THE SUNLIGHT TAX BLOG:

Tax and Money Education for Creative People, Freelancers and Solopreneurs

The Danger of A Huge Tax Bill, and How Money Bootcamp Protects You

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This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m breaking down the real danger of ending up with a massive tax bill and why bookkeeping and quarterly taxes are the key to avoiding it.

I explain how estimated taxes actually work, the common mistakes self-employed people make, and why I created Money Bootcamp to help freelancers, creators, and small business owners stay organized and protected. Inside the program, you’ll get practical tools, clear systems, and built-in accountability to reduce tax stress and stop feeling perpetually behind. If taxes have been a constant source of anxiety, this episode is for you.

Listen and Subscribe Here

This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m breaking down the real danger of ending up with a massive tax bill and why bookkeeping and quarterly taxes are the key to avoiding it.

I explain how estimated taxes actually work, the common mistakes self-employed people make, and why I created Money Bootcamp to help freelancers, creators, and small business owners stay organized and protected. Inside the program, you’ll get practical tools, clear systems, and built-in accountability to reduce tax stress and stop feeling perpetually behind. If taxes have been a constant source of anxiety, this episode is for you.

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

00:13 Introduction to Tax Awareness

02:36 The Importance of Quarterly Taxes

05:44 Understanding the Pain of Tax Bills

08:11 Who Money Bootcamp Serves

10:53 The Difference Between the Book and the Program

14:55 Accountability in Money Bootcamp

18:31 Invitation to Money Bootcamp Open House 

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:

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

Join my Open House Today at 3PM EST

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

Watch YouTube video version

Read More

Don’t Tax Protest—Boycott. Plus, Selling in Dark Times

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In this week’s episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I open up about navigating personal and societal upheaval during times of economic uncertainty and political tension. We dive into the challenges small business owners face, including how hard it can feel to sell your work in dark times and why some forms of protest or “resistance” can unintentionally hurt ethical small businesses.

I also share practical strategies for pushing back without causing harm, maintaining integrity, and turning anger or frustration into constructive action. This episode is a reminder to stay encouraged, continue your good work, and support your business and community responsibly, even when the world feels unstable.

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this week’s episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I open up about navigating personal and societal upheaval during times of economic uncertainty and political tension. We dive into the challenges small business owners face, including how hard it can feel to sell your work in dark times and why some forms of protest or “resistance” can unintentionally hurt ethical small businesses.

I also share practical strategies for pushing back without causing harm, maintaining integrity, and turning anger or frustration into constructive action. This episode is a reminder to stay encouraged, continue your good work, and support your business and community responsibly, even when the world feels unstable.

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

00:00 Navigating Dark Times: Personal Reflections

03:39 Tax Protests: A Dangerous Path

06:20 Effective Resistance: Boycotts and Economic Action

09:04 Supporting Small Businesses Amidst Upheaval

11:34 The Struggles of Small Business Owners

14:24 Balancing Sales and Ethics in Difficult Times

17:11 The Importance of Sustaining Your Work

20:09 Let’s Support Each Other and Resist

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:

Sunlight Tax Podcast Episode 143: Should You Do A Tax Protest?

Indivisible.org

Resist and Unsubscribe Campaign

Order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

Watch YouTube video version

Read More

1099 Problems (and How to Avoid Them)

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In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I explain what 1099 forms are, why accurate 1099 reporting matters, and how mistakes can impact your taxes if you’re self-employed. I break down common 1099 problems and how to avoid them. I also share what to do when a 1099 is wrong and how to make sure all your income is properly reported to the IRS. We also cover key 1099 deadlines and practical bookkeeping tips to help freelancers, contractors, and small business owners stay compliant and avoid costly surprises at tax time.

1099 Problems (and How to Avoid Them)

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I explain what 1099 forms are, why accurate 1099 reporting matters, and how mistakes can impact your taxes if you’re self-employed. I break down common 1099 problems and how to avoid them. I also share what to do when a 1099 is wrong and how to make sure all your income is properly reported to the IRS. We also cover key 1099 deadlines and practical bookkeeping tips to help freelancers, contractors, and small business owners stay compliant and avoid costly surprises at tax time.

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

01:12 Understanding 1099s: An Introduction

03:21 The Importance of Accurate Reporting

06:25 Common 1099 Problems and Solutions

08:57 Tallying Your Income Effectively

12:03 Some Tips for 1099 Management

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:

Join my free class on 1/27 at noon EST: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings

Get my short course: All About 1099s

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

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

Watch YouTube video version.

Read More

What’s New for Your Taxes This Year: Key Tax Changes You Need to Know

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In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down the most important 2025 tax law changes in clear, jargon-free language. I explain the new Schedule 1-A and its temporary deductions, including no tax on tips, overtime, car loan interest, and enhanced senior deductions, plus what the latest tax bill really means for your wallet.

You’ll also learn about “Trump accounts” for children born 2025–2028, updated 1099 reporting rules, retirement catch-up contribution changes, and the higher standard deduction. This practical episode helps you understand key tax changes, which tax benefits apply to you, and how to avoid missing important deductions this tax season.

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down the most important 2025 tax law changes in clear, jargon-free language. I explain the new Schedule 1-A and its temporary deductions, including no tax on tips, overtime, car loan interest, and enhanced senior deductions, plus what the latest tax bill really means for your wallet.

You’ll also learn about “Trump accounts” for children born 2025–2028, updated 1099 reporting rules, retirement catch-up contribution changes, and the higher standard deduction. This practical episode helps you understand key tax changes, which tax benefits apply to you, and how to avoid missing important deductions this tax season.

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

03:39 New Tax Forms and Deductions

06:44 Understanding the Schedule 1A

10:31 Trump Accounts: A New Initiative

13:14 Changes in 1099 Forms and Reporting

15:52 Updates on Standard Deductions and Child Tax Credit

18:47 Join my Upcoming Free Class

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:

Join my free class on 1/27: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

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

Watch YouTube video version

Read More

It’s 1099 Time: Here’s Your Checklist for Stress-Free Filing

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down everything self-employed business owners need to know about 1099s – what they are, why they matter, and what’s changed under current 1099 reporting rules. If you work with independent contractors, I walk you through a clear, step-by-step 1099 checklist to help you file correctly and on time. We cover why accurate bookkeeping is important, when and why to collect W-9 forms, and how to avoid common 1099 mistakes that can trigger IRS penalties.

I also explain the different types of 1099 forms (including which ones apply to freelancers and small businesses), what each form is used for, and the penalties for failing to file or filing incorrectly.

Listen and Subscribe Here

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down everything self-employed business owners need to know about 1099s – what they are, why they matter, and what’s changed under current 1099 reporting rules. If you work with independent contractors, I walk you through a clear, step-by-step 1099 checklist to help you file correctly and on time. We cover why accurate bookkeeping is important, when and why to collect W-9 forms, and how to avoid common 1099 mistakes that can trigger IRS penalties.

I also explain the different types of 1099 forms (including which ones apply to freelancers and small businesses), what each form is used for, and the penalties for failing to file or filing incorrectly.

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

01:00 Understanding 1099: The Basics

04:31 The Importance of 1099s

10:53 The kinds of 1099s you are going to be dealing with

18:20 Checklist for Issuing 1099s

25:45 Other Resources for filing 1099s

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:

Get my 1-hour course: All About 1099s

Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings

Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

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

Watch YouTube video version

Read More

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