THE SUNLIGHT TAX BLOG:

Tax and Money Education for Creative People, Freelancers and Solopreneurs

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How to Deduct Business Meals When You're Self-Employed

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How to Deduct Business Meals When You're Self-Employed

In today’s episode, I’m sharing how you can deduct business meals on your taxes as a self-employed individual including what you need for your tax documentation and what’s allowable for deduction. 

Join me to learn the rules and guidelines for deducting business meals, the per diem meals allowance for business travel and the benefits business meals for entrepreneurs. 

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In today’s episode, I’m sharing how you can deduct business meals on your taxes as a self-employed individual including what you need for your tax documentation and what’s allowable for deduction. 

 

Join me to learn the rules and guidelines for deducting business meals, the per diem meals allowance for business travel and the benefits business meals for entrepreneurs. 

 

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

  • Client meals vs. travel meals 4:05

  • Why you need to keep your receipts and documentation 6:35

  • Keeping a calendar for your business meals and tax documentation 9:10

  • How much you can deduct for your business meals 11:50

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! 


Links:

 

Tracey Morgan Gallery

Rachel Meginnes

Business Travel episode

GSA per diem rate lookup (US travel)

State Department per diem rate lookup (International travel)

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How to Deduct Business Travel

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How to Deduct Business Travel

Today, I’m talking about an important topic for entrepreneurs: business travel and deducting business travel on your taxes. I’m highlighting the importance of understanding the rules for deducting transportation costs, accommodations, and meals, and sharing how you can properly document your travel so you can avoid getting audited by the IRS. 

Join me in this important episode to learn how you can distinguish between what’s deductible and what’s non-deductible when it comes to business travel expenses.

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Today, I’m talking about an important topic for entrepreneurs: business travel and deducting business travel on your taxes. I’m highlighting the importance of understanding the rules for deducting transportation costs, accommodations, and meals, and sharing how you can properly document your travel so you can avoid getting audited by the IRS.

 

Join me in this important episode to learn how you can distinguish between what’s deductible and what’s non-deductible when it comes to business travel expenses.

 

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

  • Mixing personal elements with business travel and how to deduct properly 8:05

  • The 4 qualifications for deducting foreign travel costs 17:40

  • Deducting travel costs for inspiration without getting audited 27:15

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! 


Links:

Right Back to It, Waxahatchee featuring MJ Lenderman

Free 20 Minute Course on Filing your BOI Report for LLCs: www.sunlighttax.com/llc

IRS Proof Your Business Deductions

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podcast Hannah Cole podcast Hannah Cole

Startup Expenses: A Perk for Your New Business

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Startup Expenses: A Perk for Your New Business

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 code provides to new businesses. I give examples of qualifying startup expenses and sharing some information on when you can deduct these expenses on your taxes. 

Listen to this episode to get helpful guidance on taking advantage of tax deductions available in the early stages of a new business.

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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 code provides to new businesses. I give examples of qualifying startup expenses and sharing some information on when you can deduct these expenses on your taxes. 

 

Listen to this episode to get helpful guidance on taking advantage of tax deductions available in the early stages of a new business.

 

Also mentioned in today’s episode:  

  • What are startup expenses 8:00

  • What’s included in the startup expenses according to the IRS 10:05

  • When can you deduct your expenses on your taxes 12:30

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! 

Links:

More Sunlight episodes to help you start your business:

Free 20 Minute Course on Filing your BOI Report for LLCs: www.sunlighttax.com/llc 

IRS Proof Your Business Deductions

Watch Youtube video version

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podcast Hannah Cole podcast Hannah Cole

How Taxes Can Unlock Your Financial Health

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How Taxes Can Unlock Your Financial Health

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 diving into the importance of getting organized with systems to track tax documents, receipts, and bookkeeping so you can prevent stress and surprises during tax season. 

Join me in this episode as I outline the steps you need to take to improve your financial security as a creative entrepreneur.

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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 diving into the importance of getting organized with systems to track tax documents, receipts, and bookkeeping so you can prevent stress and surprises during tax season. 

 

Join me in this episode as I outline the steps you need to take to improve your financial security as a creative entrepreneur.

 

Also mentioned in today’s episode:  

  • Why tax time is a key time to assess your financial situation 2:42

  • Why being organized with your finances is so important 7:24

  • High-level steps you can take to prevent stress and surprises at tax time 12:35

  • How you can easily calculate profit as a self-employed person 14:40


If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! 

