allowances and reliefs.
  • Payment of the tax as calculated by 31 January.

If you are unable to file your tax return online, you can complete a paper version by 31 October. The tax year 2023/24 is from 6 April 2023 to 5 April 2024. Notification that you need to file an income tax return is usually sent out in April each year.

Your tax return should be submitted online. There is no fee for filing through the official HMRC website - beware of unofficial sites that try and charge you.

Self-employed musicians are taxed on earnings in the current tax year.

Self Assessment time limits

There are strict time limits for filing tax returns, with fixed penalties automatically enforced if they aren’t adhered to.

 A Guide to Tax for Musicians provided by Chartered Accountants HW Fisher

We work with Chartered Accountants HW Fisher to advise musicians on all aspects of tax, accounting and bookkeeping.

Download the 2023/24 Tax Guide for musicians

Further details can be obtained from HW Fisher & Company’s Martin Taylor or Andrew Subramaniam.

You can contact HW Fisher & Company by sending an email or visiting the HW Fisher website.

Contact the Musicians' Union today

The MU has a network of experienced teams available to help musicians in all areas of the industry. If you have any questions about our services, membership or how the MU could help you, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

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