THE SUNLIGHT TAX BLOG:
Tax and Money Education for Creative People, Freelancers and Solopreneurs
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The Shockingly Simple Math of Making Your Taxes Easier
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.
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:
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
The Child Care Tax Credit
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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.
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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
Takeaways
The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit helps working parents with childcare costs.
This credit is different from the child tax credit.
Summer camp expenses can qualify for the tax credit.
The credit allows for a percentage of childcare expenses to be claimed.
Tax credits are more beneficial than tax deductions.
Eligibility for the credit requires earned income or full-time student status.
Unemployment income does not count as earned income for this credit.
Both spouses must file jointly to claim the credit if married.
It's important to keep records of care providers for tax purposes.
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
How to Have it All
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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.
Listen and subscribe here
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
What Counts As Taxable Income
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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.
Listen and Subscribe Here
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
Takeaways
You must report all income derived from your business activities.
Grants received are considered taxable income unless proven otherwise.
Cash income must be reported, regardless of the amount.
Reimbursements for personal expenses do not count as income.
Gifts are not taxable income if no service is exchanged.
Business loans are not considered taxable income.
Moving money between personal and business accounts does not count as income.
The IRS focuses on who holds the money when determining tax obligations.
Income generated from business operations is generally taxable.
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
The Mental Load of Financial Fear
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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.
Listen and Subscribe here
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
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