Part 1 of 3: The Tax Survival Series for Creatives

“Miquita Oliver’s £170K Tax Nightmare: What Every Creator, Podcaster & Performer Needs to Know About Tax on TikTok Income, PR Gifts & Entertainment Royalties”

When Miquita Oliver, television presenter and radio personality, opened up about her financial meltdown in her twenties, the creative world took notice.

The now 40-year-old, known for co-hosting Channel 4’s Popworld and shows on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, revealed that she was hit with a £170,000 tax bill in 2012. It forced her to sell personal belongings, declare herself bankrupt, and rebuild from scratch.

She called it “the most shameful thing in the world.” But here’s the truth: her experience is far more common than most people realise — especially in the world of modern media and entertainment.

Today’s creators don’t just include TV presenters and musicians — they’re also podcasters, TikTokers, streamers, comedians, voiceover artists, actors, and anyone building an audience online.

With money coming in from everywhere — but little financial guidance — too many creatives are still learning the hard way.

Who Does This Affect?

Whether you’re a digital native or a traditional broadcaster, here are some of the most common taxable income sources for creatives:

• TikTok / Instagram / YouTube income (brand deals, collabs, paid posts, subscriptions)
• Podcast ad revenue or sponsorships
• Appearance fees (TV, panels, interviews)
• Royalties from music, book sales, content licensing
• UGC (User-Generated Content) creation for brands
• Streaming revenue (Twitch, YouTube monetisation, Patreon)
• PR gifts in exchange for exposure
• Voiceover work, DJ sets, event hosting
• Residual payments / repeats / licensing rights

If you’re getting paid for anything tied to your name, content, or voice — HMRC expects you to declare it.

Miquita’s Wake-Up Call: “I Just Didn’t Understand”

At the height of her early fame, Miquita says she had no idea what she owed or how to manage it.

And she’s not alone. Many performers and creatives are thrown into the industry with zero training in financial literacy. Payments are irregular, jobs are freelance, agents may or may not withhold tax, and no one explains the rules.

When you ignore it, HMRC can go back years — and demand everything at once.

Here are some tax angles to consider and practical tips for anyone navigating the entertainment industry.

Basic Tax Compliance: Ensuring You’re on the Right Track

For many professionals, the first step is ensuring compliance with tax obligations. This includes:

• Filing returns on time: It sounds basic, but missed deadlines can lead to penalties. Self-assessment is especially important for freelancers or those with multiple income sources.
• Understanding your tax bracket: With fluctuating income, it’s important to understand where you stand in terms of personal income tax rates.
• Proper record-keeping: Accurate and up-to-date records are critical to ensuring that all income, expenses, and deductions are captured, preventing future issues.

Budget for Tax When Your Income Fluctuates

In the media and entertainment world, income can vary widely from month to month or year to year. This fluctuation means tax liabilities can be unpredictable, a big step to handle this is to budget for tax liabilities. Set aside a portion of each paycheck for tax. This can be especially helpful for those with income spikes or bonuses. HMRC doesn’t care how small or “casual” a payment seems — if you’re earning from it, it’s likely taxable. That includes:

• Free products received in exchange for posts
• Income from overseas platforms (YouTube, Twitch, Cameo)
• Royalties, licensing payments, and usage fees
• Digital products or e-books sold online
• Side gigs like teaching, voiceovers or set design

You’re Self-Employed — Even If You Feel Like a Freelancer

Most people in media and entertainment are classed as sole traders. This means:

• You must register with HMRC once you earn over £1,000 per year
• You need to file a Self-Assessment tax return every year
• You are personally responsible for your income tax and National Insurance

If you don’t file? HMRC can issue £100+ penalties, charge 7.75% interest, and add up to 100% of the tax owed in fines.

Entertainment Expenses You Can Claim

Tax isn’t all doom and gloom — you can reduce your bill by claiming relevant business costs, such as:

• Studio hire, sound tech, mics, lights, software
• Travel to gigs, sets, or appearances
• PR agency or management fees
• Home office costs (a portion of rent, Wi-Fi, utilities)
• Editing tools, subscriptions (e.g. Adobe, Riverside, Canva)
• Wardrobe, props or make-up — if used solely for performances

But beware, HMRC doesn’t like vague claims. Keep clear records, receipts, and justifications.

Don’t Wait for a Tax Bill to Get Smart

Miquita Oliver’s story isn’t just a cautionary tale — it’s a powerful reminder to creators, podcasters, and performers of the importance of staying on top of tax and compliance. The truth is, the taxman doesn’t care how creative your career is — if you’re earning, you’re liable. From PR gifts to podcast sponsorships, every stream of income can be taxable, and HMRC has a long memory.

The good news? You don’t have to learn the hard way. Start by getting clear on what you earn, what you owe, and what you can claim. In Part 2 of our Tax Survival Series, we’ll tackle one of the biggest pitfalls for emerging artists: VAT. Should you register early? Can you reclaim VAT on commissions and gear? What happens if you miss the threshold? We’ll break it down.