Links:

The De-Stress Your Taxes Checklist Episode 

Sign up for the free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $130k in your Savings.

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podcast Hannah Cole podcast Hannah Cole

Insider Deduction Tips

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Insider Deduction Tips

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 categories for deductions like advertising and supplies and why it’s so important to keep proper documentation when it comes to deductions on your taxes. 

Join me this week, to get some strategic guidance on maximizing your deductions and avoiding audits by putting expenses in their appropriate categories.

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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 categories for deductions like advertising and supplies and why it’s so important to keep proper documentation when it comes to deductions on your taxes. 

 

Join me this week, to get some strategic guidance on maximizing your deductions and avoiding audits by putting expenses in their appropriate categories.

 

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

  • Advertising and why website hosting fee’s go there 3:00

  •  2 common categories where tax preparers may dump expenses without proper documentation 5:20

  • How to avoid an audit when it comes to listing your deductions 12:40

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! 

Links:

sunlighttax.com/deductions

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podcast Hannah Cole podcast Hannah Cole

How to Deduct Fees, Bandmate Payouts and Gallery Commissions

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How to Deduct Fees, Bandmate Payouts and Gallery Commissions

Today, I’m talking about deducting education expenses and explaining how fees and reimbursement works when it comes to reporting your income on your taxes. 

Listen to this episode to get some insight on tax implications and how you can properly track income to meet the reporting requirements.

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Today, I’m talking about deducting education expenses and explaining how fees and reimbursement works when it comes to reporting your income on your taxes. 

 

Listen to this episode to get some insight on tax implications and how you can properly track income to meet the reporting requirements.

 

Also mentioned in today’s episode:  

  • Reporting gallery commissions on your taxes 12:54

  • How income and taxes work for musicians being paid out for performances 14:54

  • When you need a 1099 issued 17:00

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! 

Links:

Get your free Deductions Guide: https://www.sunlighttax.com/deductionsguide

https://www.sunlighttax.com/moneybootcampimpact

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podcast Hannah Cole podcast Hannah Cole

Can a Massage Therapist Deduct Massages? Education Expenses Explained

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Can a Massage Therapist Deduct Massages? Education Expenses Explained

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 and cannot deduct on your taxes as a business owner. I’m clarifying what you can deduct for continuing education, like seminars on new techniques, and what counts as leisure. 

Listen to this important episode to learn how you can maximize your deductions when you file your taxes this year. 

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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 and cannot deduct on your taxes as a business owner. I’m clarifying what you can deduct for continuing education, like seminars on new techniques, and what counts as leisure. 

 

Listen to this important episode to learn how you can maximize your deductions when you file your taxes this year. 

Also mentioned in today’s episode:  

  • Clarifying the deductibility of massages for wellness practitioners 2:34

  • Personal expenses and business deductions- the difference and how much you can really deduct 4:57

  • What expenses you CAN deduct 5:54

  • Should you deduct research expenses? 9:37

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! 

Links:

WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS’ TAX DEDUCTIONS GUIDE

https://www.sunlighttax.com/wellnessguide

Free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $130k in Your Savings: https://go.sunlighttax.com/free

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podcast Hannah Cole podcast Hannah Cole

3 Secrets to Extra Money in Your Tax Deductions

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3 Secrets to Extra Money in Your Tax Deductions

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 of these deductions during tax season.

Join me in this episode to learn how you can maximize your tax deductions and get the most money in your pocket. 

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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 of these deductions during tax season.

Join me in this episode to learn how you can maximize your tax deductions and get the most money in your pocket. 

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

  • Tracking your mileage deduction 4:08

  • The expense method vs. mileage method 8:31

  • Standard vs. standardized per diems 16:33

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! 

 

Links:

And here are the links for the show notes for it:

Free visual tax deductions guide

MileIQ  Use code HCOL124A for a 20% discount

Per diem meals rate lookup

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podcast Hannah Cole podcast Hannah Cole

Medical Expense Deductions: When it's Worth Tracking & How

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Medical Expense Deductions: When it's Worth Tracking & How

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 medical expense tax deduction, including what it is and who qualifies for it so you can know if you have to prepare to keep track of your medical expenses.

