#selfemployed

2026-03-10

#makingTaxDigital providers for #selfEmployed

VAT direct - run by one man, promises to be free for basic use, mentions #libreOffice Don't expect pretty!

abratax: nice looking website but no prices known (I asked). Start is free but what then? Why commit without knowing the bill?

123e-filing: DO NOT TOUCH. Extremely poor security and data management.

taxnav - free for first year then £72.

absolute tax - excel based, tested on "apple machines with excel" ... unlikely to work

#mtditsa

2026-03-09

Quite hard convo with a couple of late payers. I'd say this is the worst side of being a #selfemployed #digitalnomad . I don't like the potential conflict. Just pay up you....

The Good News Network: Positive Stories 24/7goodnewsnetwork.org@web.brid.gy
2026-03-07
Heather Cook🖖Autistic Coachhmm_cook@universeodon.com
2026-03-06

AuDHDers: tired of burning out trying to make self-employment work?

A lot of solopreneur advice assumes people work in the same way, but Autistic and AuDHD founders have totally different strengths and challenges.

I'm launching a new course soon: Work for Yourself Without Burning Out

autismchrysalis.com/audhd-solo

1/2
#ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #AutisticBusiness #NeurodivergentEntrepreneur #AutisticFreelancer #SelfEmployed #Solopreneur

‘Death of the traditional tax return’ as biggest shake-up in 30 years hits South Wales

From April 6, a radical new regime known as Making Tax Digital (MTD) will become mandatory for anyone with a gross income above £50,000 per year, marking the end of an era for paper-based filing.

Experts have described the overhaul as the most significant change to the UK tax system since the introduction of self-assessment nearly 30 years ago in 1997.

Regional accountancy firm Azets, which has offices in Swansea and Cardiff, is urging local business owners to act now to avoid falling foul of the new HMRC rules.

Under the new system, qualifying individuals will no longer be able to submit a single annual return; instead, they must keep digital records and provide updates to the taxman every single quarter.

Fraser Campbell, UK Head of ABAS at Azets, who is warning South Wales businesses to prepare for the “death of the traditional tax return.”

Fraser Campbell, UK Head of ABAS at Azets, has confirmed that the shift represents a major digital reporting obligation for hundreds of thousands of landlords and sole traders.

“MTD truly signifies the death of the traditional income tax return,” Mr Campbell has said, adding that the April deadline is now “fast approaching.”

The changes are set to affect an estimated 864,000 individuals nationwide from next month, with that number predicted to soar to nearly three million within just three years.

While the initial phase targets those earning over £50,000, the threshold is set to drop to £30,000 in April 2027 and further still to £20,000 by 2028.

HMRC has said the move will bring the tax system closer to “real-time,” providing businesses with more accurate financial information throughout the year.

However, the transition requires the use of specific MTD-compatible software, and experts are warning that those who haven’t yet modernised their processes could face a scramble to comply.

“Preparation, planning ahead and taking advice at the right time are key for compliance,” Mr Campbell has stated, urging those in South Wales to check their qualifying income immediately.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea mum wipes £1,500 off her mortgage with simple hack
A quick switch slashes years off repayments — and locals say it works.

The supermarket maths trick that stops shoppers falling for fake deals
A GCSE‑level skill exposes the offers that aren’t really offers at all.

£100 contactless limit set to be scrapped
A major shake‑up for tap‑and‑go payments as rules face overhaul.

Call to scrap VAT on sunscreen as skin cancer rates rise
Campaigners say sun protection should be treated as essential, not a luxury.

More money stories
The latest ways people across our region are saving, spending and staying afloat.

#Azets #Business #Cardiff #Finance #HMRC #Landlords #MakingTaxDigital #money #MTD #SelfEmployed #Swansea #tax
person using a calculator and a laptopA professional headshot of Fraser Campbell, a smiling man with glasses and a beard, wearing a navy blazer and light blue shirt, in a modern office setting.
2026-03-01

So something like the could then happen to all people... a software bug creating the impression they have something wrong when they haven't. What a bright idea.

2026-03-01

luckily I'm under the 30k turnover threshold, so will only affect me from April 2028. Hoping that the system will have collapsed by then. Also, according to the emails they keep sending me, the April 2028 step hasn't been officially approved yet. Fingers crossed ... theguardian.com/money/2026/feb

Katharine O'Moore-Klopf, ELSKOKEdit
2026-02-19

Having buddies (aka ) is vital to when you're . I've enjoyed talking & planning this week with The Quad, the group I've been part of since 2015. It's great to analyze biz plans, compare work tools, & get support. 💖 quadlings.com/

Heather Cook🖖Autistic Coachhmm_cook@universeodon.com
2026-02-16

Tired of burning out trying to make self-employment work?
You're not failing.

