Tax Deductions For UK Content Creators: What Expenses Can Your Limited Company Legally Deduct?

If you're a UK-based content creator running your business through a limited company, you’ve got some great opportunities to claim tax-deductible expenses. These deductions can lower your corporation tax bill, meaning more money in your pocket to reinvest in content, gear, and growth.

But with so many different costs involved in running a creative business, it’s important to know exactly what you can and can’t claim and where HMRC tends to scrutinise claims.

What Can Content Creators Claim for Tax?

As a content creator, you're likely spending money on everything from filming gear and editing software to travel, promotions, and studio setups. The good news? Many of these are considered allowable expenses under HMRC rules meaning your company can deduct them from its profits before paying corporation tax.

Below is a breakdown of the most common and legitimate business expenses UK content creators can claim through their limited companies.

8 Business Expenses You Can Deduct Through Your Limited Company

1. Equipment and Technology

Filming Gear
Think cameras, lights, mics, tripods. Anything you use to shoot content. These are all tax-deductible if they’re used for your business.

Tech Devices
If you use a laptop to edit, a tablet for design work, or a phone to manage socials, those can be claimed.

Studio Setup
Office chairs, desks, lighting rigs, and props used specifically for shoots also count as allowable expenses.

Tax Tip: Expensive items may need to be claimed over time through capital allowances.

2. Software and Subscriptions

Creative Tools
Using Adobe Creative Cloud, Final Cut Pro, or Canva for your content? These costs are fully deductible.

Content Management Platforms
Scheduling tools like Buffer, Later, or Hootsuite used to manage your posting calendar also qualify.

Stock Libraries & Analytics
Subscriptions for stock images, background music, or audience analytics platforms (like HypeAuditor) can be claimed as business expenses.

Reminder: To make claiming easier, sign up using your company’s email & payment method.

3. Marketing and Web Presence

Social Media Ads
Running paid promotions on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook? These are marketing costs you can claim.

Website Costs
Expenses like domain names, web hosting, or paying a developer to update your site all fall under business expenses.

Design and Branding
Hiring a freelancer for a logo, branded templates, or a media kit? All deductible.

4. Travel and Business Entertainment

Travel for Work
Flights, train tickets, car hire, and accommodation for content shoots or business meetings are deductible, just keep it strictly business.

Meals & Client Entertainment
If you’re meeting a client, brand rep, or fellow creator to talk business, you can claim the cost of meals. But if it’s more of a social catch-up with a little business chat thrown in, HMRC may not see it as a valid expense. Keep it clearly business-focused to stay compliant.

Other Costs
Think tolls, parking, or ride-sharing to and from shoots or events, all valid if they’re work-related.

Tax Tip: Always keep a record of the business reason for your trip, HMRC will expect one.

5. Using Your Home as an Office

Home Office Setup
If you regularly work from home, you can claim a portion of your rent, council tax, electricity, and internet bills.

Simplified Claims or Formal Agreement
You can either use HMRC’s flat rate (e.g., £6/week) or create a formal rental agreement between you and your company.

Note: For higher-value claims, HMRC recommends having a simple agreement in place.

6. Professional Services

Accountants and Legal Advice
Hiring an accountant or a solicitor to help with contracts or IP protection? These fees are fully deductible.

Business Insurance
Covering yourself with public liability, equipment insurance, or professional indemnity? All claimable.

Banking and Transaction Fees
Fees charged by your business bank account or platforms like PayPal or Stripe can also be claimed.

7. Director Training and Development

Skill-Building Courses
Whether you’re learning new editing skills or taking a course on branding, if it helps you as a director, it’s deductible.

Events and Conferences
Tickets, travel, and accommodation for business-related events or creator workshops can be claimed.

Tax Tip: HMRC is clear - training must directly benefit your business, not just your personal development.

8. Content & Campaign-Related Costs

Props and Creative Supplies
If you buy materials, décor, or props specifically for a shoot, they count as business costs.

Review Products and Subscriptions
Purchasing something just to feature or review on your channel? That’s a deductible business expense.

PR Gifts
Just a heads-up: if you receive gifted products in exchange for promotion, that’s considered income not an expense.

Common Pitfalls for Limited Company Directors

Clothing and Appearance

Just because you wore an outfit in a video doesn’t mean it’s a business expense. HMRC generally won’t allow clothing costs unless it’s a costume, branded uniform, or protective gear. Everyday clothes, even if styled for shoots, aren’t considered deductible.

Mixed-Use Items

If you use your phone, internet, or laptop for both personal and business use, you can only claim the business portion. Be honest and consistent with your estimates.

Tax Tip: Keep a record or log showing how you calculated the business use percentage - HMRC may ask for it.

Final Thoughts

Running your content creation business through a limited company offers you valuable tax-saving opportunities but only if you know which expenses are legitimately claimable.

By understanding what your company can legally deduct, you’ll not only lower your corporation tax bill, but also stay on the right side of HMRC. From equipment and subscriptions to travel and professional services, every claimable cost adds up to real savings.