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 those mindset blocks that can make dealing with taxes feel so heavy. Throughout our chat, I offer practical tips, like why it’s so important to have a separate bank account for your business, and how setting up just a few basic expense categories can make a big difference in staying organized.

Join me in this episode and feel empowered to take small, proactive steps with your finances so you can ditch the stress and focus on the creative work you love.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

03:22 The Importance of Bookkeeping

07:13 Setting Up for Success: Business Bank Accounts

09:57 Mid-Year Check-In and Action Steps

Takeaways

• The mindset around taxes can significantly impact financial management.

• Bookkeeping should be done consistently throughout the year.

• Procrastination in bookkeeping leads to increased stress at tax time.

• Having a separate business bank account simplifies financial tracking.

• Every transaction needs to be categorized for accurate tax reporting.

• Doing any bookkeeping now reduces work at tax time.

• Mid-year is a great time to assess your financial organization.

• Setting up expense categories can be done easily with a spreadsheet.

• A visual guide to tax deductions can help streamline the process.

• Taking small steps now can lead to greater financial peace later.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Links:

Link to pre-order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed.

Link to pre-order my workbook, Taxes for Humans: The Workbook

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

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 more beneficial to the taxpayer.

Join me in this episode to learn how you can take advantage of this tax credit and how it can apply to you.

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

• 01:08 Understanding the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

• 04:00 Exploring Summer Camp and Tax Benefits

• 11:00 Eligibility and Application for the Tax Credit

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Links:

VVRKSHOP, Paddy Johnson: https://www.vvrkshop.art/

Link to pre-order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed.

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

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 today’s episode:

• Why you should focus on one thing at a time 8:30

• Why batching is so important 13:58

• Repetition and how it can help you in business 19:36

• The decision metric I use when deciding to take on a new project 39:40

Takeaways

• You can have it all, but you can't have it all at once.

• Focus on your current capacity and what will increase it.

• Specializing in one area can lead to greater success.

• Batching tasks can help maintain focus and efficiency.

• Repetition is essential for mastering skills in business.

• Context switching can drain your cognitive resources.

• Editing your business can simplify operations and enhance focus.

• Metrics are crucial for tracking progress and improving processes.

• Your vision should guide your business decisions.

• Don't stress about everything; focus on one thing at a time.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Links:

Link to pre-order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed.

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

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 sure you report it correctly to the IRS.

Also mentioned in this episode:

00:00 Understanding Tax Obligations for Self-Employed Individuals

10:36 What Counts as Income: Key Definitions and Examples

16:39 Clarifying Non-Taxable Income: Gifts, Loans, and More

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Links:

Link to pre-order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed.

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

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 creative energy and limit your impact.

If you’ve ever felt disorganized or anxious about money, tune in to learn practical ways to overcome that fear, get organized, and become financially confident as a creative entrepreneur.

Also mentioned in this episode:

01:45 The Mental Load of Taxes

06:51 Overcoming Fear and Anxiety Around Finances

13:25 Building a System for Financial Ease

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Links:

Link to pre-order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed.

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

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 business owners. I also break down complex tax situations that often require expert guidance, and explore the pros and cons of using tax software versus working with a tax professional.

Also mentioned in this episode:

00:00 Understanding the Importance of Tax Planning

00:49 When to Hire an Accountant vs. DIY Taxes

05:20 Life Changes and Financial Shifts

11:13 The Value of Tax Planning

15:39 Complex Situations Requiring Professional Help

21:40 Strategic Decisions and Consulting an Accountant

26:28 Empowerment Through Tax Education

Takeaways

• Even a couple hours of an accountant's time can save you money.

• There is no tax education in this country, which complicates things.

• Basic education in taxes can empower you to handle them yourself.

• Big life changes are a good time to consult with an accountant.

• Tax planning can save you a lot of money and headache.

• Consult a professional before significant financial decisions.

• Tax returns typically do not include tax planning services.

• Year-end tax planning is crucial for maximizing savings.

• Understanding your taxes is important for financial literacy.

• Using software like TurboTax can be effective if you know the rules.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Links:

Link to pre-order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed.

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

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 help protect your business income and maximize your tax return. If you’re navigating entrepreneurship and want to keep more of what you earn, this episode offers practical, real-world guidance.

Also mentioned in this episode:

00:00 Understanding Self-Employment Tax

03:25 The Benefits and Risks of S Corporations

06:20 Criteria for Forming an S Corporation

11:55 Navigating State Regulations and Compliance

Takeaways

• Self-employment tax is 15.3% for self-employed individuals.

• An S Corporation can help save on self-employment taxes if criteria are met.

• Forming an S Corp requires running payroll and compliance with employment laws.

• You cannot undo an S Corp election for five years.

• Check state regulations as some may tax back S Corp benefits.

• Consistent profit over $60,000 is a key criterion for forming an S Corp.

• Bookkeeping is essential when operating as an S Corp.

• Having more money than time indicates readiness for an S Corp.

• Professional guidance is crucial when forming an S Corp.

• Be cautious of advice from unlicensed sources regarding taxes.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Links:

Link to pre-order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed.

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

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 the moment you start advertising.

I also share practical tax advice, including how different structures impact your taxes, and offer tips on bookkeeping and protecting yourself with liability insurance. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or already deep into running your business, this episode will help you assess your needs and make confident decisions about your structure. Understanding your options as a self-employed business owner can save you time, money, and headaches down the road.

Also mentioned in this episode:

00:00 Understanding Business Structures: LLCs and S-Corps

04:02 Order of Operations in Business

09:58 The Role of LLCs in Business

12:20 Understanding S Corporations

19:00 Final Thoughts on Business Structure and Operations

Takeaways

• A lot of people form LLCs and S corporations when they're not necessary.

• You want to be at the right level at the right time.

• Don't take business advice from random people on the internet.

• The moment you advertise is when your business starts.

• Bookkeeping is a requirement for tracking income and expenses.

• An LLC provides liability protection but is not always necessary.

• Business liability insurance can be a cost-effective alternative to an LLC.

• You do not need an S corporation until you reach a certain profit threshold.

• Forming an S corporation too early can lead to unnecessary expenses.

• Consult with professionals to understand local regulations regarding S-Corps.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.

Links:

Link to pre-order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed.

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp