Lets Get Fiscal

Coterie Tax & Advisory Inc.

Let’s Get Fiscal is the money podcast for creative entrepreneurs who want to keep more of what they earn and grow their business with confidence. Hosted by CPA and tax strategist Anastasia, each episode makes taxes, bookkeeping, and money management simple, practical, and even fun. We cover topics like tax deductions, small business finances, creative business strategies, and how to avoid costly mistakes—without boring jargon. Whether you’re a filmmaker, designer, artist, or small business owner, you’ll get actionable tips, real-world examples, and a few laughs along the way. If you want to stress less about money and focus more on doing what you love, this is the podcast for you.

  1. EP47 - Self-Employment Taxes Explained for Creative Business Owners

    2d ago

    EP47 - Self-Employment Taxes Explained for Creative Business Owners

    If you've ever looked at your bank account after a freelance gig and thought, "Great, I made ten grand," only to find out a big chunk belongs to the taxman, this episode is for you. Anastasia and Myiesha pull back the curtain on self-employment taxes—the Medicare and Social Security bill that doubles when you are both the employee and the employer. They explain why this is the real culprit behind those "where did all my money go?" moments and why every creative business owner, from photographers to graphic designers, needs to budget for it before spending a dime. You'll learn how self-employment tax works for sole proprietors, single-member LLCs, partnerships, and even S-corps and C-corps (yes, owners still need "reasonable compensation"). Anastasia shares a dead-simple savings rule, a bank-account strategy that keeps your tax money out of reach, and why paying the IRS more frequently than quarterly is totally allowed. They also talk about the often-forgotten trade-off between lowering your tax bill today and shrinking your Social Security check tomorrow—and how retirement accounts can flip that script. By the end, you'll know how to stop tax season from feeling like an ambush and start treating taxes as just another line item in your creative business—one you can plan for, save for, and maybe even use to build wealth. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:15 What Is Self-Employment Tax? (The Hidden Double Hit) 04:30 S-Corp & Reasonable Compensation: Does It Actually Save You Money? 07:00 How to Calculate What You Owe (Profit vs. Gross Revenue) 09:30 The 25% Rule: A Simple Savings Blueprint 12:00 Where to Stash Tax Savings (High-Yield & Out-of-Sight Accounts) 14:00 Quarterly Estimates: You Can Pay More Often Than Quarterly 16:00 Retirement, Lifestyle Creep, and Making Taxes Work for You 17:30 Closing: Send Us Your Questions Why subscribe? "Let's Get Fiscal" is the tax-and-money podcast for creative business owners who would rather be shooting, designing, or directing than decoding IRS forms. Every week, Anastasia and Myiesha translate tax-speak into real talk you can actually use—no gatekeeping, no panic, and definitely no beige finance vibes. Whether you're trying to figure out quarterly estimates, an S-corp election, or just how much to set aside so you can sleep easy at night, this show gives you plain-English answers and a plan. Subscribe now and let the next money lesson show up before the next bill does. Listen everywhere: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-get-fiscal/id1831050448 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08AjRNfqQJBdG1vPazii4Q?si=e625b34e37c141a8 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsgetfiscalpodcast Helpful resources: Got a question for the show? Submit it here: https://www.coterietax.com/qa Want to listen to more episodes? Start here: https://www.coterietax.com/podcast Need personalized help? Visit: https://www.coterietax.com/ What's your biggest tax or money question right now? Drop it in the comments below—Anastasia and Myiesha read every comment and love helping with real-world situations. #SelfEmploymentTax #CreativeBusiness #TaxTips #FreelanceTaxes #QuarterlyTaxes #SmallBusinessTax #SCorpTax #ReasonableCompensation #TaxPlanning #MoneyMindset #CreativeEntrepreneur #LetsGetFiscal Produced, Edited, and Distributed by @PodBrosMedia https://podbrosmedia.com

    19 min
  2. EP46 - LLC vs. Sole Proprietor: What Creatives Need to Know Before Filing

