Sunlight Tax

Hannah Cole

Making money isn't usually the top priority for big vision creators — making a difference is. But without financial power, the diverse and unique solutions that you bring to the world as a creative entrepreneur aren't able to see the light of day. And you are left burned out and exhausted. This show is designed for the big vision creators —designers, freelancers, and purple-haired, punk rock weirdos — to answer the question: "If you had your taxes, retirement, and investing on lock, how big of an impact could you make on the world with your work?" Your host, Hannah Cole, is both an artist and a tax expert, and the founder of Sunlight Tax. In each episode, she and her guests will explore the connection between financial power and creative success, uncovering the unique money mindset and financial management shifts that help creators like you have a bigger impact with your work. From what you need to know about self-employment taxes and bookkeeping, to unlocking your vision, you'll have everything you need to become more successful — and have a bigger impact — in your career. Hannah has supported thousands of self-employed people like you with accessible tax and business setup skills through her signature program, Money Bootcamp. You can learn more at sunlighttax.com and connect on Instagram at @sunlighttax. If this sounds good to you, please subscribe to the show, and share it with a friend.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Don't Tax Protest—Boycott. Plus, Selling in Dark Times

    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.   Also mentioned in today's episode:  00:00 Navigating Dark Times: Personal Reflections 03:39 Tax Protests: A Dangerous Path 06:20 Effective Resistance: Boycotts and Economic Action 09:04 Supporting Small Businesses Amidst Upheaval 11:34 The Struggles of Small Business Owners 14:24 Balancing Sales and Ethics in Difficult Times 17:11 The Importance of Sustaining Your Work 20:09 Let's Support Each Other and Resist   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: Sunlight Tax Podcast Episode 143: Should You Do A Tax Protest? Indivisible.org Resist and Unsubscribe Campaign Order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You're Self-Employed Check out my program, Money Bootcamp Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

    25 min
  2. 13 JAN

    It's 1099 Time: Here's Your Checklist for Stress-Free Filing

    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.  Also mentioned in today's episode:  01:00 Understanding 1099: The Basics 04:31 The Importance of 1099s 10:53 The kinds of 1099s you are going to be dealing with 18:20 Checklist for Issuing 1099s 25:45 Other Resources for filing 1099s   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: Get my 1-hour course: All About 1099s Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings Check out my program, Money Bootcamp 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

    29 min
  3. 6 JAN

    January Tax Setup: Make Your Taxes a Breeze in 20 Minutes

    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. Also mentioned in today's episode:  01:12 New Year, New Tax Strategies 03:13 Essential Tax Preparation Tips 09:44 Understanding 1099s and Deadlines 14:01 Setting Up a Business Bank Account 15:54 Organizing Receipts for Tax Season 19:28 Other 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 Tax podcast to new audiences.   Links: Get your free January Checklist The Sunlight Tax Podcast EP4: Mileage: the best deduction you're missing Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings Check out my program, Money Bootcamp 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

    22 min
  4. 23/12/2025

    How Much Can You Save Using An IRA? I Show You The Math

    On this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I dive into why tax literacy is crucial and how understanding the basics can save you thousands of dollars. I explain how tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs, HSAs, and retirement savings plans work, and why they're some of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth and financial stability. Using practical examples and simple calculations, I show how small, informed choices can lead to significant tax savings over time. Plus, I share details about my free step-by-step tax strategies class, designed to make complex tax concepts accessible, actionable, and stress-free. Whether you're a self-employed creative, freelancer, or anyone looking to take control of your finances, this episode will give you the tools to understand taxes, maximize savings, and grow your wealth. Don't forget to leave a review—it helps more people find these insights and start feeling confident about their money. Also mentioned in this episode: 01:32 Introduction and Holiday Reflections 03:01 The Importance of Tax Literacy 11:34 Maximizing Tax-Advantaged Accounts for Savings   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: Free online tax calculator Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings Link to review this podcast on Apple   Check out my program, Money Bootcamp Get your free visual guide to tax deductions

    17 min
  5. 16/12/2025

    An Interview with Paddy Johnson of the Art Problems Podcast on Clarity, Taxes, and Not Being Boring

    In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I'm interviewed by Paddy Johnson of the Art Problems Podcast about my book Taxes for Humans, a tax guide for self-employed creatives. We explore why demystifying taxes is about more than numbers—it's about understanding the systems, values, and power behind them. I share why tax education matters, how it can empower creatives, and how the companion workbook helps put these ideas into practice. Plus, hear real stories from artists navigating taxes and the emotional weight money can carry in the creative world. Also mentioned in this episode: 03:19 Understanding the Book's Unique Approach 06:37 The Importance of Context in Tax Education 09:32 Breaking Down Tax Myths and Misconceptions 12:22 Empowering Artists Through Financial Literacy 15:37 The Role of Taxes in Society 18:33 The Workbook: A Practical Companion 21:17 Addressing Judgment and Shame in Tax Preparation 24:36 Real Stories of Artists Overcoming Tax Challenges 27:28 Resources for Artists   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 Order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You're Self-Employed. Link to pre-order my workbook, Taxes for Humans: The Workbook Join my free class: Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $152k in Your Savings Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

    46 min

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About

Making money isn't usually the top priority for big vision creators — making a difference is. But without financial power, the diverse and unique solutions that you bring to the world as a creative entrepreneur aren't able to see the light of day. And you are left burned out and exhausted. This show is designed for the big vision creators —designers, freelancers, and purple-haired, punk rock weirdos — to answer the question: "If you had your taxes, retirement, and investing on lock, how big of an impact could you make on the world with your work?" Your host, Hannah Cole, is both an artist and a tax expert, and the founder of Sunlight Tax. In each episode, she and her guests will explore the connection between financial power and creative success, uncovering the unique money mindset and financial management shifts that help creators like you have a bigger impact with your work. From what you need to know about self-employment taxes and bookkeeping, to unlocking your vision, you'll have everything you need to become more successful — and have a bigger impact — in your career. Hannah has supported thousands of self-employed people like you with accessible tax and business setup skills through her signature program, Money Bootcamp. You can learn more at sunlighttax.com and connect on Instagram at @sunlighttax. If this sounds good to you, please subscribe to the show, and share it with a friend.

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