Sunlight Tax

If you're a creative entrepreneur, you may be confused about itemizing vs business deductions, and whether to itemize or take the standard deduction when you're filing your taxes.  Today, I'm diving into the details of business deductions and itemizing as a creative, the differences between the two, and exactly how to know if you should be itemizing. I'm also sharing the civic side of taxes and so...

Most creative people are motivated to make incredible work. We might even strive for perfection. In this episode, I'm talking about how perfectionism is actually holding you back as a creative entrepreneur. I share a vulnerable story about my own perfectionism, talk openly about real fears you may be having, and some actionable ways you can get past them, and get the most out of your money and kee...

Today, I discuss something I'm asked about a lot as a tax professional- which is better for a creative entrepreneur–a Roth or a traditional IRA? Which one should you focus on to get the most out of your retirement account?   My controversial opinion? This question can put folks into a state of Tiny Detail Exaggeration Syndrome (credit to Mister Money Mustache for that great phrase): I think it act...

In this week's bonus episode, I'm breaking down what's currently going on in the economy right now both in the US and globally including whether or not we're heading toward a recession and how you can benefit from one.  I'm also deep diving into some of the common economic terms like inflation and interest rates, and how it affects you as a creative entrepreneur.    Listen in to hear some importan...

Paddy Johnson is a writer, educator and the founder of VVrkshop, an online platform designed to help artists and art professionals connect with other artists, get more shows, residencies and grants.     In today's episode, Paddy and I talk about some of the inherent problems facing professional artists today and why it's so important to build a strong network and community when working as a career...

I often see a lot of creative entrepreneurs struggling with mindset issues when it comes to the idea of being an official business owner and not knowing when to file their Schedule C.    Today, I explain why it's important to know when the IRS recognizes your business as official, the self-employment tax deductions you can take advantage of once you start your business and what the breakeven point...

Today, I'm talking about one of the best tax deductions you should be taking as a creative entrepreneur and one that often gets missed: the mileage deduction.    In this episode, I explain why you should track business mileage for your taxes and how to get the most out of this tax deduction. I'm also sharing some easy, actionable steps for you to get started with keeping track of your mileage toda...

Erika Hess is a painter, curator and the host of the I Like Your Work Podcast. Her paintings and drawings center around gender, motherhood and the environment.   In this episode, Erika and I talk about the emotions in her work, what she's learned through her experience and why it's so important to have a community behind you as an artist.    Also mentioned in today's episode:    Widening the space...

Hello and welcome to the first episode of Sunlight!    When I first started working as a visual artist, I found it impossible to get good financial and tax information, and that's what eventually led me to starting my company Sunlight Tax, where I help self-employed creators with bookkeeping, and everything tax- and finance-related.    I know firsthand how taxes and money can be difficult topics f...

In this episode, I'm sharing with you the inspiration behind starting my company, Sunlight Tax, which is dedicated to providing financial information and tax help to creative entrepreneurs and freelancers. I also talk about why I think it's so important that self-employed artists have financial security so that you can grow your business according to your values and have a bigger impact.    Also m...

Making money isn't usually the top priority for big vision creatives — making a difference is. But without financial power, the unique solutions that creative entrepreneurs offer aren't able to see the light of day.  This show is designed for the big vision creatives — artists, designers, freelancers, and purple-haired, punk-rock weirdos — to answer the question: "How can you increase your impact...