Barry Kernon

Consultant

I am an accounting and tax consultant advising many media clients at HW Fisher.

I work with many authors, journalists, artists, musicians, producers, directors and others in the media world, and specialise in the tax treatment of individuals in the creative industries. I also advise many smaller businesses operating in a wide variety of sectors.

I have many years’ experience of providing specialist advice in tax planning, reducing tax liabilities, including the use of limited companies and strategic business advice, as well as accounts preparation. I advise clients on all tax matters, including VAT, inheritance tax, capital gains tax, corporation tax etc. and deal with all aspects of authors’ tax advice.

I qualified in 1970 and had my own practice for many years until it merged with HW Fisher in 2002.

I am Honorary Treasurer of the Society of Authors and was once nominated to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of my many years of service.

Articles & Insights

2nd April 2019Tax FAQs for authors

Q: What are the most common mistakes on tax returns?

The most common error is to show income after the deduction of agent’s commission and VAT. You should always show your gross income, before deductions, and make a separate claim for commission and VAT costs.

2nd April 2019Top tips for record-keeping on the road

1. If you’re using a car for business purposes, it’s important to keep a log of business miles. If this isn’t possible all the time, it’s a good idea to keep a record for a representative period of three or four typical months to make an overall calculation from.

7th January 2019A miscellany of hints, tips and wrinkles for writers based in the UK

UK writers have to cope with income tax, national insurance, sometimes VAT, and record-keeping. This may seem overwhelming at times and professional advice can be invaluable. The key points of importance are below.

2nd January 2019Capital allowances: a guide for authors

Capital allowances let you claim tax relief on capital expenditure. Relief is available on items such as computers, office furniture and equipment, reference library, vehicles and other physical assets you may use in your professional activities.They represent HMRC’s version of depreciation, which cannot be claimed in any other way.

17th December 2018Author expenses – a checklist

It’s important to know what expenses you can claim as an author; it may be more than you think, especially if you use your home as your office. The below is not an exhaustive list, but highlights areas where you may be able to make a claim.

1st June 2020Authors’ tax trap – incorporations that go wrong

Our Authors & Journalists team advises writers on whether they would benefit by operating through a limited company. Care is needed as there can be complications and circumstances vary from one author to another.

8th January 2018Making tax digital: Taxing transformations

Remember the plans for quarterly tax returns? Simon Whaley finds out what writers need to do now, in preparation.

Barry Kernon

Consultant

Expertise

Sector Specialisms

Memberships

Articles & Insights

2nd April 2019Tax FAQs for authors

2nd April 2019Top tips for record-keeping on the road

7th January 2019A miscellany of hints, tips and wrinkles for writers based in the UK

2nd January 2019Capital allowances: a guide for authors

17th December 2018Author expenses – a checklist

1st June 2020Authors’ tax trap – incorporations that go wrong

8th January 2018Making tax digital: Taxing transformations

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