The Sunlight Podcast
Taxes, Money, and Career for Visionary Creators
from sunlight tax
Welcome to the Sunlight Podcast. In this show, we’re talking about taxes, money, and careers for creative people who have a big vision for changing the world with their work. I’m your host, Hannah Cole; artist, tax pro, and the founder of Sunlight Tax. If you’re an artist, designer or creative entrepreneur who wants to grow your business sustainably, manage your taxes and build a stash of F***-You money so you can control your time and have a bigger impact with your work, you are in the right place.
Subscibe now on
Never miss an episode
Sign up to get the latest episode in your inbox every Tuesday. And as a bonus, I'll send you a list of my favorite business tools that save money and time.
I’m your host, Hannah Cole
I’m a longtime professional artist, and a tax expert, and the founder of Sunlight Tax. When I started my career as an artist, I found it impossible to get the tax and financial information I needed to set up my business right (and I had some truly horrifying experiences along the way).
I founded a company, Sunlight Tax, whose mission is to serve creative people, just like you, who are self-employed, with relevant tax and financial education, so you can bring your unique vision to the world.
I’ve supported thousands of creative people with accessible tax and business setup skills through my program, Money Bootcamp.
Listen to the latest episodes
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Business vs. Hobby & the IRS 9 Point Test for Profit Motive
Today, I’m talking about the tax laws related to distinguishing between a hobby and a legitimate business when you’re a creative professional. I’m also explaining the IRS's view of profit motive as the key factor and discussing how you can determine whether you have a business or hobby.
Join me in this episode to get some advice and tips on how you can prove profit motive and avoid being wrongly classified as a hobby by the IRS.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
New Rules for LLCs: Update
In today’s episode, I’m revisiting an important topic and giving you an update about the Corporate Transparency Act, which aims to identify owners of LLCs and prevent financial crimes.
I’m providing an update on information about the requirements of filing a Beneficial Ownership Information report, including the deadlines and penalties and how you can file.
Join me in this episode to get all the timely information about this act and learn how you can get step-by-step video directions on filing for your LLC!
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Why It Matters Who You Listen To
Today, I want to talk about why it’s so important who you take advice from when you’re an entrepreneur. I share some of my experiences and some of the advice I was given that didn’t account for my unique responsibilities and constraints as a new entrepreneur and mother.
Listen to this episode to get some guidance on how you can make decisions based on your own values and needs and not someone else’s.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
4 Cases Where Done Beats Perfect
In today’s episode, I’m sharing my story of struggling with perfectionism and how I was able to overcome that and embrace imperfection and how I came to aim for quality over perfection.
Join me as I share some of my story along with some tips on how you can embrace and live the motto “Done is better than perfect” when you’re just starting out as a business new owner.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
How Taxes Can Unlock Your Financial Health
Today, I’m giving some guidance on how you can use tax time as an opportunity to improve your finances and set yourself up for retirement. I’m diving into the importance of getting organized with systems to track tax documents, receipts, and bookkeeping so you can prevent stress and surprises during tax season.
Join me in this episode as I outline the steps you need to take to improve your financial security as a creative entrepreneur.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Thoughts I've Had About Money
Today, I’m sharing some thoughts I’ve struggled with when it comes to my finances, taxes, and financial knowledge so I can motivate anyone who may be experiencing similar challenges with money mindset in your business.
Join me in this personal episode as I talk about how I’ve been able to move past fears and feelings of inadequacy when it comes to my finances and to hear some tips on how you can do the same.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
1099 vs W2 Income and Why it Matters
Today on the podcast, I’m going over the key differences between 1099 freelance income and W-2 employee income when filing taxes and how you can simplify your taxes as a self-employed individual.
Join me in this episode to learn how to file your taxes correctly to avoid penalties and keep your finances simple.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Insider Deduction Tips
Today, I’m giving you some insight into deductions and details on categories when it comes to your schedule C deductions. I talk about key categories for deductions like advertising and supplies and why it’s so important to keep proper documentation when it comes to deductions on your taxes.
Join me this week, to get some strategic guidance on maximizing your deductions and avoiding audits by putting expenses in their appropriate categories.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
How to Deduct Fees, Bandmate Payouts and Gallery Commissions
Today, I’m talking about deducting education expenses and explaining how fees and reimbursement works when it comes to reporting your income on your taxes.
Listen to this episode to get some insight on tax implications and how you can properly track income to meet the reporting requirements.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Tips to Make Your Taxes Better Right Now
In this week’s episode, I’m giving you some of my best tips when it comes to tax preparation and financial planning if you’re self-employed or a small business owner. I’m giving advice on completing bookkeeping, issuing 1099 forms, and why you need to schedule an early tax appointment with accountants.
Join me in this informative episode as I try to make your taxes as easy as possible so you can reduce stress and manage your money better.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Can a Massage Therapist Deduct Massages? Education Expenses Explained
Have you ever wondered what you can deduct when it comes to business expenses?
Today, I’m deep diving into education expenses and what you can and cannot deduct on your taxes as a business owner. I’m clarifying what you can deduct for continuing education, like seminars on new techniques, and what counts as leisure.
Listen to this important episode to learn how you can maximize your deductions when you file your taxes this year.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Discomfort Means You're Growing: Estimates and Investments
This week, I’m talking about embracing discomfort for your personal growth and financial success and how seeking out discomfort can help drive learning and achievement.
Join me as I share some of my own experiences of overcoming discomfort and how you can learn to view mistakes as learning opportunities instead of signs of failure.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
1099s Deep Dive: Listener Questions
Today, I’m going over some listener questions about 1099 tax forms and clarifying some issues that might arise for you as an artist or creative entrepreneur. I’m also giving you some advice on what to do if you get an incorrect 1099 form after filing taxes.