    Jun 24

    EP46 - LLC vs. Sole Proprietor: What Creatives Need to Know Before Filing

    So you’ve landed a steady retainer client, your pottery side hustle is picking up steam, or someone just told you, “You need an LLC.” But do you really—at least for taxes? In this episode, Anastasia and Myiesha unpack the money side of choosing a business structure, leaving the legal stuff to the lawyers and focusing on what actually hits your tax return. A sole proprietor is basically the default setting: you and the business are the same person, like a freelancer operating under their own name. A single-member LLC is like giving that business its own name, bank account, and W-9, but the IRS usually still treats it as a “disregarded entity”—fancy words for “it’s still you at tax time.” That means most deductions and strategies are available either way. You’ll learn why California charges an $800 franchise tax even if your LLC makes zero dollars, when a client might require an EIN or LLC to keep you off their payroll, and why locking in your business name early can save you from a total rebrand when you’re ready to elect S-corp status later. If you’re deciding whether to make things official, this is the practical checklist that helps you sleep easy at night. Why subscribe? Because running a creative business shouldn’t feel like you’re guessing your way through a foreign language. Every episode, Anastasia and Myiesha translate tax jargon into plain English, swap scary IRS notices for clear action steps, and treat your money anxiety like the unwelcome houseguest it is—so you can get back to making your best work. Whether you’re a photographer, filmmaker, designer, actor, or any creative making money on your own terms, this is the tax talk that finally makes sense. 🔗 Listen everywhere: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-get-fiscal/id1831050448 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08AjRNfqQJBdG1vPazii4Q?si=e625b34e37c141a8 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsgetfiscalpodcast 📊 Helpful resources: Got a question for the show? Submit it here: https://www.coterietax.com/qa Want to listen to more episodes? Start here: https://www.coterietax.com/podcast Need personalized help? Visit: https://www.coterietax.com/ What's your biggest tax or money question right now? Drop it in the comments below—Anastasia and Myiesha read every comment and love helping with real-world situations. #LLC #SoleProprietor #CreativeBusiness #SmallBusinessTaxes #TaxPlanning #FreelanceFinance #BusinessEntity #SCorpElection #BrandProtection #CoterieTax #LetsGetFiscal Produced, Edited, and Distributed by @PodBrosMedia https://podbrosmedia.com

    23 min
  3. Bonus Episode - Is Tax Season a Marathon or a Sprint? Discover Our Survival Strategies

    Jun 24 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode - Is Tax Season a Marathon or a Sprint? Discover Our Survival Strategies

    Tax season is often portrayed as a brutal sprint—a four-month scramble that leaves accountants exhausted and burned out. But what if you approached it differently? What if tax season was less about survival and more about showcasing the work you've been building all year? In this unique bonus episode, recorded at 7:45 PM after filming 24 episodes in one day, Anastasia and Myiesha speak directly to their future selves (and to you) about navigating the intensity of tax season with intention, wellness, and even joy. This behind-the-scenes conversation reveals the real strategies that help the Coterie Tax team get through their busiest months without losing their minds or their health. You'll hear about the importance of team dynamics, client relationships built on mutual respect, and small wellness practices that make a massive difference. Whether you're an accountant dreading the upcoming season or a business owner trying to understand what your tax team is going through, this episode offers a refreshingly honest look at the marathon of tax season—and how to run it well. 00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks00:19 Welcome to Let's Get Fiscal00:44 Reflecting on Past Tax Seasons00:57 Surviving Tax Season02:11 Team Dynamics and Support03:20 Maintaining Mental and Physical Health04:17 Client Relationships and Positivity05:59 Looking Forward to 202610:24 The Marathon of Tax Season13:42 Final Thoughts and Farewell Why subscribe? Every week, Let's Get Fiscal shares tax strategies and business finance advice that actually work for real entrepreneurs—not corporate-speak you can't use. You'll get specific, actionable tactics, real client scenarios, and answers to the money questions keeping you up at night. The goal is simple: make business finances less intimidating and more profitable. 🔗 Listen everywhere: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-get-fiscal/id1831050448 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08AjRNfqQJBdG1vPazii4Q?si=fb0379d3bef94f11 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsgetfiscalpodcast 📊 Helpful resources: Got a question for the show? Submit it here: https://www.coterietax.com/qa Want to listen to more episodes? Start here: https://www.coterietax.com/podcast Need personalized help with your business finances? Visit: https://www.coterietax.com What's your biggest tax or money question right now?  Drop it in the comments below—Anastasia and Myiesha read every comment and love helping with real-world situations.  #TaxSeason #AccountantLife #WorkLifeBalance #TaxPreparer #BusinessOwnerSupport #CreativeBusiness #SmallBusinessTax #EntrepreneurWellness #LetsGetFiscal #TaxSeasonSurvival #TeamCulture #ClientRelationships

