Sunlight Tax

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I'm discussing the critical role of ownership in building wealth, particularly in the context of personal finance and the tax code. I'm sharing my personal journey of negotiating ownership of my work while writing a book, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's value in collaborative projects and the benefits of investing. This episode encourage...

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax podcast, I talk about something that can feel overwhelming for a lot of us: taxes and bookkeeping, especially if you're a self-employed person. I share why having a positive mindset around money stuff really matters and how it can actually make tax season a lot less stressful. I also introduce my new workbook, which is designed to help you move past some of thos...

Today, I'm sharing important details about the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit particularly focusing on its relevance for parents during the summer months when childcare costs can be significant. I'll share how you can use it during the summer months when sending your children to summer camp.  I'm also talking about the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction and why a credit is mo...

Have you ever wondered how you can have it all in your life and business? In this throwback episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I'm talking about focus as an entrepreneur and how I use metrics in my business to decide what to focus on next.  Listen to this episode to learn how you can use metrics to have it all and why you need to be focusing on one thing to get your best work.  Also mentioned in...

It's easy to get confused when it comes to figuring out what you need to report as income on your tax return.  Today, I'm going over some of the most common ways to receive money as an entrepreneur and talking about what actually counts as income in your business so you can be prepared for your taxes.  Join me in this episode to learn more about determining your total income and how you can make s...

Do you feel overwhelmed, fearful, or even judged when it comes to your taxes and finances? In today's episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I'm diving into the mental load of financial fear, specifically the stress that comes with managing taxes, saving for retirement, and planning financially as a self-employed or creative entrepreneur. We'll explore how this hidden anxiety can weigh down your cre...

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I share when it makes sense to hire a professional accountant versus handling your taxes on your own, and why understanding your taxes is so important, especially during life changes like getting married, relocating, or experiencing major income shifts.   I dive into essential tax planning strategies for creative entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small bu...

In this episode, I break down the essentials of self-employment tax and explore how forming an S Corporation can unlock valuable tax benefits. I walk through key tax strategies, what makes an S Corp worth considering, and why understanding state regulations matters for self-employed entrepreneurs like us. I also highlight how strong bookkeeping, proper payroll, and strategic financial planning hel...

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax podcast, I dive into the essentials of choosing the right business structure for anyone in self-employment, especially when it comes to forming an LLC or electing S-Corp status. I highlight why it's important to avoid unnecessary business formations and walk you through the proper order of business operations—reminding you that your business officially begins th...

In this episode, I'm diving into the essentials of bookkeeping specifically for small business owners who want to take control of their finances without the overwhelm. I break down accounting basics like the difference between financial accounting and tax accounting, and I explain when (and if) you actually need audited financial statements. We'll talk about how to simplify your DIY bookkeeping pr...

In this episode of the Sunlight Podcast, I'm unpacking some of the biggest myths I hear about forming an LLC. If you're self-employed or thinking about business formation, it's so important to understand what an LLC really is—and what it isn't. I talk through common misconceptions about taxes, liability protection, whether an LLC makes you a "real" legal entity, and how much ongoing accounting or...

In today's episode of the Sunlight Podcast, I'm sharing why it's so important to review your tax return—even after you've filed. We'll also chat about the power of taking a digital detox during the busy tax season to help you reset and recharge. I'll walk you through how to understand the key sections of your tax return, what tax estimates really mean, and how to reconcile what you owed with what...

Has calculating your income tax rate in the past been overwhelming? Today, I'm going to discuss the complexities of income tax rates, particularly for self-employed individuals. I explain the progressive tax system, the difference between marginal and average tax rates, and provide practical tips for calculating taxes accurately. The conversation aims to demystify tax calculations and empower list...

Today, I'm providing some practical advice on filing a tax extension and how you can do it without getting a penalty. I'm also talking about the importance of relationships in career success as an artist, especially in a world increasingly influenced by AI.   Join me in this episode to learn how you can file a tax extension properly and why you need to be focusing on building relationships in your...

In today's episode, I'm talking about some of the common tax fears I see entrepreneurs encounter and giving you strategies on how you can reduce your tax-related anxiety and feel prepared for tax season.    Join me in this important episode to hear my framework that can help demystify the tax process and make managing your taxes less stressful and more straightforward.   Also mentioned in today's...

In today's episode, I'm chatting about the impact of the Trump administration and why I think doing a tax protest is a counterproductive method of political dissent. I'm also giving you some ideas for effective ways you can influence policy if you're looking to make a difference.   Join me to learn how you can channel your political energy and exercise political power through engagement rather tha...

Today, I'm talking about how you can use the pain of getting a large tax bill and turn it into an opportunity for financial growth, including funding for your retirement savings and maxing out your IRA contributions.    Join me in this episode to learn how you can transform your current financial challenges into an opportunity for improvement and how you can make sure you are financially secure. ...

Today, I'm talking about the importance of estimated quarterly taxes if you're self-employed and how you can use the Safe Harbor rule, to help make an accurate tax estimate if your income is different this year from last year.    Join me in this episode to learn how you can avoid tax penalties and large tax bills by estimating your quarterly taxes as accurately as possible.    Also mentioned in to...

In today's episode, I'm talking about the importance of paying your quarterly taxes as a business owner and how you can start paying them now, even if you've missed them in the past. I'm also giving an update on the Beneficial Ownership Information Report and how you can get yours done.    Join me in this important episode to get all the tips you need to start paying your quarterly taxes so you ca...

  Today, I'm chatting about another commonly missed tax deduction for self-employed individuals: parking and tolls. I'm diving into how tolls and parking should be tracked separately and added to the car expense category on tax schedules so you can get the deduction you deserve.   Join me in this episode to get some practical tips on how to easily track your parking and toll expenses for this upco...

Today, I'm chatting about a commonly missed tax deduction for entrepreneurs: cell phone and internet expenses. I'm going over why these deductions are missed and how you can utilize them to get the most out of your tax return this year.    Join me in this episode to learn how to calculate a reasonable business percentage for these mixed-use expenses so you can maximize your allowable deductions an...

In today's episode, I'm chatting about the common confusion around tax deductions for home offices or studios, including what you can and cannot deduct as an entrepreneur. I'm also explaining how discrepancies between bookkeeping and tax deductions for a home office are normal and expected.    Listen to this episode to get a better understanding of how to maximize your home office and studio deduc...

Today, I'm talking about the importance of understanding and managing your estimated quarterly taxes as a self-employed individual and addressing some of the common fears associated with making estimated payments.    Join me in this episode to learn how you can set up your quarterly payments to avoid a large tax bill and the stress that comes along with it.    Also mentioned in today's episode:   ...

  Today, I'm talking about the common problem of receiving an incorrect 1099 as an entrepreneur, including what you need to look for and how you can make the corrections to avoid any problems with filing your taxes.    Join me in this episode to get all of the details needed for correcting any 1099s that may have errors and what you can do to avoid any issues with filing.    Also mentioned in toda...

Have you been wondering what's going on with the Corporate Transparency Act? Today, I'm diving into the newest update of the Corporate Transparency Act and Beneficial Ownership Information Report, including what you need to do as an entrepreneur to stay proactive.   Listen to this episode to get your up-to-date information on BOI Reporting and how you can make sure you avoid any penalties that may...