THE SUNLIGHT TAX BLOG:
Tax and Money Education for Creative People, Freelancers and Solopreneurs
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What Small Business Bookkeeping is Actually For
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In this episode, I’m diving into the essentials of bookkeeping specifically for small business owners who want to take control of their finances without the overwhelm. I break down accounting basics like the difference between financial accounting and tax accounting, and I explain when (and if) you actually need audited financial statements. We’ll talk about how to simplify your DIY bookkeeping process, stay on top of your taxes, and make tax preparation less stressful.
If you're a small business owner, freelancer, or creative entrepreneur looking for practical tips on bookkeeping, taxes, and staying organized, this episode is packed with everything you need to build confidence and clarity around your money.
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode, I’m diving into the essentials of bookkeeping specifically for small business owners who want to take control of their finances without the overwhelm. I break down accounting basics like the difference between financial accounting and tax accounting, and I explain when (and if) you actually need audited financial statements. We’ll talk about how to simplify your DIY bookkeeping process, stay on top of your taxes, and make tax preparation less stressful.
If you're a small business owner, freelancer, or creative entrepreneur looking for practical tips on bookkeeping, taxes, and staying organized, this episode is packed with everything you need to build confidence and clarity around your money.
00:00 Understanding Bookkeeping for Small Businesses
00:52 The Role of Bookkeeping in Small Business
13:14 Navigating Tax Accounting vs. Financial Accounting
16:34 Creating a Simple Spreadsheet System
19:23 Tracking Deductions and Expenses Effectively
22:41 Building a Sustainable Financial Future
Takeaways
Bookkeeping does not need to be complicated for micro businesses.
Understanding the purpose of bookkeeping can simplify your process.
Most small businesses do not need audited financials.
Key reasons for bookkeeping include knowing profit and tax predictions.
Double entry bookkeeping can be confusing without training.
Tracking expenses in a simple way can save time at tax time.
DIY bookkeeping is possible with the right 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 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.
LLC Myths: The Truth About LLCs and Taxes
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In this episode of the Sunlight Podcast, I’m unpacking some of the biggest myths I hear about forming an LLC. If you're self-employed or thinking about business formation, it's so important to understand what an LLC really is—and what it isn't. I talk through common misconceptions about taxes, liability protection, whether an LLC makes you a “real” legal entity, and how much ongoing accounting or paperwork is actually needed.
I also share why business insurance is still essential (yes, even if you have an LLC), and how good financial advice can help you make smart choices for your business. Plus, I give a sneak peek at my upcoming book, Taxes for Humans, where I go even deeper into LLCs, business structures, and all the stuff no one teaches you when you become self-employed.
Listen and Subscribe Here
In this episode of the Sunlight Podcast, I’m unpacking some of the biggest myths I hear about forming an LLC. If you're self-employed or thinking about business formation, it's so important to understand what an LLC really is—and what it isn't. I talk through common misconceptions about taxes, liability protection, whether an LLC makes you a “real” legal entity, and how much ongoing accounting or paperwork is actually needed.
I also share why business insurance is still essential (yes, even if you have an LLC), and how good financial advice can help you make smart choices for your business. Plus, I give a sneak peek at my upcoming book, Taxes for Humans, where I go even deeper into LLCs, business structures, and all the stuff no one teaches you when you become self-employed.
00:00 Introduction to LLC Myths
04:43 Myth 1: LLCs Change Your Taxes
08:28 Myth 2: LLCs Make Your Business Official
10:25 Myth 3: LLCs Are the Only Protection
13:12 Myth 4: LLCs Are Set It and Forget It
17:19 Final Thoughts and My Book, Taxes for Humans
Takeaways
LLCs do not change your taxes; they are a legal entity.
Your business is official when you have a profit motive, not an LLC.
LLCs provide liability protection but are not the only option.
Business liability insurance can also protect your business.
Maintaining an LLC requires annual fees and updates.
Accounting practices are essential to uphold LLC protections.
Don't rely on friends' advice about LLCs; understand your own needs.
Pre-orders for books are crucial for their success.
An LLC is a flexible entity that allows various tax options.
Separate business and personal accounts are mandatory for LLCs.
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
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:
The Key To Less Fear When Doing Your Taxes
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In today’s episode, I’m talking about some of the common tax fears I see entrepreneurs encounter and giving you strategies on how you can reduce your tax-related anxiety and feel prepared for tax season.
Join me in this important episode to hear my framework that can help demystify the tax process and make managing your taxes less stressful and more straightforward.
Listen and Subscribe Here
In today’s episode, I’m talking about some of the common tax fears I see entrepreneurs encounter and giving you strategies on how you can reduce your tax-related anxiety and feel prepared for tax season.
Join me in this important episode to hear my framework that can help demystify the tax process and make managing your taxes less stressful and more straightforward.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
Understanding audits and the statute of limitations 3:34
Following tax rules and self-reporting 7:52
Reducing tax fear through education 9:30
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Links:
Helpful Sunlight Podcast episode links:
Tips to Make Your Taxes Better Right Now
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Tips to Make Your Taxes Better Right Now
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 small business owner. I’m giving advice on completing bookkeeping, issuing 1099 forms, and why you need to schedule an early tax appointment with accountants.
Join me in this informative episode as I try to make your taxes as easy as possible so you can reduce stress and manage your money better.
LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE HERE
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 small business owner. I’m giving advice on completing bookkeeping, issuing 1099 forms, and why you need to schedule an early tax appointment with accountants.
Join me in this informative episode as I try to make your taxes as easy as possible so you can reduce stress and manage your money better.
Also mentioned in today’s episode:
Why you should associate bookkeeping with self-care activities 5:53
When you should book your appointment with a tax advisor and why it helps if it’s earlier 10:33
What is the triple deadline of April 15th? 17:52
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!
Links:
De-stress your taxes checklist: https://pod.link/1640538610/episode/829669c4f27589e3572ba3c2c497f24b
Issuing 1099s:
https://pod.link/1640538610/episode/5e3fdee788bf841e0aaeb5b3734e395b
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