    15 min
  4. EP44 - How Do Creatives Build Wealth? Master Money Habits Now

    Jun 16

    EP44 - How Do Creatives Build Wealth? Master Money Habits Now

    EP44 - How Do Creatives Build Wealth? Master Money Habits Now Do you feel like you're bad at money? You're not alone—and more importantly, you're probably wrong. The truth is that most creative entrepreneurs don't have a money problem, they have a system problem. When your income is unpredictable and project-based, traditional budgeting advice doesn't work. You need a financial framework designed specifically for the way creatives actually earn and spend. In this episode, Anastasia and Myiesha break down the essential money habits that help creative business owners build wealth, grow savings, and sleep better at night—even when income is inconsistent. You'll learn the real cost of commingling business and personal finances, discover the 50-30-20 rule for creative income allocation, and get practical strategies for paying yourself consistently. Whether you're still working a W-2 or fully self-employed, this episode gives you the roadmap to financial confidence without the millennial anxiety. 00:00 Introduction to Creative Wealth Building00:36 Meet Your Hosts: Anastasia and Myiesha00:51 Good Money Habits for Creatives01:30 The Importance of Separating Business and Personal Finances04:15 Paying Yourself Consistently05:46 Saving for Taxes and Business Expenses07:16 Creating a Financial Plan That Works for You11:23 Quarterly vs. Annual Financial Planning13:23 Essential Financial Tools for Beginners16:21 Building Financial Confidence and Security18:27 Conclusion and Final Tips Why subscribe? Every week, Let's Get Fiscal shares tax strategies and business finance advice that actually work for real entrepreneurs—not corporate-speak you can't use. You'll get specific, actionable tactics, real client scenarios, and answers to the money questions keeping you up at night. The goal is simple: make business finances less intimidating and more profitable. 🔗 Listen everywhere:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-get-fiscal/id1831050448Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08AjRNfqQJBdG1vPazii4Q?si=fb0379d3bef94f11Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsgetfiscalpodcast 📊 Helpful resources:Got a question for the show? Submit it here: https://www.coterietax.com/qaWant to listen to more episodes? Start here: https://www.coterietax.com/podcastNeed personalized help with your business finances? Visit: https://www.coterietax.com What's your biggest tax or money question right now? Drop it in the comments below—Anastasia and Myiesha read every comment and love helping with real-world situations. #CreativeWealth #MoneyHabits #BusinessFinance #CreativeBusiness #FinancialPlanning #SelfEmployedTax #BusinessSavings #CashFlowManagement #EntrepreneurMoney #LetsGetFiscal #SmallBusinessTips #FreelanceFinance

    19 min
  5. EP43 - How Are Retainers Taxed? Your Creative Business Playbook

    Jun 9

    EP43 - How Are Retainers Taxed? Your Creative Business Playbook

    Retainers and deposits can feel like found money—until tax season hits and you realize you might be paying taxes on funds that aren't actually yours yet. If you've ever received a production budget in December only to pay it all out in January, or collected deposits for work you haven't performed, this episode is your essential guide to understanding when retainers count as income and how to avoid costly cash flow mistakes. Anastasia and Myiesha break down the critical differences between refundable and non-refundable deposits, explain cash basis versus accrual basis accounting, and reveal when you might be accidentally paying income tax on money that's earmarked for vendors. You'll learn practical strategies for separating reimbursement funds from service income, discover when it makes sense to change your accounting method or fiscal year, and get actionable tips for managing production budgets, event planning expenses, and interior design client funds without draining your own cash flow. 00:00 Introduction to Retainers and Deposits 00:34 Meet Your Hosts: Myiesha and Anastasia 00:56 Understanding Deposits in the Creative Sector 01:33 Tax Implications of Non-Refundable and Refundable Deposits 04:25 Cash Basis vs. Accrual Basis Accounting 06:01 Deferred Revenue and Seasonal Business Considerations 07:25 Handling Retainers and Income Recognition 12:12 Practical Tips for Managing Deposits and Reimbursements 18:11 Final Thoughts and Viewer Q&A 19:58 Conclusion and Next Steps Why subscribe? Every week, Let's Get Fiscal shares tax strategies and business finance advice that actually work for real entrepreneurs—not corporate-speak you can't use. You'll get specific, actionable tactics, real client scenarios, and answers to the money questions keeping you up at night. The goal is simple: make business finances less intimidating and more profitable. 🔗 Listen everywhere: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-get-fiscal/id1831050448 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08AjRNfqQJBdG1vPazii4Q?si=fb0379d3bef94f11 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsgetfiscalpodcast 📊 Helpful resources: Got a question for the show? Submit it here: https://www.coterietax.com/qa Want to listen to more episodes? Start here: https://www.coterietax.com/podcast Need personalized help with your business finances? Visit: https://www.coterietax.com What's your biggest tax or money question right now? Drop it in the comments below—Anastasia and Myiesha read every comment and love helping with real-world situations. #RetainerTax #DepositAccounting #CashBasisAccounting #AccrualAccounting #ProductionBudget #CreativeBusinessTax #DeferredRevenue #BusinessCashFlow #TaxPlanning #LetsGetFiscal #InteriorDesignBusiness #EventPlanningTax

    21 min
  6. EP42 - Is Your Accountant Costing You? Spot Red Flags and Make a Change!

