THE SUNLIGHT TAX BLOG:
Tax and Money Education for Creative People, Freelancers and Solopreneurs
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- Estimated Quarterly Taxes 5
- General Economy; Tax Policy and Legislation 36
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- Interviews and personal stories 23
- Personal Finance 17
- Personal and Career Development 15
- Practical and Tactical Tax 54
- Retirement and Future Success 26
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- Tax Deductions for Freelancers and Self-Employed 7
My #1 Tip After Filing Your Taxes
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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 you paid.
Plus, I’m offering some simple, practical strategies for adjusting your future payments if your income changes—so you can feel more confident, prepared, and in control come tax time. Whether you’re self-employed or just trying to make sense of your finances, this episode is here to support you!
Listen and Subscribe Here
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 you paid.
Plus, I’m offering some simple, practical strategies for adjusting your future payments if your income changes—so you can feel more confident, prepared, and in control come tax time. Whether you’re self-employed or just trying to make sense of your finances, this episode is here to support you!
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
00:00 Digital Detox: A Refreshing Break
02:02 Post-Tax Filing: Key Steps for Improvement
07:16 Understanding Your Tax Return: Key Insights
12:07 Adjusting for Future Taxes: Strategies for Success
15:43 Resources for Tax Management: Programs and Support
Takeaways
Reviewing your tax return is crucial for financial planning.
Understanding your tax return helps avoid future whammies.
Taxes are retroactive; you only know your tax rate after the year ends.
Your total tax owed is reconciled with what you've paid throughout the year.
Aim to have your tax payments equal your total tax owed.
Adjust your estimated taxes based on income fluctuations.
Self-employed individuals must be proactive with tax payments.
Utilizing tax programs can simplify the filing process.
Seek help from tax education programs for better understanding.
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 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.
My On-demand class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings
Check out my program, Money Bootcamp
Sunlight Podcast Episodes about Quarterly Taxes:
Understand Your Tax Rate
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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 listeners with knowledge to manage their finances effectively.
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
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 listeners with knowledge to manage their finances effectively.
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.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
00:00 Understanding Income Tax Rates
09:33 The Progressive Tax System Explained
11:58 Marginal vs. Effective Tax Rates
17:04 Calculating Your Taxes Accurately
23:20 Final Thoughts and Resources
Takeaways:
People confuse marginal tax rates with their actual tax rate.
Income tax calculations are more complex than they seem.
Self-employment tax is a flat rate of 15.3%.
Estimating tax rates requires guessing due to timing.
Graduated income tax means different rates apply to different income slices.
Both low and high earners pay zero tax on the first $11,000.
Marginal tax rates only apply to the last dollar earned.
Average tax rates provide a more accurate tax estimate.
Online calculators can simplify tax calculations.
Self-employment tax should not be double counted in estimates.
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Every review makes a big difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight podcast to new audiences.
Links:
Get your FREE Deductions Guide
Listen to last week’s episode: Tips on Filing an Extension
Tips on Filing an Extension
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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 art career.
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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 art career.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
The importance of relationships in career success 2:40
Understanding tax extensions 14:10
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Every review makes a big difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight podcast to new audiences.
Links:
Free class for artists: Make Art Anyway: Your 2025 Show Strategy
File an extension request here
The Key To Less Fear When Doing Your Taxes
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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.
Listen and Subscribe Here
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 episode:
Understanding audits and the statute of limitations 3:34
Following tax rules and self-reporting 7:52
Reducing tax fear through education 9:30
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Links:
Helpful Sunlight Podcast episode links:
Should You Do A Tax Protest?
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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 than breaking the law.
Listen and Subscribe Here
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 than breaking the law.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
Effective ways of political engagement 7:50
Consequences of a tax protest 9:10
Alternative channels for political protest 16:55
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Links:
FREE LIVE CLASS: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings
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