Sunlight Tax
Episodes
How to Deduct Business Travel
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m talking about an important topic for entrepreneurs: business travel and deducting business travel on your taxes. I’m highlighting the i...
Startup Expenses: A Perk for Your New Business
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I’m diving into the topic of startup expenses, the deductions available for new businesses and some of the benefits the tax co...
Business vs. Hobby & the IRS 9 Point Test for Profit Motive
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m talking about the tax laws related to distinguishing between a hobby and a legitimate business when you’re a creative professional. I’...
New Rules for LLCs: Update
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I’m revisiting an important topic and giving you an update about the Corporate Transparency Act, which aims to identify owners...
Why It Matters Who You Listen To
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I want to talk about why it’s so important who you take advice from when you’re an entrepreneur. I share some of my experiences and some of...
4 Cases Where Done Beats Perfect
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I’m sharing my story of struggling with perfectionism and how I was able to overcome that and embrace imperfection and how I c...
How Taxes Can Unlock Your Financial Health
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m giving some guidance on how you can use tax time as an opportunity to improve your finances and set yourself up for retirement. I’m div...
Thoughts I’ve had About Money
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m sharing some thoughts I’ve struggled with when it comes to my finances, taxes, and financial knowledge so I can motivate anyone who may...
1099 vs W2 Income and Why it Matters
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the podcast, I’m going over the key differences between 1099 freelance income and W-2 employee income when filing taxes and how you can sim...
Insider Deduction Tips
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m giving you some insight into deductions and details on categories when it comes to your schedule C deductions. I talk about key categorie...
How to Deduct Fees, Bandmate Payouts and Gallery Commissions
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m talking about deducting education expenses and explaining how fees and reimbursement works when it comes to reporting your income on your...
Tips to Make Your Taxes Better Right Now
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, I’m giving you some of my best tips when it comes to tax preparation and financial planning if you’re self-employed or a...
Can a Massage Therapist Deduct Massages? Education Expenses Explained
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered what you can deduct when it comes to business expenses? Today, I’m deep diving into education expenses and what you can an...
Discomfort Means You're Growing: Estimates and Investments
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m talking about embracing discomfort for your personal growth and financial success and how seeking out discomfort can help drive learn...
1099s Deep Dive: Listener Questions
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m going over some listener questions about 1099 tax forms and clarifying some issues that might arise for you as an artist or creative en...
What Are Receipts Actually For?
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I’m explaining and going into detail about receipts and bookkeeping for self-employed creatives, including why keeping receipts ...
Issuing 1099s
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m chatting about the importance of filing 1099 forms if you’re self-employed. I’m explaining who needs to file a 1099, how to file the ...
Open House for Money Bootcamp
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’m having an open house to answer all your questions about Money Bootcamp. If you’re curious about it, and curious how it could help you, this is...
Respect Your Work, Then Get Organized
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I want to talk about the importance of believing in your work and why it’s so important for creative professionals to know the value of their...
The De-Stress Your Taxes Checklist
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast, I’m giving you a checklist so you can get organized for this upcoming tax season once January comes and sharing some of my...
Tax Credits and Law Changes Not to Miss
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m sharing a year-end review of past episodes from 2023 that covered new tax laws and legislation so you can be prepared when it comes t...
Lower your Taxes at Year End, Prevent a Cash Crunch
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we approach the end of 2023, I want to talk about end of year tax planning and some strategies on how to avoid a cash crunch in April when your tax...
New Rules for LLCs: How The Corporate Transparency Act Affects You
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I want to talk about a new law that goes into effect in January of 2024 and affects small business owners with an LLC: The Corpora...
Understand Your Tax Rate
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Has calculating your income tax rate in the past been overwhelming? Today, I’m going into detail about income tax rates and helping you understan...
FU Money for the People
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, I’m talking about an important topic that I’m very passionate about: saving for retirement. I’m sharing why it’s so impo...
Donating Your Work isn't a Charitable Deduction
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we approach the upcoming holiday season, I wanted to chat about an important topic that comes up often: donating your artwork to a charitable organ...
