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For self-employed makeup artists

MTD for Income Tax for makeup artists.

Bridal and event bookings with deposits, a kit that's a major cost, travel to venues and seasonal peaks. Here's how Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies to makeup artists, and when it starts.

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When does it start for me?

For many artists, April 2027 is the date.

MTD for Income Tax phases in by gross income before expenses. Bridal and event work can build a solid gross income across a busy season.

£50,000
Already live, from April 2026
Your likely date
£30,000
In scope from April 2027
£20,000
In scope from April 2028
Deposits and dates

Deposits and balances, kept in step.

Bridal bookings often take a deposit months ahead and the balance on the day. Recording each in the right quarter, linked to the booking, keeps your figures consistent from enquiry to wedding.

What records you need →
What's changing

Digital records, four quarterly updates, one final declaration.

When you're in scope, your annual Self Assessment return is replaced by four short quarterly updates and a year-end final declaration, all through recognised software.

What to keep digital

  • Booking income, deposits and balances
  • Makeup kit, brushes and consumables
  • Travel to venues and trials
  • Insurance and training
  • Website, portfolio and marketing costs
  • Any assistant fees you pay

Link deposits and final balances to each booking so income lands in the right quarter.

  • Deposits Recorded in the right quarter
  • Kit A major deductible cost
  • Seasonal peaks Reconciled across the year
The makeup detail

The bits specific to makeup artistry.

Deposits and balances

A deposit now, the balance on the day. Link them to the booking so income lands in the right quarter.

Your kit

Kit and consumables are a big, deductible cost. Record purchases so your figures reflect the real margin.

Travel and trials

Travel to venues and bridal trials is deductible. Log it as you go and nothing is missed.

Seasonal peaks

Wedding season makes some quarters busier. Quarterly updates report it as it happens, reconciled at year-end.

Why Clear Books

From enquiry to wedding day, kept in order.

Deposits, balances and a big kit spend need tracking. Clear Books keeps them tidy and gives HMRC exactly what MTD needs, whenever you're in scope.

  • Link deposits and balances to each booking
  • Record kit and consumables as expenses
  • Log travel to venues and trials
  • See your gross income against the thresholds
  • Send HMRC-compliant quarterly updates in minutes
  • Free plan available, no timer
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The Clear Books MTD for Income Tax submissions screen showing four quarterly updates submitted to HMRC
Q1 update submitted
HMRC recognised
Common questions

Makeup artist MTD FAQ.

When does MTD for Income Tax start for makeup artists?
The key date for many is April 2027, at £30,000 of gross income. Over £50,000 it applies now, and from April 2028 it drops to £20,000.
How do booking deposits work under quarterly reporting?
A deposit is income you record in line with your accounting basis, often when received. Clear Books keeps deposits and balances linked so your quarterly figures stay consistent across a booking.
Can I claim my kit?
Yes. Your makeup kit, brushes and consumables are a major deductible expense. Smaller items are expensed and larger equipment may go through capital allowances.
My work is seasonal, does that matter?
No. Busy seasons make some quarters higher. Quarterly updates report each quarter as it happens, and your final declaration reconciles the year.
Do I need to worry about VAT?
MTD for Income Tax and VAT are separate. If your turnover reaches the VAT threshold you may need to register for VAT too, but that's a different obligation. Clear Books supports both.
Free for self-employed makeup artists

Know where you stand before the deadline.

Record bookings, deposits and kit as you go, watch your gross against the thresholds, and be ready to submit when your wave lands.

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