THE SUNLIGHT TAX BLOG:
Tax and Money Education for Creative People, Freelancers and Solopreneurs
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- the Sunlight Tax Podcast 2
Is It Time to Form An S Corp?
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In this episode, I break down the essentials of self-employment tax and explore how forming an S Corporation can unlock valuable tax benefits. I walk through key tax strategies, what makes an S Corp worth considering, and why understanding state regulations matters for self-employed entrepreneurs like us.
I also highlight how strong bookkeeping, proper payroll, and strategic financial planning help protect your business income and maximize your tax return. If you’re navigating entrepreneurship and want to keep more of what you earn, this episode offers practical, real-world guidance.
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode, I break down the essentials of self-employment tax and explore how forming an S Corporation can unlock valuable tax benefits. I walk through key tax strategies, what makes an S Corp worth considering, and why understanding state regulations matters for self-employed entrepreneurs like us.
I also highlight how strong bookkeeping, proper payroll, and strategic financial planning help protect your business income and maximize your tax return. If you’re navigating entrepreneurship and want to keep more of what you earn, this episode offers practical, real-world guidance.
Also mentioned in this episode:
00:00 Understanding Self-Employment Tax
03:25 The Benefits and Risks of S Corporations
06:20 Criteria for Forming an S Corporation
11:55 Navigating State Regulations and Compliance
Takeaways
Self-employment tax is 15.3% for self-employed individuals.
An S Corporation can help save on self-employment taxes if criteria are met.
Forming an S Corp requires running payroll and compliance with employment laws.
You cannot undo an S Corp election for five years.
Check state regulations as some may tax back S Corp benefits.
Consistent profit over $60,000 is a key criterion for forming an S Corp.
Bookkeeping is essential when operating as an S Corp.
Having more money than time indicates readiness for an S Corp.
Professional guidance is crucial when forming an S Corp.
Be cautious of advice from unlicensed sources regarding taxes.
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.
Get your free visual guide to tax deductions
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.
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.
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
Tax Pain: Don't Waste It, Learn from It
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Today, I’m talking about how you can use the pain of getting a large tax bill and turn it into an opportunity for financial growth, including funding for your retirement savings and maxing out your IRA contributions.
Join me in this episode to learn how you can transform your current financial challenges into an opportunity for improvement and how you can make sure you are financially secure.
Listen and Subscribe here
Today, I’m talking about how you can use the pain of getting a large tax bill and turn it into an opportunity for financial growth, including funding for your retirement savings and maxing out your IRA contributions.
Join me in this episode to learn how you can transform your current financial challenges into an opportunity for improvement and how you can make sure you are financially secure.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
Challenges for not paying quarterly taxes 9:52
Financial anxiety and economic security 12:34
Using your current financial situation as a motivator 18:32
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Links:
On-demand class on Making Taxes Easier/Best Deal on my program, Money Bootcamp
How to Pay Quarterly Taxes When Your Income Changes
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Today, I’m talking about the importance of estimated quarterly taxes if you’re self-employed and how you can use the Safe Harbor rule, to help make an accurate tax estimate if your income is different this year from last year.
Join me in this episode to learn how you can avoid tax penalties and large tax bills by estimating your quarterly taxes as accurately as possible.
Listen and Subscribe Here
Today, I’m talking about the importance of estimated quarterly taxes if you’re self-employed and how you can use the Safe Harbor rule, to help make an accurate tax estimate if your income is different this year from last year.
Join me in this episode to learn how you can avoid tax penalties and large tax bills by estimating your quarterly taxes as accurately as possible.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
What is the Safe Harbor Rule? 2:20
Paying your quarterly taxes based on current year income 9:10
The benefits of paying quarterly taxes 13:00
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Links:
On-demand class on Making Taxes Easier/Best Deal on my program, Money Bootcamp
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