If you make videos, podcasts or social media content, HMRC treats the money you earn, and the value of free products and services you receive for promoting them, as income. Its guidance says “Income from creating online content includes gifts and services you receive from promoting products online.” Above the £1,000 trading allowance you need to tell HMRC. Tax investigation insurance pays your accountant’s fees if HMRC opens a check into your return.
Tax investigation insurance from £108.75 a year (£9.06 a month).Pays up to £100,000 of your accountant's fees if HMRC opens an enquiry. No excess. Buy online in a few minutes.
What counts as income for a content creator?
HMRC’s guidance on income from online platforms covers “making online videos, producing podcasts, social media influencing”. Taxable income can include:
- advertising and revenue share payments from platforms;
- sponsorship and brand deal fees;
- affiliate commission;
- subscriptions, tips and donations from viewers;
- the value of gifted products and services received for promoting them.
HMRC’s “Help for Hustles” campaign gives an example of a creator with £700 of fees, £300 of gifted products and £200 of advertising income: £1,200 in total, which is over the £1,000 trading allowance, so it must be reported.
When do I need to register?
If your trading income is more than £1,000 in a tax year, register for Self Assessment by 5 October after the end of that tax year. The £1,000 is gross income, not profit. Above it, you can deduct actual business costs instead of the allowance. If your income is high enough, the VAT registration threshold may also apply.
Worried about an HMRC check? Tax investigation insurance pays your accountant’s fees if HMRC opens an enquiry or compliance check. Solar Protect cover pays up to £100,000 with no excess. It never pays tax, interest or penalties.
From £108.75 a year (£9.06 a month) for individuals, £117.57 for sole traders and £207.50 for companies and partnerships, including IPT and the £20 admin fee.
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What costs can a content creator claim?
Costs must be wholly and exclusively for the business: equipment, software, editing services, a share of home and phone costs, and props bought for content. Items you keep for personal use are harder to justify. See allowable business expenses and working from home expenses.
Does HMRC get data on creators?
HMRC receives data from many third party sources, including platform operators under the digital platform reporting rules where they apply, and information from overseas tax authorities. Payments from overseas platforms still count as UK income for UK residents.
What might HMRC ask?
- whether all income streams, including gifted items, are in the return;
- how gifted products were valued;
- whether personal spending has been claimed as a business cost;
- whether you registered on time.
Solar Protect cover responds to full and aspect enquiries into Income Tax returns, and to Corporation Tax enquiries if you trade through a company.
Tax investigation insurance pays your accountant’s fees if HMRC opens a check after your cover starts. Solar Protect cover pays up to £100,000 with no excess. It never pays tax, interest or penalties. Read how our cover works or get a quote today.
Reviewed by Christine Anderson, Broker, Solar Protect. Last reviewed 7 October 2026. Sources: HMRC guidance, Check if you need to tell HMRC about your income from online platforms; HMRC Help for Hustles campaign. Cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions and exclusions. This guide is general information, not personalised tax advice.