Backstage
the bit nobody taught you at drama school

Free tax help that
finally makes sense

Every guide, tool and template we’ve got — written for performers, creatives and arts freelancers. No jargon, no judgement, no cost.

Free — always
our next live Tax Talk

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A friendly, no-jargon 45 minutes on the tax stuff that trips performers up — live, quarterly, relevant and digestible. 

Next session — Wednesday 14th October 8pm
Online — join from wherever you are
October focus — allowable business expenses and panto
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These talks are general education, not personal tax advice — we’re not an accounting service. 
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Free tools & templates

Do I need to file?
Check in two minutes whether a self-assessment return is for you.
Open checker →
$
Foreign Income Calculator
Convert overseas earnings to GBP without the headache.
Open tool →
Seafarers’ Earnings Deduction
Cruise or ship work? See if you qualify for the deduction.
Open calculator →
WORD
Invoice template
A clean, ready-to-send invoice. Free to download and keep.
Download free →
Check if/when you need MTD
Find out if Making Tax Digital applies to your business.
Check now →
simple guides for super people

The guide library

Showing all 30 guides
“Let’s start at the very beginning”Setting up
Registering as Self-EmployedA screen-by-screen walkthrough of registering with HMRC — step into it with confidence.Starting a New BusinessWhen a new income stream needs its own business — and when it doesn’t.New Tax YearComplete step-by-step guide to managing mixed income.Cheat Sheet: Getting to Know the BasicsQuick glossary of tax terms — what things mean and how they affect you.Theatre Graduates: What You Need to KnowJust left drama school? Your roadmap to managing tax and money as a performer.
“We’re in the money”Receiving income
Touring AllowanceOn tour with a weekly allowance? How to record it properly.P60s + P45sWhat they are, the difference, and why to keep them.Understanding IncomeEmployed vs self-employed — how to track both types.InvoicingGetting paid properly — invoice essentials and chasing late payment.
“Hey, big spender!”Business expenses
Food. Can I Expense It?When meals, coffees and subsistence count as expenses.Expenses & DeductionsReducing your tax bill — common deductible business expenses.Record KeepingYour paper trail — what to keep and for how long.
“It’s showtime!”Tax returns
Class 2 National InsuranceReturn says you owe Class 2 under the limit? How to say no.Accessing Previous Tax ReturnsFind and download an old return for a landlord or broker.Missed the Deadline?Missed 31 January? What to do and what it might cost.Making Tax DigitalQuarterly updates explained — and when MTD applies to you.How to Do Your Tax ReturnScreen-by-screen walkthrough of your self-assessment.Tax Filing DeadlinesKey dates — don't miss them or face penalties.Staying CompliantSimple habits to keep you on the right side of HMRC.
“There’s no cure like travel!”Abroad & touring
Foreign IncomeEarned abroad? Three questions sort out how to handle it.Are You a UK Resident?The residency test as a motorway — take the first exit.Cruise Ship Income & SEDShip pay, and the deduction worth claiming if you qualify.SED Eligible PeriodsDo days at sea add up across tax years? Yes — here’s how.Working AbroadTouring internationally — how it affects your tax obligations.
“Supercalifragilistic…”Everything else
Universal CreditWhat Universal Credit is, and what you need to know if you're on a low income or out of work.Evidence for Universal CreditProve your income & expenses at a UC review, the easy way.The Equity PensionA pension for irregular income — plus the tax-return quirk.Claiming Tax ReliefMaximize your savings — reliefs designed for performers.National InsuranceNI contributions explained — how it affects your future.Frequently Asked QuestionsCommon questions from performers — quick answers.
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Rave reviews from the stalls

★★★★★loved by performers like you
★★★★★

A beacon of performer-friendly info on everything tax. So grateful — it makes the whole thing less scary!

BritBrit
Brit
Dancer / Musical Theatre
★★★★★

I filed my first tax return this year all by myself, thanks to their step-by-step guide. One of the best tools I’ve found.

EllaElla
Ella
Actor / Writer / Producer
★★★★★

Everything’s explained so clearly and relatably. A much-needed toolkit for performers and creatives — highly recommend!

TairaTaira
Taira Foo
Choreographer
★★★★★

The most fab resources — they break it all down for us non-mathematical actors. An absolute life-saver!

IndiaIndia
India
Musical Theatre Actor
★★★★★

Like being guided through your tax return by a friend. For this dyslexic actor, something stressful became easy and empowering.

KymberleyKymberley
Kymberley
Actor / Voice Artist / Producer
★★★★★

The step-by-step guide was an absolute lifesaver — so quick and easy. I’ll use it every year for my tax return.

LewisLewis
Lewis
Actor
★★★★★

I had no idea what to expect from my first tax return — their step-by-step guide made it so simple.

LinzeyLinzey
Linzey
Actor
★★★★★

Got me unstuck on my tax return. So much useful content — super efficient, super friendly, highly recommend.

CiaranCiaran
Ciaran
Actor

Handy places to go next

Tax Talks
Our video chats unpacking tax, one friendly topic at a time.
HMRC website
Straight to the source for official rules and deadlines.
pssst… come backstage

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