Sunlight Tax

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...

Today, I'm going over the importance of issuing 1099 forms if you're self-employed, including who needs to receive them, the deadlines and penalties involved if you miss it.    Tune into this episode to get an understanding of the 1099 process and to get strategies to simplify issuing 1099s, so you can stay organized and avoid any penalties.    Also mentioned in today's episode:    Types of 1099 f...

Today, I'm giving you a comprehensive January checklist to help organize your taxes if you're self-employed so that you can have a headstart on your taxes for 2025.     Tune in to this episode to get a strong start to the tax year and put systems in place to simplify your tax preparation process.   Also mentioned in today's episode:    Why you should check your odometer now 2:11 Issuing 1099's and...

In this debut episode of 2025, I'm going over some of the new 2025 tax law changes, how they might affect you as an entrepreneur and how you can prepare for these changes.    Join me today to learn how you can make sure you get a head start on these upcoming tax changes.    Also mentioned in today's episode:    Mileage tracking 1:52 Secure 2.0 Act and retirement contributions 5:44 1099-K changes 9...

Today, I'm talking about the importance of preparing for tax season specifically when it comes to issuing 1099 forms, including when you need to issue one and the deadline.    Join me in this episode to learn how and when you need to obtain your W9 forms and issuing your 1099's from your contractors.    Also mentioned in today's episode:    1099 requirements 4:10 Compiling contractor payments 4:43...

In today's episode, I'm talking about the importance of understanding the April 15 tax deadline, which serves as a triple deadline for self-employed individuals and giving you some tips on how you can be prepared.    Join me in this episode to learn how you can avoid financial stress and plan ahead to have the necessary funds for the April 15th deadline.   Also mentioned in today's episode:    The...

Today, I'm continuing my series about year-end tax saving tips and talking about charitable contributions and their tax implications for self-employed individuals including strategies for maximizing your charitable contributions.    Listen to this episode to get all the information you need to maximize your charitable donations and to learn the tax limitations of donating your creative work.     A...

Today, I'm continuing my series about year-end tax saving tips and giving you some strategies on how you can maximize your tax deductions as an entrepreneur using business expenses.    Join me in this informative episode to learn how you can prioritize your bookkeeping and accelerate your expenses to make sure you get the most out of your tax deductions this upcoming year.    Also mentioned in tod...