THE SUNLIGHT TAX BLOG:
Tax and Money Education for Creative People, Freelancers and Solopreneurs
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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.
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.
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.
It’s 1099 Time: Here’s Your Checklist for Stress-Free Filing
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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.
January Tax Setup: Make Your Taxes a Breeze in 20 Minutes
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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.
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