Online Bookkeeping for the Entertainments Industry

We have provided a simple method for all performers and artists to record of all incomes and expenditure. Simply fill in the form on a weekly basis - or however frequently suits you - and either send them directly to us as email attachments, or print them off and send them via post.

Download Weekly Bookkeeping Form - CLICK HERE

Examples of Online Bookkeeping

The following is a typical (though fictitious) accounts of weekly income and expenditure laid out on an Excel Spreadsheet, which we have provided.

Bookkeeping Explanatory Notes: Income & Expenditure

These notes are to give you some idea of the kinds of things that you might include in your weekly return. They relate to the Weekly Bookkeeping Form which you can download below. They are simple a guide. Any queries please simply contact us. Those items that do not apply should be left blank.

20. Agents Fees/Commission
This is not listed above but is on the weekly bookkeeping form, as this is for most the major expense. This will be whatever percentage you have agreed in the contract with your agent. If however you do not have an agent at present, you will not incur this expense.

21. Travel & Subsistence
This include bus, taxi, train and air fares a well as the cost of staying/working away if not refunded.

22. Motor Expenses
Includes all petrol, servicing, insurance AA, RAC memberships etc...

23. Insurance
This might include National Insurance Contributions, personal insurances and life insurance, third party liability insurance, etc...

24. Subscriptions
These might include such things as subscriptions to professional bodies (eg. Equity, Spotlight), professional publications (PCR, The Stage), etc...

25. Magazines & Books
Those bought for audition & rehearsal purposes.

26. Advertsising & Photography
Including reprints of 10x8s, portfolio fees etc..

27. Cosmetics/Makeup/Hair
This is self-explanatory.

28. Wardrobe
This includes only clothes which you are required to buy for specific productions or auditions, and should not include normal day wear.

29. Telephone
The cost of the telephone bill - we will make a proportional calculation as to how much of it is personal and how much work-related/business.

30. Computer Costs
Running costs such as internet connection cost, online chargers, etc... excluding entered under PPSA (below)

31. Accountancy
The costs you pay to us.

32. Loan/Lease Repayments
These might include student loans, care hire/purchase, etc...

33. PPSA - Postage, Printing, Stationery & Advertising
This is self-explanatory.

34. Personal Care
Including fitness instructors, gym membership, yoga classes, as well as some dental and optical services etc...

35. Recording & Studio Fees
This is self explanatory.

36. Dance, Theatre, Gallery Tickets

37. Conferences

33. Other
Self explanatory.

Additional Information on Bookkeeping

Legitimate Claims
The Weekly Returns should only include legitimate business expenses, and NOT all outgoings of a personal nature - but, if in doubt, please include. We do, however, reserve the right to exclude those items which we feel are unjustified.

Other Employment

Any full/part time employment (under PAYE scheme), we only need details of at your your end, which we obtain through a P60/045. You do not need to enter this on a weekly basis.

Monthly & Annual Costs
Many of your costs may occur monthly or annually - in these cases, simply enter the full amount in the week they are received.

Invoices & Receipts
Please supply any relevant invoices, receipts and statements to support your Return.

Working from Home
Please do not enter a specific cost for the use of residence - we will make an entry on an annual basis under the category "Use of Home as Office".

Download Weekly Bookkeeping Form - CLICK HERE

Most people pay their VAT quarterly, although you can pay monthly if you so desire. If your first quarter is January - March, for example, your VAT payment is due on or before 30th April; so you have a month from the end of you quarter in which to pay.

If, however, you file your VAT Returns online with Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC), you get an extra 7 days to both submit and pay your return.

We would need your authority, as your accountant, to complete this process for you.

If this is something you would like further information on, or would like to set up, please contact us or have a look at the HMRC website.