    Jun 2

    EP42 - Is Your Accountant Costing You? Spot Red Flags and Make a Change!

    Your accountant should be your business partner, advocate, and financial guide—not a source of stress, confusion, or missed opportunities. But how do you know if your current accountant is truly serving your business or holding you back? Whether you're feeling underserved, overcharged, or just uncertain if it's time for a change, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to make the right decision. Anastasia and Myiesha break down the red flags and green flags to look for in an accounting relationship, how to interview potential new accountants, and what questions to ask before making a switch. You'll learn about communication styles, pricing expectations, timing strategies, and how to ensure a smooth transition. Plus, they tackle the guilt and hesitation many entrepreneurs feel about "breaking up" with their accountant—and why it's actually a normal, healthy part of business growth. 00:00 Introduction: The Cost of a Bad Accountant 00:46 Finding the Right Accountant for You 02:28 Challenges in Switching Accountants 06:36 The Industry Shift: From Mom-and-Pop to Corporate 07:31 Interviewing New Accountants: Key Questions to Ask 12:40 Recalibrating Expectations with Your Current Accountant 14:26 Client Relationships and Communication 16:15 Identifying Fair Pricing 18:11 Best Time to Switch Accountants 21:24 Questions to Ask Before Switching Accountants 22:50 Ensuring Smooth Transition 25:05 Adapting to Business Growth 27:06 Conclusion and Contact Information Why subscribe? Every week, Let's Get Fiscal shares tax strategies and business finance advice that actually work for real entrepreneurs—not corporate-speak you can't use. You'll get specific, actionable tactics, real client scenarios, and answers to the money questions keeping you up at night. The goal is simple: make business finances less intimidating and more profitable. 🔗 Listen everywhere: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-get-fiscal/id1831050448 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08AjRNfqQJBdG1vPazii4Q?si=fb0379d3bef94f11 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsgetfiscalpodcast 📊 Helpful resources: Got a question for the show? Submit it here: https://www.coterietax.com/qa Want to listen to more episodes? Start here: https://www.coterietax.com/podcast Need personalized help with your business finances? Visit: https://www.coterietax.com #AccountantRedFlags #SwitchingAccountants #SmallBusinessTax #CreativeBusinessOwner #TaxPreparer #CPAAdvice #BookkeepingTips #BusinessFinance #EntrepreneurTips #LetsGetFiscal #TaxPlanning #AccountingServices

    28 min
  7. EP41 - Can Hairdressers Really Thrive Independently? Discover Financial Freedom

    May 26

    EP41 - Can Hairdressers Really Thrive Independently? Discover Financial Freedom

    Hairdressers often fear leaving a commission-based salon for chair rental, but financially the shift can be life-changing. Most stylists earning 40% commission don't realize they're actually taking home closer to 30% after taxes and withholdings. When you rent a chair and go independent as a 1099 contractor, you keep 100% of your revenue—and even after paying for supplies, taxes, and your own benefits, you typically earn significantly more while gaining complete control over your schedule, pricing, and client base. In this episode, CPAs Anastasia and Myiesha break down the real financial math behind going independent as a hairdresser. You'll learn exactly how W2 commission structures compare to 1099 chair rental, how to manage multiple income streams (cash, Venmo, Zelle, Square), the critical deductions most stylists miss, and why the fear of going independent is often based on misconceptions. Whether you're currently working on commission or considering renting a chair, this episode gives you the numbers and strategies you need to make an informed decision about your financial future. If you're tired of hitting an income ceiling or wondering if going independent is worth the risk, this episode delivers the clarity and action steps you need to confidently make the leap. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Going Independent 00:54 Types of Employment for Hairdressers 01:30 Pros and Cons of W2 vs. 1099 03:24 Financial Management Tips for Independent Hairdressers 04:34 Handling Income and Taxes 08:43 Additional Business Considerations 10:05 Freelancing vs. W2 Employment: Pros and Cons 10:31 Control Over Income and Work Hours 11:37 Long-Term Value and Career Growth 12:31 Making the Decision to Go Freelance 13:33 Financial Management Tips for Freelancers 15:21 Handling Tips and Gratuity 15:53 Commonly Missed Deductions 17:26 Overcoming the Fear of Going Freelance 18:03 The Importance of Professional Guidance 20:26 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Why subscribe? Every week, Let's Get Fiscal shares tax strategies and business finance advice that actually work for real entrepreneurs—not corporate-speak you can't use. You'll get specific, actionable tactics, real client scenarios, and answers to the money questions keeping you up at night. The goal is simple: make business finances less intimidating and more profitable. 🔗 Listen everywhere: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-get-fiscal/id1831050448 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08AjRNfqQJBdG1vPazii4Q?si=fb0379d3bef94f11 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsgetfiscalpodcast 📊 Helpful resources: Got a question for the show? Submit it here: https://www.coterietax.com/qa Want to listen to more episodes? Start here: https://www.coterietax.com/podcast Need personalized help with your business finances? Visit: https://www.coterietax.com

