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For self-employed musicians, producers, or private tutors, buying an instrument is not just a creative decision—it’s a business investment. Whether you perform live, teach lessons, or produce in a studio, your musical tools are at the core of your income. That means you may be eligible to claim tax relief on the cost of your instruments and related gear.
Are Musical Instruments Tax-Deductible in the UK?
If you are self-employed and use your musical instrument for your business, you can usually claim the cost on your Self-Assessment tax return. However, you must use the item only for your work.
For example, if you are a session guitarist, a piano teacher, or a DJ, and you use your instrument or equipment to make money, it may qualify for full tax relief.
What You Can Claim
Musical instruments are usually considered capital assets. You can use the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) to claim back the full cost in the same tax year you buy the instrument.
This applies to:
- Traditional instruments like guitars, violins, and pianos
- Digital gear such as keyboards, drum machines, and synthesisers
- DJ equipment, including decks, mixers, and speakers
- Recording gear like microphones, interfaces, and control surfaces
- Software tools and digital plugins used in music production
- Accessories and replacement parts such as strings, reeds, cases, and cables
You may also be able to claim subscriptions to music software or licences used to perform or distribute your work.
Repairs and Maintenance
Routine maintenance and repairs to keep your instruments or equipment in working order are standard business expenses that are claimable. This includes services such as restringing, tuning, part replacement, and audio equipment repairs. These costs are not capitalised but deducted as part of your operating expenses for the year.
Claiming Shared-Use Equipment
If an instrument or piece of equipment is used partly for personal enjoyment, you will need to apportion the cost accordingly. Only the percentage used for business can be claimed. For example, if you use your keyboard 70 per cent for teaching and 30 per cent for personal use, only 70 per cent of the cost is allowable.
It is important to document how you use shared-use items. Keeping a usage log, teaching schedule, or calendar can help support your claim.
Other Allowable Music-Related Expenses
In addition to instruments, musicians can claim a range of related costs:
- Studio or rehearsal room hire
- Equipment insurance or public liability cover
- Music licence fees and performance rights payments
- Travel to and from gigs, lessons, or sessions
- Website hosting, branding, photography, or marketing services
- Training courses that directly support your music business
All of these must be incurred wholly and exclusively for your trade or profession to qualify.
When to Claim: Timing Your Purchase
If you plan to purchase a high-value instrument, consider doing so before the end of the tax year. This allows you to include the deduction on that year’s return and potentially lower your taxable profits. Timing purchases strategically can help smooth your income and reduce liability.
If you anticipate a large tax bill, making a major investment in your business at the right time can significantly reduce your payable amount.
Keeping Records for Your Claim
You must retain evidence to support every claim. Acceptable records include:
- Purchase receipts or digital invoices
- Bank or credit card statements
- Usage logs or client bookings
- Maintenance or service bills
- Proof of delivery or ownership
Keep these records for at least five years after the 31 January submission deadline of the relevant tax year.
Who Can Claim Instrument Costs?
This guide is designed for self-employed individuals who earn a living using musical instruments. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Session musicians and live performers
- Music producers and engineers
- Instrument tutors and vocal coaches
- DJs and composers
If you are employed full-time and play music as a hobby or side income, you may not qualify for the same level of relief unless you have registered as self-employed or set up a business.
For limited companies, the instrument becomes a business asset of the company, and the claim is made through the company tax return rather than a personal Self-Assessment.
How Much Could You Save?
If you earn £40,000 annually from music-related work and buy a £2,500 instrument used fully for your business, deducting that cost can reduce your taxable income to £37,500. This lowers your income tax and National Insurance liability. Multiply this across multiple expenses, and the savings become substantial.
Final Checklist Before You Claim
To confirm you’re eligible to claim musical instruments:
- Is the instrument used wholly or primarily for business?
- Have you retained the proof of purchase?
- Are you registered for Self Assessment or trading through a company?
- Can you document the usage if it’s shared for personal use?
- Was the instrument purchased in the current tax year?
If the answer is yes to all, you should be able to include it in your tax return.
Musical instruments, software, and production gear are vital for musicians and performers, and you can claim their costs under the UK tax system if you meet certain criteria and maintain clear records. Deductions for new equipment, repairs, and software updates can reduce your taxable profit. If you need help with cost apportioning, timing purchases, or tax returns, consider seeking professional advice to ensure accuracy.