Tax Tips Every Beauty Professional Should Know

As a beauty professional in the UK—whether you’re self-employed, mobile, renting a chair, or running your own salon—understanding your tax obligations is essential. Staying on top of your taxes means fewer surprises, better financial planning, and more peace of mind.

Here are some key tax tips every beauty pro should know:

1. Know Your Business Structure
The way you’re set up affects how you’re taxed:

Self-Employed: You’ll file a Self Assessment tax return and pay Income Tax + National Insurance (Class 2 and 4).

Limited Company: You’ll pay Corporation Tax, and possibly draw a salary + dividends.

Partnership: You and your partner(s) share profits and each file a Self Assessment.

💡 Tip: If you're not sure which structure is best, speak with an accountant—it can make a big difference to your take-home income.

2. Keep Track of ALL Expenses
You can claim tax-deductible expenses that are wholly and exclusively for your business. This might include:

Beauty supplies (e.g. wax, lashes, nail products)

Rent or chair hire

Uniforms

Marketing costs

Mobile phone (business use portion)

Training courses (if they maintain existing skills)

💡 Tip: Keep digital receipts and use bookkeeping software (or a service like Solid Ledger) to stay organised.

3. Don’t Forget About Mileage and Travel
If you’re mobile, you can claim:

Mileage allowance (45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles, then 25p)

Parking fees and tolls

Public transport if used for business purposes

💡 Tip: Use an app or spreadsheet to log travel details weekly—don’t wait until the end of the year.

4. Set Aside Money for Tax All Year
Tax bills can sneak up on you if you’re not prepared. The deadline for Self Assessment is 31 January every year, and many forget to save as they go.

💡 Tip: Set aside 20–30% of your profits in a separate savings account each month to cover tax and National Insurance.

5. Register for Self Assessment on Time
If you’re new to self-employment, you must register with HMRC by 5 October after the end of the tax year you started trading in. Missing this can lead to fines.

💡 Tip: Even if you only work part-time or as a side hustle, you still need to register if your income goes over £1,000 in a tax year.

6. Stay VAT-Aware
You must register for VAT if your turnover goes over £90,000 (as of 2024/25) in a 12-month period. Even if you're under the threshold, there may be times when voluntary registration makes sense.

💡 Tip: Track your income monthly to avoid breaching the threshold unknowingly.

7. Get Professional Help
Tax rules can be confusing—and mistakes can cost you. An accountant who understands the beauty industry can help you:

Maximise your tax savings

Stay compliant

Save time and stress

💡 Tip: Solid Ledger works with beauty professionals across the UK—we know your business, and we speak your language.

Final Word
Staying on top of your taxes isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about building a healthy, profitable business. With the right habits (and the right support), you can take control of your finances and focus on what you love: making your clients look and feel amazing.