    21 min
  8. EP40 - Is Your NYC S-Corp Secretly Losing Money? Discover the Hidden Tax Trap!

    May 19

    EP40 - Is Your NYC S-Corp Secretly Losing Money? Discover the Hidden Tax Trap!

    Most S-Corp owners in New York City don't realize they owe a completely separate city-level corporation tax—and it's costing them thousands. The NYC General Corporation Tax hits at 8.9% of your profit, requires quarterly estimated payments, and comes with massive late fees if you miss them. If you're running an S-Corp in one of the five boroughs and your tax preparer hasn't mentioned this, you could be facing a surprise \$6,000+ tax bill with penalties. In this episode, CPAs Anastasia and Myiesha break down the NYC General Corporation Tax that catches creative entrepreneurs off guard every year. You'll learn exactly how this tax works, why single-member LLCs don't pay it, how to calculate whether an S-Corp still makes sense with this additional 8.9% burden, and the critical quarterly deadlines you cannot miss. Whether you're already an S-Corp in NYC or considering the switch, this episode gives you the numbers and strategy you need to make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises. If you're tired of discovering new tax obligations after it's too late, or if you're weighing whether an S-Corp makes financial sense in New York City, this episode delivers the clarity and action steps you need right now. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to NYC General Corporation Tax 00:36 Meet Your Hosts: Aisha and Anastasia 01:01 Understanding S-Corporation Tax Nuances 01:34 NYC General Corporation Tax Explained 04:10 Comparing Tax Implications: S-Corp vs. LLC 08:55 Practical Tips for Managing NYC Taxes 12:45 Final Thoughts and Professional Advice 20:10 Conclusion and Contact Information Why subscribe? Every week, Let's Get Fiscal shares tax strategies and business finance advice that actually work for real entrepreneurs—not corporate-speak you can't use. You'll get specific, actionable tactics, real client scenarios, and answers to the money questions keeping you up at night. The goal is simple: make business finances less intimidating and more profitable. 🔗 Listen everywhere: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-get-fiscal/id1831050448 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08AjRNfqQJBdG1vPazii4Q?si=fb0379d3bef94f11 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letsgetfiscalpodcast 📊 Helpful resources: Got a question for the show? Submit it here: https://www.coterietax.com/qa Want to listen to more episodes? Start here: https://www.coterietax.com/podcast Need personalized help with your business finances? Visit: https://www.coterietax.com What's your biggest tax or money question right now? Drop it in the comments below—Anastasia and Myiesha read every comment and love helping with real-world situations. #NYCBusinessTaxes #SCorpTaxes #NewYorkCityTaxes #GeneralCorporationTax #SmallBusinessTaxes #NYCEntrepreneur #SCorpStrategy #BusinessTaxPlanning #CreativeBusinessTaxes #NYCBusinessOwner #LetsGetFiscal #TaxSurprises

    21 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Let’s Get Fiscal is the money podcast for creative entrepreneurs who want to keep more of what they earn and grow their business with confidence. Hosted by CPA and tax strategist Anastasia, each episode makes taxes, bookkeeping, and money management simple, practical, and even fun. We cover topics like tax deductions, small business finances, creative business strategies, and how to avoid costly mistakes—without boring jargon. Whether you’re a filmmaker, designer, artist, or small business owner, you’ll get actionable tips, real-world examples, and a few laughs along the way. If you want to stress less about money and focus more on doing what you love, this is the podcast for you.