A Highlands business owner has revealed how a simple change to her financial routine, inspired by a social media post, is set to save her an entire week of work every year.
From Panic to Peace of Mind
Helene Fleming, who runs a holistic health business, admitted she initially "freaked out" upon learning about the mandatory introduction of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax. For years, she had manually completed her returns, a process consuming around three hours each month plus a half-day annual review.
"It was very time-consuming and took valuable time away from my business," Helene explained. The impending rollout, scheduled for April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with incomes over £50,000, prompted her to investigate digital options.
A Facebook Discovery That Changed Everything
The turning point came unexpectedly in June. "I saw something about Making Tax Digital on Facebook, of all places," Helene said. A post asking ‘Are you ready for MTD for Income Tax?’ sparked her journey. After initial worry that the new system would be complex and time-consuming, she decided to try accounting software.
"Getting on board was actually really straight-forward," she stated. Now, she inputs data weekly or even daily into an app. "It takes minutes, not hours, and it’s not at all onerous." This shift is estimated to save her approximately 40 hours of administrative work annually.
Urgent Call to Action for Unprepared Traders
Helene's experience highlights a significant knowledge gap among small businesses. New research from Sage reveals that only 30% of businesses are aware of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, despite its launch in five months. Furthermore, nearly 70% still complete their Self-Assessment manually, with one in three relying on pen and paper.
Determined to help others, Helene is championing the benefits. "I would say to people who have been unaware of MTD, or are worried about it, that they should try a free accounting tool," she advised. She emphasises the mental load lifted, beyond just time saved. "You don't spend time cross-referencing your bank and your calendar... it takes you 30 seconds."
Her message is clear: the digital transition is less daunting than it seems and offers tangible rewards. "When people taste it, they will not want to go back," she concluded, enjoying the reclaimed time to focus on growing her Highland business.