Set Up Your Calendar for Tax Success
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m sharing with you how you can set up your calendar for success as an entrepreneur so you never miss any tax deadlines and why it’s so im...
Your Personal Finance Attitude Adjustment
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m sharing another article I wrote in 2017 for the art blog, Art F City, where I focus on the mindset and the attitude that you need to conq...
Money Cheat Sheet for the Overwhelmed
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m sharing an article I wrote where I give a practical financial overview and is a personal finance cheat sheet for anyone feeling overwhelm...
The Right Step at the Right Time
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you an entrepreneur who has wondered if it’s time for you to form an LLC or an S Corp? Today, I’m going over the business order of operatio...
Your Business Already Started
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, I’m going over when your business actually starts according to the IRS, the importance of profit motive and the major benefits...
How to Reduce Tax Overwhelm
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m sharing how you can reduce your tax overwhelm and get some relief when it comes to filing your taxes for your small business. I’m givin...
How I Got Here: Interview with Kelly Bennett
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m sharing an interview I did on the Emerging Brands Podcast with Kelly Bennett. Kelly Bennett is a New York City based Brand Strat...
Farnoosh Torabi: When Financial Fear is Good
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Farnoosh Torabi is an Iranian-American personal finance expert, journalist, author and the host of the So Money podcast. Today, Farnoosh joins ...
My top 4 ROIs (Returns on Investment)
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m talking about some of the best things I’ve invested in during my time as a business owner that have brought me a good return on investm...
Mistakes People Make When Working with an Accountant
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered what questions you should ask when you’re hiring a new accountant? Today, I’m explaining some of the biggest mistakes I ...
Your Complete Guide to the New Student Loan Forgiveness
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s timely bonus episode, I am sharing some information on student loans, the new SAVE program and how this new program can help lower your p...
3 Secrets to Extra Money in Your Tax Deductions
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I want to talk about 2 areas of the tax code where you can get more money as a deduction than you actually spent and how you can make the most ...
LLCs & Why You Need to Separate Your Accounts
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m sharing an article I wrote about why it’s so important to keep your personal and business bank accounts separate as an entrepreneur....
The Child Care Tax Credit
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m sharing important details about the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and how you can use it during the summer months when sending your...
Taxes Should Be Part of Civic Education: a Story of Hope
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m sharing a civic oriented article I wrote back in 2018 that I hope will inspire you to get involved in your local politics and think mo...
10 Minute Tax Fix: Do a Paycheck Checkup
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this quick and easy episode, I’m talking about something practical you can do in just 15 minutes to make your life easier during tax time. ...
Oops! How to Fix a Tax Mistake
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered what happens when you make a mistake on your taxes? In this episode, I’m talking about the most common mistakes people m...
What is a schedule? Capital Gains, Self-Employment Tax and Itemized Deductions
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m sharing some tax basics and diving into tax schedules including what tax schedules are and why they exist. I’m also diving into capital...
What I do With My Money
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m sharing the details of what I do with my money, how I got interested in personal finance and how my idea and process with money has evolv...
How to Have it All
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered how you can have it all in your life and business? Today, I’m talking about focus as an entrepreneur and how I use metr...
Why I'm Patriotic (Proof of Real Progress)
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For this July 4th episode, I wanted to go over the top reasons that I’m patriotic and talk about some of the great things that are happening in our ...
The One Thing You Must Do in Your Business
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s my 50th episode of the Sunlight Podcast and today, I wanted to share with you the one thing I believe you must do in your business to be succes...
Medical Expense Deductions: When it's Worth Tracking & How
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered how medical expense deductions work and if you could potentially qualify? Today, I’m giving you a deep dive into the med...
The Business Advantages of Creatives
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Artists and mission-driven people make natural entrepreneurs. In today’s episode, I’m going over all the reasons why I think creatives, artis...
BTS: How I Structure My Day for Better Focus
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt like you have more work than time in the day? Today, I’m sharing some of my biggest tips on how I structure my day for maxim...
