Lets Get Fiscal

Freelancer or employee? One path hands you a bigger check today; the other can quietly hand you a five-figure tax bill tomorrow. In this episode, Anastasia and Myiesha break down how to choose between W-2 and 1099 pay without getting burned by the fine print. If you've ever stared at a freelance offer and thought, "This check is way bigger than my old salary—what's the catch?" this conversation is...

If you've ever looked at your bank account after a freelance gig and thought, "Great, I made ten grand," only to find out a big chunk belongs to the taxman, this episode is for you. Anastasia and Myiesha pull back the curtain on self-employment taxes—the Medicare and Social Security bill that doubles when you are both the employee and the employer. They explain why this is the real culprit behind...

So you’ve landed a steady retainer client, your pottery side hustle is picking up steam, or someone just told you, “You need an LLC.” But do you really—at least for taxes? In this episode, Anastasia and Myiesha unpack the money side of choosing a business structure, leaving the legal stuff to the lawyers and focusing on what actually hits your tax return. A sole proprietor is basically the default...

Tax season is often portrayed as a brutal sprint—a four-month scramble that leaves accountants exhausted and burned out. But what if you approached it differently? What if tax season was less about survival and more about showcasing the work you've been building all year? In this unique bonus episode, recorded at 7:45 PM after filming 24 episodes in one day, Anastasia and Myiesha speak directly to...

EP44 - How Do Creatives Build Wealth? Master Money Habits Now Do you feel like you're bad at money? You're not alone—and more importantly, you're probably wrong. The truth is that most creative entrepreneurs don't have a money problem, they have a system problem. When your income is unpredictable and project-based, traditional budgeting advice doesn't work. You need a financial framework designed...

Retainers and deposits can feel like found money—until tax season hits and you realize you might be paying taxes on funds that aren't actually yours yet. If you've ever received a production budget in December only to pay it all out in January, or collected deposits for work you haven't performed, this episode is your essential guide to understanding when retainers count as income and how to avoid...

Your accountant should be your business partner, advocate, and financial guide—not a source of stress, confusion, or missed opportunities. But how do you know if your current accountant is truly serving your business or holding you back? Whether you're feeling underserved, overcharged, or just uncertain if it's time for a change, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to make the right...

Hairdressers often fear leaving a commission-based salon for chair rental, but financially the shift can be life-changing. Most stylists earning 40% commission don't realize they're actually taking home closer to 30% after taxes and withholdings. When you rent a chair and go independent as a 1099 contractor, you keep 100% of your revenue—and even after paying for supplies, taxes, and your own bene...

Most S-Corp owners in New York City don't realize they owe a completely separate city-level corporation tax—and it's costing them thousands. The NYC General Corporation Tax hits at 8.9% of your profit, requires quarterly estimated payments, and comes with massive late fees if you miss them. If you're running an S-Corp in one of the five boroughs and your tax preparer hasn't mentioned this, you cou...

If you're a creative business owner in New York with an S-Corp or partnership, you could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table every year. New York's Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) is a powerful but underutilized strategy that converts your state income taxes into federal deductions—but only if you understand the rules and deadlines. Miss the March 15th election deadline, and you're locked...

If you live or work in Los Angeles, there's a city business tax you might not know about—and ignoring it could cost you hundreds (or thousands) in penalties. The catch? Most creatives qualify for a massive exemption if they file on time. Miss the deadline by even one day, and you'll owe taxes you could have avoided entirely. In this episode, CPAs Anastasia Aiello and Myiesha Fisher break down ever...

If tax season always turns into a frustrating back-and-forth with your CPA, it’s usually not because your accountant is slow—it’s because key documents are missing. In this episode, CPAs Anastasia Aiello and Myiesha Fisher break down the *exact* information and paperwork creatives need to provide so your return can be filed quickly, accurately, and without unnecessary fees. You’ll learn why certai...

Most creatives file their taxes without a plan, which is why they end up stressed, surprised by their tax bill, or overpaying because they missed key opportunities. The problem isn't that tax planning is complicated—it's that most entrepreneurs don't have a simple system to stay on track all year long. That's where the one-page plan comes in. In this episode, Anastasia and Myiesha walk you through...