Join me in this episode to learn whether or not you qualify for the medical expense deduction and how you can make sure you take advantage of this important tax deduction if you do qualify. 

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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 medical expense tax deduction, including what it is and who qualifies for it so you can know if you have to prepare to keep track of your medical expenses.

 

Join me in this episode to learn whether or not you qualify for the medical expense deduction and how you can make sure you take advantage of this important tax deduction if you do qualify. 

 

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

 

  • Standard vs. itemized deductions 5:17

  • The maximum deduction for medical expenses 18:23 

  • How to know when it’s worth it to track your medical expenses 21:06

  • What is medically deductible 27:19

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! 

 

Links:

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The Home Office Deduction

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The Home Office Deduction

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 creative entrepreneur this upcoming tax season.

 Join me in this informative episode to learn a simplified way of calculating this important deduction and how you can make sure you’re getting the most out of it this tax season. 

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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 creative entrepreneur this upcoming tax season.

 Join me in this informative episode to learn a simplified way of calculating this important deduction and how you can make sure you’re getting the most out of it this tax season. 

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

  • What is a home office? 1:51

  • Calculating the home office deduction 7:16

  • Your deductible home office expenses 8:56

  • Personal vs. business time and how to calculate it 14:00

  • Calculating mileage when you have a home studio 16:30

 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! 

Links:

 https://www.sunlighttax.com/deductionsguide

https://go.sunlighttax.com/free

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podcast Hannah Cole podcast Hannah Cole

Tax and Year-End Planning

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Tax and Year-End Planning


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 for your taxes to maximize the amount of cash you make.  

Join me in this value-packed episode to learn how to get a head start on your taxes now.  

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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 for your taxes to maximize the amount of cash you make.  

Join me in this value-packed episode to learn how to get a head start on your taxes now.  

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

  • How you can reduce your taxable income 7:08

  • Itemized deductions 9:14

  • What you need to do at year end 11:53

  • Why you should start planning for your taxes now 13:58

  • 1099’s and how to get ready for them 18:41

  • How to prepare for taxes with W9’s 21:20

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! 

Links:

Year-End Tax Planning Checklist: 2022 Edition

https://www.sunlighttax.com/deductionsguide

https://go.sunlighttax.com/free


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Receipts & Bookkeeping Demystified: Money School bonus series

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Receipts & Bookkeeping Demystified: Money School bonus series

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 need for your business when it comes to managing taxes so you can get more organized and be less stressed. When you understand the difference between these three things, you will stop wasting time, and you will instantly feel more organized.

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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 need for your business when it comes to managing taxes so you can get more organized and be less stressed. When you understand the difference between these three things, you will stop wasting time, and you will instantly feel more organized.

I’m also explaining why you might be getting confused as a creative entrepreneur during tax time and how you can take control of your finances with some actionable steps and tools.

Also mentioned in today’s episode: 

  • What are receipts and why are they so important 5:14

  • Third party verification 8:00

  • Why bookkeeping is so critical if you’re self-employed 12:35

  • The difference between bookkeeping and taxes 14:45

  • Building your own tax spreadsheet 23:00

  • Understanding the why behind your bookkeeping 25:20

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it.

Links:

register for the Free Masterclass

https://www.sunlighttax.com/deductionsguide

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podcast Hannah Cole podcast Hannah Cole

Mileage: The Best Tax Deduction You're Missing

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Mileage: The Best Tax Deduction You're Missing

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 deduction. 

In this episode, I explain why you should track business mileage for your taxes and how to get the most out of this tax deduction. I’m also sharing some easy, actionable steps for you to get started with keeping track of your mileage today. 

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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 deduction. 

In this episode, I explain why you should track business mileage for your taxes and how to get the most out of this tax deduction. I’m also sharing some easy, actionable steps for you to get started with keeping track of your mileage today. 

You can get a 20% discount on MileIQ using this code: HCOL124A This is an affiliate link, but I want you to know that I use MileIQ in my own business, because I think it’s the best one. 

Also mentioned in today’s episode:

  • The two different ways you can take mileage deduction 3:04

  • Why mileage can be such an awesome tax deduction for entrepreneurs 5:55

  • How to make keeping track of your mileage easy 6:39

  • Keeping track of your mileage in 2022 8:58

  • Actionable tips for getting started with mileage today 10:05

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it! 

Links:

Visual Guide to Tax Deductions

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