The influencer industry has experienced tremendous growth over the past few years and has become a lucrative career path for many individuals. However, with success comes responsibility, and one crucial aspect that influencers often overlook is accurate record-keeping.
Keeping track of your income and expenses is essential not only for financial management but also for legal and tax compliance.
In this article, our specialist accountants for influencers will explore the importance of accurate record-keeping for influencers and provide valuable tips on how to track income and expenses effectively.
Financial management and budgeting
Accurate record-keeping plays a vital role in financial management for influencers. By maintaining detailed records of your income and expenses, you gain a clear understanding of your financial situation.
This information allows you to create a budget, set financial goals, and make informed decisions regarding your spending and investments. Without accurate records, it becomes challenging to evaluate your financial health and make proactive financial choices.
Tax compliance
Tax compliance is a significant aspect that influencers must consider. As an influencer, your income is subject to taxation, so it’s really important to accurately report your earnings to the tax authorities. Proficient record-keeping ensures that you have a complete and organised overview of your income sources, making it easier to file your taxes correctly.
Failure to maintain these records or report your income accurately can lead to penalties, fines, or even legal ramifications. By staying organised and tracking your income diligently, you can avoid these issues and ensure compliance with tax regulations.
To learn more about your tax obligations as an influencer in our detailed blog here.
Proof of income for collaborations and sponsorships
Influencers often collaborate with brands and secure sponsorships to monetise their platforms. Brands and sponsors may require proof of income and a breakdown of your financial performance before entering into any agreements.
Keeping up-to-date records allows you to provide concrete evidence of your earnings, which increases your credibility and negotiating power. Having these records available not only helps you secure better deals but also enables you to demonstrate the value you bring to potential partners.
Monitoring revenue streams
Influencers generate income from various sources, such as brand collaborations, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and ad revenue. Effective record-keeping allows you to track and analyse each revenue stream individually.
By monitoring your income sources, you can identify which avenues are performing well and which ones may need improvement. This information helps you make strategic business decisions and optimise your revenue generation.
What’s more, tracking income sources allows you to identify potential discrepancies or unauthorised use of your content, protecting your intellectual property rights and financial interests.
Expense tracking and deductions
Influencers often incur expenses related to their content creation, marketing, equipment, and travel. Tracking these expenses is important for several reasons.
Firstly, it helps you maintain an accurate record of your business-related costs, which can be used for tax deductions. Deductible expenses can significantly reduce your taxable income, saving you money in the long run.
Secondly, expense tracking enables you to evaluate the profitability of your business. By comparing your expenses against your income, you can assess whether you are running a profitable venture or need to make adjustments to your spending habits.
Organisation and audit preparedness
Comprehensive record-keeping ensures that your financial information is organised and readily available whenever needed. In the event of an audit or financial review, you can quickly provide supporting documentation for your income and expenses.
This level of organisation not only simplifies the auditing process but also demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to compliance. By maintaining meticulous records, or having a specialist accountant help, you instil confidence in financial institutions, sponsors, and potential business partners.
Tips for effective record-keeping for influencers
Now that we understand the importance of accurate record-keeping for influencers let’s explore some tips to help you track your income and expenses effectively:
- Separate business and personal finances: Open a separate bank account and credit card dedicated solely to your influencer activities. This separation makes it easier to track business-related transactions and ensures clean financial records.
- Use accounting software: Consider using accounting software specifically designed for tracking income and expenses. These tools streamline the process, automate calculations, and provide valuable insights into your financial performance.
- Maintain a filing system: Organise your receipts, invoices, and financial documents in a logical filing system. This practice makes it easier to locate specific records when needed and simplifies the overall record-keeping process.
- Regularly reconcile your accounts: Reconcile your bank statements and credit card statements with your accounting records on a monthly basis. This step helps identify any discrepancies or errors promptly.
- Track income and expenses in real-time: Avoid procrastination and record your income and expenses as soon as they occur. Waiting too long can lead to forgetfulness or inaccuracies, which can be challenging to rectify later.
Keeping financial records in order is essential for influencers
Accurate record-keeping is an important aspect of an influencer’s financial management. By diligently tracking income and expenses, influencers can maintain a clear overview of their finances, ensure tax compliance, and make informed business decisions.
Moreover, accurate records provide proof of income for collaborations, help monitor revenue streams, and simplify audit processes. By implementing effective record-keeping practices and following the tips mentioned in this article, influencers can set themselves up for long-term success in their careers.
If you’re looking for professional guidance for handling tax matters as an influencer, contact our accounting specialists at WIS Accountancy today on 0203 011 1898.
Frequently asked questions about record keeping for influencers
To learn more about record keeping, check out our FAQs below or contact us today:
What type of money will be classified as income as an influencer?
Loosely speaking, all of your payments received from providing personal services must be classified as your income in gross. This will include things like your salary/fees, any tips, commissions, ad revenue or other compensations like stock options.
How often are influencers audited by HMRC?
Influencers should expect to receive a tax audit every five years or so. Only a small portion of income tax and corporate tax returns are looked into each year, but if there are any red flags that point to underpayment, then audits become more likely and in-depth.
What receipts should I keep as an influencer?
It’s a good idea to keep a hold of any records or receipts that are associated with your work. This will include things like bank statements, invoices and any business expenses, such as mileage. It’s good to hold onto some of these because they can be tax-deductible, allowing you to make some savings when it comes to paying tax.