Join me in this episode to get a head start on your 1099 filings and to learn all the important details of filing correctly so you can avoid any penalties.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
What Are Receipts Actually For?
In today's episode, I’m explaining and going into detail about receipts and bookkeeping for self-employed creatives, including why keeping receipts is important and how you can keep yourself organized for tax season.
Listen to this important episode to learn more about when you need to keep receipts, where you can keep your receipts so you have them ready if needed and some of the common deductions you can take.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Issuing 1099s
Today, I’m chatting about the importance of filing 1099 forms if you’re self-employed. I’m explaining who needs to file a 1099, how to file the form correctly and the deadline you need to file by to make sure you avoid any penalties.
Join me in this important and timely episode to learn about filing your 1099, whether you fit into an exception and how you can track your payments for easier filing.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Respect Your Work, Then Get Organized
Today, I want to talk about the importance of believing in your work and why it’s so important for creative professionals to know the value of their work in this world. I’m sharing with you some personal examples of how artwork can have a profound impact on others.
Join me in this episode, to learn more about how you can start taking your creative career more seriously and why you need to start treating it like a job other than a hobby.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
The De-Stress Your Taxes Checklist
This week on the podcast, I’m giving you a checklist so you can get organized for this upcoming tax season once January comes and sharing some of my biggest tips for tax organization and planning.
Join me today to learn the action steps you can take to get a head start on your taxes and finances at the start of the year instead of waiting until the last minute.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Tax Credits and Law Changes Not to Miss
This week, I’m sharing a year-end review of past episodes from 2023 that covered new tax laws and legislation so you can be prepared when it comes to your business finances as we approach the tax season and year end.
Join me in this episode to get a recap of any new laws or tax credits that could impact you and your finances in 2024.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Lower Your Taxes at Year-End, Prevent a Cash Crunch
As we approach the end of 2023, I want to talk about end of year tax planning and some strategies on how to avoid a cash crunch in April when your tax bills are due. I’m giving you some budgeting and accounting tips that can potentially lower your taxable income.
Join me in this episode to get some valuable insight on staying ahead of your taxes so you can avoid a big bill when the tax deadline comes.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
New Rules for LLCs: How The Corporate Transparency Act Affects You
In today's episode, I want to talk about a new law that goes into effect in January of 2024 and affects small business owners with an LLC: The Corporate Transparency Act.
Join me in this important episode to learn more about this law, why it’s actually a good thing and how you can comply to avoid fines.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Understand Your Tax Rate
Has calculating your income tax rate in the past been overwhelming?
Today, I’m going into detail about income tax rates and helping you understand what the income tax rates are so you can be prepared when it comes time to file your quarterly taxes as a creative entrepreneur.
Join me in this episode to hear some tips on estimating your income tax rate and how you can avoid errors when calculating your income tax.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
FU Money for the People
On today’s episode, I’m talking about an important topic that I’m very passionate about: saving for retirement. I’m sharing why it’s so important to make sure you contribute to your retirement, how it can help you become a millionaire and some important facts you should know.
Join me to learn about saving for your retirement and some of the benefits you can get by starting today.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Donating Your Work isn't a Charitable Deduction
As we approach the upcoming holiday season, I wanted to chat about an important topic that comes up often: donating your artwork to a charitable organization and what that means for your taxes.
Join me today in this important episode as I explain what donating your artwork to charity means during tax time and why nonprofits need to be aware of the tax implications of charitable donations for artists. I also give you some tips on how you can still be charitable without feeling exploited.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Set Up Your Calendar for Tax Success
Today, I’m sharing with you how you can set up your calendar for success as an entrepreneur so you never miss any tax deadlines and why it’s so important to have all of the important tax dates outlined.
Join me in this episode to find out how you can grab my calendar filled with important tax dates so you can stay prepared for tax season!
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Your Personal Finance Attitude Adjustment
Today, I’m sharing another article I wrote in 2017 for the art blog, Art F City, where I focus on the mindset and the attitude that you need to conquer your personal finances.
Join me in this episode to learn more about how you can shift your mindset and adjust your attitude when it comes to money and prioritize your financial security.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Money Cheat Sheet for the Overwhelmed
Today, I’m sharing an article I wrote where I give a practical financial overview and is a personal finance cheat sheet for anyone feeling overwhelmed with their finances and taxes.
Listen to this episode to get some finance tips to help you feel more secure as an entrepreneur when it comes to your money.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
The Right Step at the Right Time
Are you an entrepreneur who has wondered if it’s time for you to form an LLC or an S Corp?
Today, I’m going over the business order of operations and why it’s so important to focus on the next level of your business instead of planning far ahead so you don’t waste valuable time and money.
Join me in this important episode as I go over some of the important steps in entrepreneurship and when you might want to consider taking the leap.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
Your Business Already Started
In today’s episode, I’m going over when your business actually starts according to the IRS, the importance of profit motive and the major benefits to filing a Schedule C even if you’re a new business.
Join me today as I explain the details of getting your business started and how you can prepare for your first year of filing taxes as an entrepreneur.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
How to Reduce Tax Overwhelm
Today, I’m sharing how you can reduce your tax overwhelm and get some relief when it comes to filing your taxes for your small business. I’m giving you 3 systems you need to make sure you stay organized during tax time so you can reduce your overwhelm.
Join me in this informative episode as I give you some quick tips on creating a simplified system for bookkeeping and taxes as a self-employed creative.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
How I Got Here: Interview with Kelly Bennett, Brand Strategist
This week, I’m sharing an interview I did on the Emerging Brands Podcast with Kelly Bennett.
Kelly Bennett is a New York City based Brand Strategist who helps brands define their brand strategy and develop brand narratives.
Join me in this episode as I talk about my business, how and why I started my company and some important parts of accounting you should know as an entrepreneur.