The advice you've been following just wasn't built for Autistic and AuDHD brains.
"Just show up on video every day!" NO! "Network constantly!" NO! "Hustle harder!" NO!

I'm launching a new course soon: Work for Yourself Without Burning Out
1/2

#ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #AutisticFreelancer #SelfEmployed #Solopreneur

The Mirror: News, Sport, Celebrity & Entertainmentmirror.co.uk@web.brid.gy
2026-02-14

Baker given 'unrealistic' AI picture of cake, but the results are 'even better'

fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.mirr

Simon Zerafa (Status: :no_AI_logo: :catthink: 😊)simonzerafa@infosec.exchange
2026-02-12

UK HMRC’s new tax rules are rolling out! 😟

If you’re self-employed or a landlord, you will be affected if not this tax year then in the next two years, depending on your turnover.

More information and details on the new quarterly reporting obligations and digital filing requirements in this episode from @HelpBoxUK

youtu.be/s-SqWVIDxQ4

#HMRC #SelfEmployed #Tax #UK

Heather Cook🖖Autistic Coachhmm_cook@universeodon.com
2026-02-09

For every AuDHD solopreneur who's been told to "Network constantly!" or "Hustle harder!"—I'm launching a new course soon:

Learn:
→ Executive function hacks to take the load off
→ Marketing when you don't want to be perceived
→ Pricing fairly without guilt
→ Client boundaries and communication
→ Creating your sensory-friendly workspace
And more...

autismchrysalis.com/audhd-solo

#ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #AutisticBusiness #NeurodivergentEntrepreneur #AutisticFreelancer #SelfEmployed #Solopreneur

The Mirror: News, Sport, Celebrity & Entertainmentmirror.co.uk@web.brid.gy
2026-02-08

Workers told to prepare now for HMRC income tax change due in April

fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.mirr

Eric Z. Johnsonericzjohnson@c.im
2026-02-02
peter (sax) 🌈saxifraga@lgbtqia.space
2026-01-30

An early #OneGoodThing today:

I got an offer of a reviewing project today with a new client, starting on Monday, and I said yes!

#Freelancing #SelfEmployed #Editor

Dr. Chetan Dhongadedr_chetan
2026-01-27

💻 Ever wondered why some freelancers thrive while others struggle?

You send proposals, juggle clients, work late nights… yet growth feels slow. The truth is, freelancing success isn’t luck. It’s strategy.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced freelancer, this blog helps you work smarter, not harder.

drchetandhongade.com/business/



Zelda 🎀TheZeldaZone
2026-01-23

I must say, being is feeling great. If there is something I hate doing, I just call it part of my job responsibilities and do it during work time. My self-care and keeping my house in order were always part of my job anyway.

Figuring out how to plan my own hours/schedule is still a bit weird, but I am getting there.

Stefano Marinellistefano@bsd.cafe
2026-01-14

RE: mastodon.bsd.cafe/@stefano/115

UPDATE: I just had a talk with two of the owners (whom I've known for years) and one of the young developers who was on yesterday's call. She confirmed that this manager's behavior was unmanageable. High-strung and narcissistic, he had apparently been let go from his previous company due to his inability to work with colleagues and owners alike. It seems he was even trying to boss the owners around.

To make a long story short, the entire sysadmin team threatened to quit if I stopped collaborating with the company. As a result, the owners summoned the manager in the late morning, and he resigned. They are reverting to the previous management structure (led by one of the owners). They might drop a few projects, but they said they prefer returning to a more "human" way of running the business - which is what always set them apart in the past.

I told them I'll think about it. If things are truly as they say (and I have no reason to doubt them yet), I'll propose a 6-month trial collaboration to see how things actually evolve. I'm aware it's easy to "pass the buck" - was it really just the manager's fault, or are the owners using him as a scapegoat now that things went south? However, given our history, I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt for now.

#IT #FreelanceLife #WorkLifeBalance #ToxicManagement #TechLife #Consulting #SelfEmployed

Hey fellow #AuDHD and/or #selfEmployed folks!