BTS: Creative Career Advice from Architect John Cole (aka My Dad)
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I have my dad, architect John Cole, joining me to talk about his successful career in architecture and to give some of his best advice to young...
Tips for Your First Hire
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, I’m talking about everything you need to know about hiring as a small business owner, including how you can avoid some maj...
S Corp Mistakes That will Cost You Thousands
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, I’m diving into the topic of S Corps and sharing the most common misconceptions and the mistakes to avoid when forming an ...
Tips to Ensure You Pay Yourself
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some of my biggest tips to make sure you prioritize paying yourself first and funding your IRA as an entrepren...
Re-Framing Finances for Creatives
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m sharing an episode that aired on the Creative Baggage podcast where I was recently a guest. Creative Baggage is a conversation...
What Counts As Taxable Income?
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
3 Tips for Easier Taxes
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m sharing my 3 quick and easy tips to make taxes easier for you as an entrepreneur. Join me in this episode to learn how you can eli...
Bonus: Making your Estimated Quarterly Tax Payment
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I'm giving you a quick mini bonus episode to share the details about my training video that teaches you how to make your estimated quarterl...
Is it Ok to Get a Tax Extension?
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you need a tax extension and you’re freaking out about it? Today, I’m sharing the details about tax extensions for entrepreneurs and what ...
Aggressive Means "High Growth"
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m sharing more about the word “aggressive” and what it means when you’re setting up investments as an entrepreneur. I’m explainin...
How to Stash More FU Money: The SECURE 2.0 Act Expands Your Retirement-Funding Options.
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m sharing with you some information about the recently passed Secure 2.0 Act and how it can help you stash more FU money and expand your re...
The Mental Load of Financial Fear
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you feeling judgement or fear when it comes to your taxes and finances? Today, I’m talking about the mental load of financial fear and the ...
Do I Need an LLC?
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One of the top questions I get asked in my one to one consultations as a tax accountant for creative entrepreneurs is: Do I need an LLC? Today, I’...
The Home Office Deduction
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m explaining the home office deduction including how you can calculate your own home office deduction when you’re filing your taxes as a ...
How to Fund your IRA: Pay Yourself First
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, I’m talking about a very important topic: how to pay yourself first as a creative entrepreneur and how you can grow your stash o...
When do you Actually Need an Accountant?
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a creative entrepreneur who’s been wondering when you should hire an accountant or if you’ll be able to just do your own taxes? In toda...
Estimated Quarterly Taxes: How to Calculate Your Payments
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m diving into the second part of paying estimated quarterly taxes and sharing how you can actually calculate what your quarterly payments t...
Estimated Quarterly Taxes: Breaking it Down
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re a creative entrepreneur, chances are that you might be confused with the idea of paying your estimated quarterly taxes. Today, I’m br...
1099s: Your Top Questions
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m giving you a quick and practical episode answering some of the common questions I’ve received about 1099’s so I can clarify any c...
Tips to Set Up for Easy Taxes
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Preparing for tax season can be overwhelming especially if you’re a business owner. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some of the easy ti...
How to Issue 1099s
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s special bonus episode, I’m breaking down any confusion and explaining all of the details you need to know about 1099s as a creative...
10 Reasons Self-Employed People Get Stuck with Money, and How to Fix It
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m sharing my thoughts about why it’s so hard for creative entrepreneurs and ethically aligned people to get well served when it comes to ...
What Small Business Bookkeeping is Actually For
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bookkeeping and accounting are topics that can intimidate and confuse a lot of entrepreneurs so in today’s episode, I’m deep diving into what book...
Taxes, Democracy, and the Largest Climate Bill in US History
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this first episode of 2023, I’m sharing some of what the Biden administration has accomplished and the incredible strides that have come from the...
Taylor Smalls: Taking the Leap from Architecture to Full Time Art
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Taylor Smalls is a contemporary painter who runs her own studio practice based in California. In today’s episode, Taylor joins me to chat abo...