EP35 - IRS Payment Plans Explained: What to Do When You Can't Pay Your Taxes Opening your tax bill and realizing you can't pay the full amount is terrifying. Your mind immediately jumps to worst-case scenarios: wage garnishments, liens, losing your passport. But here's what most people don't know: the IRS has multiple payment solutions designed specifically for this situation, and some of them are...

EP34 - Cross-State Taxes for Creatives: How to Avoid Double Taxation If you've ever taken a gig in another state, shot a project across state lines, or toured through multiple cities, you've probably triggered tax obligations you didn't even know existed. Most creative entrepreneurs assume taxes are simple: file where you live, and you're done. But the reality is far more complex. Every state has...

Getting mail from the IRS can trigger instant panic. Your heart races, your mind spirals through worst-case scenarios, and suddenly you’re convinced you’re heading for an audit or worse. But here’s the truth most creative entrepreneurs don’t know: the vast majority of IRS letters are simple mismatches, missing details, or automated notices that can be resolved quickly and painlessly. In this episo...

If you're waiting for 2026 to be business as usual, think again. Major tax law changes are rolling out this year, and waiting until tax season to learn about them could cost you serious money. The Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3A) has extended some provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act while making significant changes that affect how you plan, pay, and save on taxes. In this episode, CPAs Anastasi...

Most freelancers don't fail because they're bad at what they do. They fail because no one ever taught them the business side. You've got the talent and the drive to go out on your own, but the financial mistakes you make in your first year can haunt you for years—or worse, put you out of business before you ever hit your stride. In this episode, Anastasia and Myiesha break down the five biggest mi...

Therapists spend their days helping clients navigate life's challenges, but behind the scenes, managing the tax and financial side of a private practice can feel overwhelming. From tracking insurance reimbursements to navigating employee versus contractor classifications, the financial setup can make or break your practice's profitability. In this episode, Anastasia and Myiesha break down the uniq...

An LLC protects your business legally, but it won't save you a dime on taxes. An S-Corp can slash your tax bill significantly—but only if you're actually ready for it. Too many creative entrepreneurs rush into S-Corp status because they hear it's a magic tax hack, only to find themselves drowning in payroll requirements, extra accounting fees, and compliance headaches they didn't need yet. In this...

If you're running your creative business out of your personal bank account, you're making bookkeeping harder than it needs to be and potentially paying more in taxes. This foundational step seems simple, but so many entrepreneurs skip it or delay it until tax season becomes a nightmare. In this episode, Anastasia and Myiesha break down exactly why separating your business and personal finances is...

EP27 - Business vs Hobby: What the IRS Actually Looks For in Creative Businesses Every creative professional reaches a moment when their passion project starts generating income—but does that automatically make it a business? Not according to the IRS. The distinction between a hobby and a legitimate business isn't just a technicality; it determines whether you can deduct expenses, claim losses, an...

Understanding Your Financials: What to Look For and What to Ask Your Bookkeeper Your financials are telling a story. The question is whether it’s the right one. Understanding your financials is one of the most important skills a business owner can develop, yet it’s also one of the most overlooked. Many entrepreneurs assume their profit and loss statement and balance sheet are just paperwork for ta...

Protecting Your Personal Information as a Business Owner: What’s Public and How a Registered Agent Can Help Starting a business is exciting, but most entrepreneurs don’t realize one critical detail until it’s too late: your personal information as a business owner can become public record . In this episode of Let’s Get Fiscal , Anastasia Aiello and Myiesha Fisher break down exactly what personal i...

Tax Extensions and Superseded Returns: The Strategic Tools Most Entrepreneurs Miss Tax extensions can feel like admitting defeat—a sign you're behind, disorganized, or inviting IRS scrutiny. But the truth is far different: filing a tax extension is a strategic decision that can save you thousands in penalties, give you time for accuracy, and even unlock special tax-saving opportunities most people...