I love being self-employed because my ADHD just doesn't let me work on someone else's schedule. I thrive on the fact that I'm my own boss and that as long as I always keep deadlines and quality standards, I can structure my work according to my health and needs.

However, I've been struggling lately with separating work from free time. Since I'm able to work at an irregular schedule of my own choosing, I technically always feel like I'm 'on call'. I can never clear my head, go home and say 'I'm off the clock now' like regular employees.

I've been thinking about a few ways to tackle this issue myself.

I could of course designate a certain time span as 'work time' and set boundaries that way. But that'd defeat the entire advantage of being self-employed, that being that I work on my own spontaneous schedule. I need the ability to say "I'll work from midnight til 3 AM tonight", "I'll be able to do a 9–5 today because my brain's feeling really good today", or even "I can't work today at all". With a set schedule, I can't do this.

I might split 'on-call and available for e-mails' time from 'get work done' time, because the former is usually what causes the anxiety.

I'm also thinking about using separate user accounts for work and personal computing to further separate the two worlds; but without clearly defined times for boundaries, that'd just mean I'd constantly check the work account regardless, anxious that I'm missing important messages.

Do any of you have experience with this and could perhaps give me some advice?

#ADHD #MentalHealth #Work #Autism

Stefano Marinellistefano@bsd.cafe
2026-01-14

UPDATE: I just had a talk with two of the owners (whom I've known for years) and one of the young developers who was on yesterday's call. She confirmed that this manager's behavior was unmanageable. High-strung and narcissistic, he had apparently been let go from his previous company due to his inability to work with colleagues and owners alike. It seems he was even trying to boss the owners around.

To make a long story short, the entire sysadmin team threatened to quit if I stopped collaborating with the company. As a result, the owners summoned the manager in the late morning, and he resigned. They are reverting to the previous management structure (led by one of the owners). They might drop a few projects, but they said they prefer returning to a more "human" way of running the business - which is what always set them apart in the past.

I told them I'll think about it. If things are truly as they say (and I have no reason to doubt them yet), I'll propose a 6-month trial collaboration to see how things actually evolve. I'm aware it's easy to "pass the buck" - was it really just the manager's fault, or are the owners using him as a scapegoat now that things went south? However, given our history, I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt for now.

UPDATE: One of the company owners (whom I've known for many years and is a good person) has asked to speak with me in about fifteen minutes. I've agreed. I'm curious to see what he has to say. I'll update this post after the call.

Original post:

Yesterday I lost a client. And I couldn't be happier about it.

It's a long-standing client, but the management changed a few months ago. On Monday, they requested an emergency intervention, which I handled immediately.

On Tuesday (yesterday, evening), they asked for a non-urgent enhancement to be closed by Wednesday evening. I explained that due to various reasons (including urgent family matters), I wouldn't be able to finish the task before Friday. That's when the lecturing started: they told me they set tight deadlines even for non-emergencies because "that's the proper way to do things", and anyone working with them must respect them without exception.

I requested a video call to clarify. I explained that the work requires nearly a full day and that I simply couldn't close it by Wednesday. Even the physical time required to copy the data exceeded their deadline. But the new management believes that by applying pressure, you can overcome anything. Even the laws of physics.

Their response was sarcastic: "Our requests take priority, even if you are dying". I smiled and reiterated that I had no other way. "We will therefore have to find a new consultant who respects our timing", they said.

My response: "Okay. Our agreement expired on 31st December. I was waiting for a renewal, but it never arrived. Meaning, I have no legal obligations toward you. You have the data, the passwords, everything. Have a great day.".

The manager, annoyed and failing to understand the implications, replied: "Fine, we’ll look for someone younger with fewer family ties to manage.".

This morning, the phone rang. It was the manager, asking me to reconsider. His tone remained contemptuous, so I told him my decision was final. Two minutes later, I got a call from their biggest client - the one responsible for over 50% of their revenue. They had been notified I was leaving and informed the company they would also leave if I was no longer the one supervising their machines.

I called the manager back, friendly, trying to see if they were willing to change their attitude - to move from peremptory orders to requests between human beings. He started talking about "suing for damages" if they lost their main client because of me (to be clear: I am not taking that client for myself).

I don’t know how this story will evolve, but right now, I'm just enjoying a breath of fresh air outside my window.

#IT #FreelanceLife #WorkLifeBalance #ToxicManagement #TechLife #Consulting #SelfEmployed

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