Phrases to use for Boundaries & Pricing with your Clients
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m talking about a subject that can trigger people and bring up a lot of emotions: pricing. In this follow up to episode 20, where I spo...
Tax and Year-End Planning
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As year-end approaches, I’m sharing how you can create a financial end of year strategy for yourself as a creative entrepreneur and how you can plan...
Pricing and Business Lessons
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode I’m reflecting on my business and some of the lessons I’ve learned while being a creative entrepreneur including some of the ...
Imagine (Sneha Shrestha): Street Art, Authenticity, and Connecting Savings to Creative Freedom
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine (Sneha Shrestha) is an artist, educator and social entrepreneur from Kathmandu, Nepal. She established Nepal’s first Children’s Art Museum...
Gretchen Carder: Prestige is Not Payment: Textiles, Covid Pivots + Bookkeeping as Self-Care
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Gretchen Carder is the owner of Good Quilt and a member of Money Bootcamp. Gretchen has a background in graphic design and now works with textiles as ...
Waiting Costs you Money: Money School
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s final episode of the Money School Bonus Series, I’m sharing why waiting costs you money when it comes to building financial security an...
Don't Hustle, Don't compromise, Just Maximize: Money School
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Don't Hustle, Don't compromise, Just Maximize: Money School bonus series Today, I’m rounding out the Money School Bonus Series by sharing how you...
Why Deductions Save More than you Think: Self-Employment Tax: Money School
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode of the Money School Bonus Series, I’m explaining what self-employment tax is, why tax deductions are so important as a creative...
Receipts & Bookkeeping Demystified: Money School
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Receipts. Your tax return. Bookkeeping. In this week’s episode and part of the Money School series, I’m sharing three different systems that you n...
How to Cancel your Student Debt: Money School
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s bonus episode, I’m giving you all the details about how you can take advantage of President Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness plan...
What Accountants Get Wrong About Creative People: Money School
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re a creative professional and entrepreneur, you’ve probably had a negative encounter with an accountant before where they didn’t take yo...
Vision: Running for Office
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m interviewing 2 candidates running for office here in Western North Carolina. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara is a North Carolinian, Christian minis...
Itemizing vs. Business Deductions: Ending the Confusion
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re a creative entrepreneur, you may be confused about itemizing vs business deductions, and whether to itemize or take the standard deduction...
Perfectionism as a Creative Entrepreneur
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Most creative people are motivated to make incredible work. We might even strive for perfection. In this episode, I’m talking about how perfectionis...
Roth vs Traditional IRA: Does it Even Matter?
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I discuss something I’m asked about a lot as a tax professional- which is better for a creative entrepreneur–a Roth or a traditional IRA? W...
What’s Going on in the Economy Right Now
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s bonus episode, I’m breaking down what’s currently going on in the economy right now both in the US and globally including whether...
Paddy Johnson: Real Talk on How to Succeed in the Arts
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Paddy Johnson is a writer, educator and the founder of VVrkshop, an online platform designed to help artists and art professionals connect with other ...
Proof That You’re Doing Fine- The Breakeven Point
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I often see a lot of creative entrepreneurs struggling with mindset issues when it comes to the idea of being an official business owner and not knowi...
Mileage: The Best Tax Deduction You're Missing
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I’m talking about one of the best tax deductions you should be taking as a creative entrepreneur and one that often gets missed: the mileage ...
Erika Hess: Podcasting, Art, Motherhood, Boundaries, and Widening the Circle
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Erika Hess is a painter, curator and the host of the I Like Your Work Podcast. Her paintings and drawings center around gender, motherhood and the env...
10 Things I’ve Learned Doing Creative Entrepreneurs Taxes
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hello and welcome to the first episode of Sunlight! When I first started working as a visual artist, I found it impossible to get good financial ...
Money is Gas in the Car
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m sharing with you the inspiration behind starting my company, Sunlight Tax, which is dedicated to providing financial informatio...
Trailer: Introducing The Sunlight Podcast
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Making money isn’t usually the top priority for big vision creatives — making a difference is. But without financial power, the unique solutions t...