THE SUNLIGHT TAX BLOG:
Tax and Money Education for Creative People, Freelancers and Solopreneurs
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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
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
What Kamala and I Share: Optimism and Patriotism
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Today, I'm Discussing the balance between passion and monetization in creative work and some of the themes of patriotism and optimism that I identify with in the Harris Walz campaign, including how it relates to civics.
Join me in this episode to learn about some of the benefits of the U.S. tax code for small businesses and why civics is so important.
Listen and subscribe here
Today, I'm Discussing the balance between passion and monetization in creative work and some of the themes of patriotism and optimism that I identify with in the Harris Walz campaign, including how it relates to civics.
Join me in this episode to learn about some of the benefits of the U.S. tax code for small businesses and why civics is so important.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
Balancing value and money in your creative work 6:10
The role of patriotism and civics in democracy 8:54
Benefits of small business in the economy 16:37
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Links:
Marissa Molinar, Midday Movement series
Cara Bean, Here I am, I am Me: An Illustrated Guide to Mental Health
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