Accounting for Creatives (Photographers, Designers, Writers)
Irregular income, equipment costs, and copyright licensing handled beautifully.
AI accounting for UK creative professionals - photographers, graphic designers, illustrators, writers, and artists running limited companies. Manage project-based income, track equipment investments, and handle royalty payments.
Free during Early Access - No credit card required
Problems We Solve
Irregular project income makes budgeting impossible
Income smoothing and cash flow forecasting
Expensive equipment needs tax-efficient purchasing
Capital allowances optimizer for kit purchases
Mixed personal and business use of equipment
Business use percentage tracking and claims
Royalties and licensing create complex income streams
Royalty income tracking with proper recognition
How AccountsOS Helps
Feast and famine management
Smooth your income across the year. Plan for quiet periods when big projects finish.
Equipment optimization
Buy cameras, computers, and kit tax-efficiently using Annual Investment Allowance and timing strategies.
Mixed-use tracking
Track business use percentage for equipment that's also used personally. Claim what you're entitled to.
Royalty management
Track ongoing royalty and licensing income. Recognize revenue correctly whether lump sum or recurring.
Features for Creatives (Photographers, Designers, Writers)
Project-based income tracking
Equipment depreciation and AIA
Business use percentage calculator
Royalty and licensing income
Portfolio income management
Irregular income forecasting
Artist resale rights tracking
Exhibition and commission tracking
“As a commercial photographer, I bought £15k of equipment last year. AccountsOS helped me claim the full amount against tax immediately. Saved me over £4k.”
Sophie Martinez
Commercial Photographer, Edinburgh
Common Deductible Expenses
Camera and equipment
£5,000-20,000/yearCameras, lenses, lighting - fully deductible via AIA
Software subscriptions
£50-200/monthAdobe CC, Capture One, Final Draft, Scrivener
Portfolio and marketing
£50-200/monthWebsite hosting, portfolio platforms, social media tools
Studio costs
£200-2,000/monthStudio rental, home studio expenses
Props and materials
Varies by projectArt supplies, props, printing, materials
AccountsOS automatically categorizes these expenses when you scan receipts or import bank transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I handle expensive equipment purchases?
Use the Annual Investment Allowance to deduct 100% of equipment costs in the year of purchase. Up to £1m per year qualifies. AccountsOS helps time purchases for maximum tax benefit.
What about equipment I use for personal projects too?
Track your business use percentage (e.g., 80% business, 20% personal). Claim the business proportion. Keep a usage log to support your percentage if HMRC asks.
How do I smooth out irregular income?
AccountsOS forecasts your income patterns and helps you plan salary/dividend extraction evenly across the year. Don't pay yourself everything when a big project lands.
What about royalty income from stock agencies?
Royalty payments from Getty, Shutterstock, etc. are tracked as they arrive. They're income in the period received for most small businesses. We help report this correctly.
Can I claim my home studio?
Yes. Calculate the proportion of your home used for your studio and claim that proportion of rent/mortgage interest, utilities, and council tax. AccountsOS has a home office calculator.
What about commissioned work vs licensing?
Track different income streams separately. One-off commissions are project income. Ongoing licensing is tracked as recurring revenue. Different patterns, different planning.
Accounting for Other Industries
Ready to simplify your accounting?
Join creatives (photographers, designers, writers) across the UK who trust AccountsOS with their books.
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