BECTU provides guidance for its members on a range of issues and tax is one of the most important.
HMRC operates a helpline to assist workers in film production with enquiries about actors, 7 Day Rule, expenses, dispensations, employment status and special letters (including Lorimer letters). Tel 0191 419 8800 / 8813 or email a.filmproductionunitmailbox@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.
Freelances working for TV broadcasters can contact the HMRC on 0161 261 3254 / 3255 / 3691.
Freelances often have to manage their tax themselves but can also, depending on grade, be subject to the specific requirements of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs. A guidance document provided by the HMRC for workers in film and tv is attached to this page.
BECTU's Tax Guide for Freelances
In addition the union publishes its own guide for members (last updated in August 2011). The guide covers:
- Advice on tax status
- Accepted schedule D grades
- The 7 day rule
- Schedule D v PAYE
- PAYE: permissible expenses
- PAYE: subsistence allowances when working away from base
- PAYE: subsistence expenses when working away from base
- Working abroad
- VAT
- Service companies
- National insurance status
BECTU members should log-in to access the full document.
