Tax and Expense Tracking for Fashion Models

Tax season for working models is brutal — by default.

Models work across agencies, currencies and countries. Tax season hits and the math is brutal: which expenses count, which currency rate applies, what your local tax authority calls each line item. Most models do this in a spreadsheet three weeks before the deadline.

BOOKDU was built so end-of-year takes minutes, not a weekend.

Australia

Most working models in Australia operate as sole traders with an ABN. The ATO's performing artists guide covers models. Quarterly BAS applies if turnover is over the GST threshold ($75,000).

Commonly deductible

• Agency commission
• Test shoots, portfolio updates, comp cards
• Travel between work locations
• Phone & internet (work portion)
• Gym, hair, skincare for working models — see ATO TR 95/15 for the rules

Not deductible

• Regular gym (non-working)
• Commute to a regular workplace
• Casual clothing

Read more: The Australian Model's Tax Guide · Setting up an ABN as a model.

United States

Models in the US are typically independent contractors and receive 1099-NEC forms. No taxes are withheld at source. Self-employment tax (15.3% on 92.35% of net earnings) is on top of regular income tax. Quarterly estimated tax payments are required if you'll owe $1,000+ for the year.

Commonly deductible (Schedule C)

• Agency commission
• Portfolio expenses, comp cards
• Travel for work
• Beauty maintenance for working appearances — limited, see IRS Pub 535
• Mileage at the current standard rate
• Health insurance premiums (100% for self-employed)

Practical rule from working models: set aside 25–35% of every payment into a separate tax account immediately. Total tax burden between SE tax and income tax can run 30–50% of gross.

United Kingdom

UK models register as self-employed with HMRC, get a UTR, and file Self Assessment annually. National Insurance (Class 2 and Class 4) applies on top of income tax. VAT registration kicks in around the £90,000 turnover threshold.

Commonly deductible

• Agency fees and commission
• Portfolio costs, professional photography
• Business mileage
• Professional subscriptions and training

Not deductible: ordinary clothing, regular grooming. The UK rules are stricter than AU on personal-grooming deductions.

How BOOKDU helps at tax time

• Track every expense in your home currency — multi-currency conversion at recorded transaction-date rate.
• Categories pre-mapped to your country's tax form.
• One-click CSV export at end of year.
• Receipt photos attached to line items.
• Reminders before quarterly deadlines (AU BAS, US estimated taxes, UK Self Assessment payments on account).

Read more

• Track payments across multiple agencies in the same app.
• Track expenses in tax-ready categories.
• The Australian Model's Tax Guide
• Setting up an ABN as a model

This page is general information for working models, not tax advice. Tax rules vary by country and circumstance — always confirm with a registered tax agent for your jurisdiction.