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Bow Skills talk (in-person): money matters – managing taxes as an artist with Tika Accountancy
Wednesday 4th November 2026 , 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Are you an artist navigating the complexities of the UK tax system? This workshop will help you understand the essentials of managing your taxes, record-keeping and filing obligations as a self-employed artist, micro-business or Community Interest Company (CIC).
Taxes can be daunting for artists, but they do not have to be. Join Kenneth Tsang of Tika Accountancy for an informative and practical session designed to help freelance artists and creative entrepreneurs better understand and manage their tax and filing responsibilities.
Kenneth will demystify the tax process, giving you the knowledge and confidence to approach tax season with greater clarity and less stress. The session will cover key tax filing requirements, the different types of taxes that artists may encounter, how taxable profits and tax liabilities are calculated, and the forthcoming Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements for self-employed individuals.
You will learn practical strategies for tracking income and expenses in a way that fits your creative practice, including a brief overview of digital record-keeping and the use of MTD-compatible software (e.g. Xero). The session will also explore common allowable business expenses relevant to self-employed artists and micro-businesses. Kenneth will provide a brief overview of the main differences and filing obligations for sole traders, limited companies and Community Interest Companies (CICs), together with guidance on when it may be beneficial to work with an accountant and what to look for when choosing a tax professional.
The talk will conclude with a Q&A session, offering you the opportunity to ask Kenneth your questions and gain guidance on tax issues relevant to your own artistic practice.Whether you are new to self-employment, running a small business or CIC, or looking to strengthen your understanding of taxes, this session will equip you with the tools and insights needed to stay organised, compliant and financially confident.
In this talk, you will:
- Learn about your key tax responsibilities as a self-employed artist, including registering with HMRC, filing Self-Assessment tax returns, meeting important deadlines, and preparing for Making Tax Digital (MTD).
- Gain practical knowledge of keeping track of income and expenses, common allowable business expenses for artists, and record-keeping practices that can help you stay compliant and maximise allowable claims.
- Build confidence in managing your taxes by understanding how the UK tax system works, when to seek professional support, and how good record-keeping and tax habits can support your long-term creative career.
No previous experience is required — come along and find out!
This series of Bow Skills finance workshops is supported by Xero’s Unlock Your Numbers programme.
This event will take place at Bow Arts Trust, 183 Bow Road, London, E3 2SJ.
To get here, come to 183 Bow Road, London E3 2SJ. When you arrive at the big grey wooden portico on Bow Road, press the ‘Bow Arts Offices’ button on the intercom and someone will buzz you in. Head straight into the courtyard where you will find us.
More about Kenneth Tsang & Tika Accountancy
Kenneth Tsang is a Chartered Accountant and founder of London-based Tika Accountancy. He has over 16 years of professional accounting and tax experience, including more than eight years in the UK, having previously worked at leading accountancy firms, including PwC. Through Tika Accountancy, Kenneth supports individuals, freelancers and small businesses with their UK accounting and tax obligations, and has delivered practical webinars on UK tax, Self Assessment and business compliance.
About Bow Skills
Bow Arts seeks to support creative professionals at all stages of their careers. In 2015 Bow Arts launched Bow Skills in response to an artist survey which showed over 90% of practicing artists find it useful to receive further support outside formal education.
Bow Skills is a dynamic and relevant programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) which is informed by an artist steering group and open to all creative practitioners across London. The programme of talks, panel discussions, new skills labs and peer crits is open to all, with concession rates available to students, over 65s, under 18s, Bow Arts artists and key workers.
Access information
The Bow Arts Trust office has step-free access throughout from street level, including to the accessible toilet, and is service animal friendly. This venue does not have a hearing loop system. Accessible parking is not available on-site.
If you have any questions regarding accessibility at this venue or event, would like to make us aware of any access requirements that you have in advance of visiting, or would like this information in an alternate format including Easy Read, please email nunnery@bowarts.com or call 020 8980 7774 (Ext. 3)
Access requirements could include things like providing equipment, services or support (e.g. information in Easy Read, speech to text software, additional 1:1 support), adjusting workshop timings (e.g. more break times), adjustments to the event space (e.g. having a seat near the entrance) or anything else you can think of!
Transport Information
Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm
Address: Bow Arts Trust, 183 Bow Road, London, E3 2SJ
Nearest station(s): Bow Road (District and Hammersmith and City lines) is a 6-minute walk away, and Bow Church (DLR) is a 3-minute walk away.
Bus: 205, 25, 425, A8, D8, 108, 276, 488 and 8 all service the surrounding area.
Bike: Bicycle parking is located at Bow Church Station. The nearest Santander Cycles docking station is at Bow Church Station.
