THE SUNLIGHT TAX BLOG:
Tax and Money Education for Creative People, Freelancers and Solopreneurs
search A TOPIC
Categories
- Business Management 17
- Creative Specific 3
- Estimated Quarterly Taxes 5
- General Economy; Tax Policy and Legislation 44
- Get to know Hannah Cole 8
- Interviews and personal stories 27
- Personal Finance 23
- Personal and Career Development 20
- Practical and Tactical Tax 54
- Retirement and Future Success 27
- Sunlight Podcast 149
- Tax Deductions for Freelancers and Self-Employed 8
- the Sunlight Tax Podcast 29
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
January Tax Setup: Make Your Taxes a Breeze in 20 Minutes
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m breaking down my most effective tax prep strategies to help creatives and entrepreneurs start the year organized, confident, and ahead of the game. I share my January setup to make your taxes a breeze. I'll give you the exact systems I recommend for simplifying tax season without overwhelm or guesswork – like tracking mileage and mileage logs, setting up a simple document filing system, knowing your 1099 requirements, and a receipt management workflow that’s easy to maintain all year long.
If you want to avoid costly tax mistakes and move through tax season smoothly, this episode gives you actionable tools you can implement right now. Whether you're self-employed, earning 1099 income, or running a creative business, you’ll walk away with a clear plan for staying compliant, reducing stress, and setting yourself up for a better money year.
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m breaking down my most effective tax prep strategies to help creatives and entrepreneurs start the year organized, confident, and ahead of the game. I share my January setup to make your taxes a breeze. I'll give you the exact systems I recommend for simplifying tax season without overwhelm or guesswork – like tracking mileage and mileage logs, setting up a simple document filing system, knowing your 1099 requirements, and a receipt management workflow that’s easy to maintain all year long.
If you want to avoid costly tax mistakes and move through tax season smoothly, this episode gives you actionable tools you can implement right now. Whether you're self-employed, earning 1099 income, or running a creative business, you’ll walk away with a clear plan for staying compliant, reducing stress, and setting yourself up for a better money year.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
01:12 New Year, New Tax Strategies
03:13 Essential Tax Preparation Tips
09:44 Understanding 1099s and Deadlines
14:01 Setting Up a Business Bank Account
15:54 Organizing Receipts for Tax Season
19:28 Other Resources
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 your free January Checklist
The Sunlight Tax Podcast EP4: Mileage: the best deduction you're missing
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
Where To Put Your Money: First, Next and Last
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I share core personal finance strategies for creative entrepreneurs, artists, and business owners. Learn the right order of operations for managing money, why an emergency fund is essential, practical debt management tips, and simple ways to start investing with low-cost index funds.
Join me today to hear some basic steps to control your finances and how you can start investing today.
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I share core personal finance strategies for creative entrepreneurs, artists, and business owners. Learn the right order of operations for managing money, why an emergency fund is essential, practical debt management tips, and simple ways to start investing with low-cost index funds.
Join me today to hear some basic steps to control your finances and how you can start investing today.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
00:23 Navigating Life's Unexpected Challenges
01:19 Understanding Personal Finance Order of Operations
04:01 The Basics of Personal Finance
07:55 Debt Management Strategies
08:48 Prioritizing Savings for Retirement and Education
10:13 Investing Basics and Strategies
13:25 Empowering Financial Education and Resources
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: 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
How Much Can You Save Using An IRA? I Show You The Math
Listen and Subscribe Here
On this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I dive into why tax literacy is crucial and how understanding the basics can save you thousands of dollars. I explain how tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs, HSAs, and retirement savings plans work, and why they’re some of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth and financial stability.
Using practical examples and simple calculations, I show how small, informed choices can lead to significant tax savings over time. Plus, I share details about my free step-by-step tax strategies class, designed to make complex tax concepts accessible, actionable, and stress-free.
Listen and Subscribe Here
On this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I dive into why tax literacy is crucial and how understanding the basics can save you thousands of dollars. I explain how tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs, HSAs, and retirement savings plans work, and why they’re some of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth and financial stability.
Using practical examples and simple calculations, I show how small, informed choices can lead to significant tax savings over time. Plus, I share details about my free step-by-step tax strategies class, designed to make complex tax concepts accessible, actionable, and stress-free.
Whether you’re a self-employed creative, freelancer, or anyone looking to take control of your finances, this episode will give you the tools to understand taxes, maximize savings, and grow your wealth. Don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more people find these insights and start feeling confident about their money.
Also mentioned in this episode:
01:32 Introduction and Holiday Reflections
03:01 The Importance of Tax Literacy
11:34 Maximizing Tax-Advantaged Accounts for Savings
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: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings
Link to review this podcast on Apple
Check out my program, Money Bootcamp
An Interview with Paddy Johnson of the Art Problems Podcast on Clarity, Taxes, and Not Being Boring
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m interviewed by Paddy Johnson of the Art Problems Podcast about my book Taxes for Humans, a tax guide for self-employed creatives. We explore why demystifying taxes is about more than numbers—it’s about understanding the systems, values, and power behind them.
I share why tax education matters, how it can empower creatives, and how the companion workbook helps put these ideas into practice. Plus, hear real stories from artists navigating taxes and the emotional weight money can carry in the creative world.
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m interviewed by Paddy Johnson of the Art Problems Podcast about my book Taxes for Humans, a tax guide for self-employed creatives. We explore why demystifying taxes is about more than numbers—it’s about understanding the systems, values, and power behind them.
I share why tax education matters, how it can empower creatives, and how the companion workbook helps put these ideas into practice. Plus, hear real stories from artists navigating taxes and the emotional weight money can carry in the creative world.
Also mentioned in this episode:
03:19 Understanding the Book's Unique Approach
06:37 The Importance of Context in Tax Education
09:32 Breaking Down Tax Myths and Misconceptions
12:22 Empowering Artists Through Financial Literacy
15:37 The Role of Taxes in Society
18:33 The Workbook: A Practical Companion
21:17 Addressing Judgment and Shame in Tax Preparation
24:36 Real Stories of Artists Overcoming Tax Challenges
27:28 Resources for Artists
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 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
Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings
Check out my program, Money Bootcamp
What are your money concerns?
Suggest a blog topic for Hannah here.