Sunlight Tax

Hannah Cole
  • 4.9 (110)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

In this show, we’re talking about taxes, money, and careers for self-employed people who have a big vision for changing the world with their work. I’m your host, Hannah Cole; tax pro, artist, and the founder of Sunlight Tax. sunlighttax.substack.com

  1. 8h ago

    Book Curious? The 7 stages of writing a book.

    "It may not be what you want to hear, but it's better to know it before you sink an enormous amount of time and energy and then realize that that's only one third of the project." In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down the 7 stages of writing a nonfiction book and share what I’ve learned from my own publishing journey. From developing a compelling book proposal and securing a publishing deal to writing, editing, launching, and marketing your book, I walk through the key steps every aspiring author should understand. We also explore how a nonfiction book can do more than share your ideas. It can help grow your business, establish your authority, attract new opportunities, and strengthen your personal brand. Whether you’re thinking about writing your first book or are already deep in the process, this episode offers practical insights into turning your expertise into a book that creates lasting impact. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 04:56 Housekeeping and Personal Update 08:58 Differences Between Fiction and Nonfiction Publishing 10:52 The Importance of Marketing and Audience Engagement 14:59 Steps After Securing a Book Deal 18:11 Long-term Book Business Planning 19:07 Platform and Audience Building 22:03 Market Research and Audience Targeting 22:50 Financial Aspects of Writing a Book 29:09 Book Promotion and Publicity Tours 32:09 Motivations for Writing a Book 33:04 Creating a Meaningful and Impactful Book 35:00 Reader Engagement and Feedback 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. Episode Links: Get my Tax Help on Substack Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

    37 min

  2. Jun 30

    Professor Ray Madoff on How to Tax the Rich

    Why do billionaires often pay lower tax rates than working Americans? In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I sit down with tax policy expert and professor, Ray Madoff, to explore how income, wealth, and inheritance are taxed in the United States, and why the current system often favors the ultra-wealthy. We discuss wealth inequality, estate taxes, billionaire tax strategies, and the most promising proposals for tax reform. If you’ve ever wondered how the tax code shapes who builds wealth in America, this conversation offers a clear and accessible look at what a fairer tax system could look like. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 02:30 Background on Professor Ray Madoff and her work 05:40 How the tax system favors the wealthy 07:19 The impact of growth in stock value and tax treatment 09:02 Living off wealth, not income 10:04 Inheritance, gifts, and the lack of taxation 12:15 The estate tax and loopholes 16:20 Public perception and fairness in the tax system 17:21 How the wealthy avoid taxes: borrowing against assets 23:02 Political feasibility of tax reforms 25:46 Wealth taxes and their challenges 29:56 Legal and constitutional issues with wealth taxes 31:46 Potential benefits of well-designed tax policies 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. About Professor Ray D. Madoff: Ray D. Madoff is a professor at Boston College Law School and the cofounder and director of the Boston College Forum on Philanthropy and the Public Good. She is the author of Immortality and the Law: The Rising Power of the American Dead and lead author of The Practical Guide to Estate Planning. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Review of Books, among other outlets. Episode Links: Professor Ray Madoff’s Book: The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy My FAQ page on how to Tax the Rich Get my Tax Help on Substack Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

    35 min

  3. Jun 23

    Get Free Money By Using Your Retirement Accounts

    “If there is one single habit you can have in your life to build financial security for yourself, and frankly, to get free money that’s on the table, it is to max out your tax-advantaged accounts every single year.” In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I revisit why tax-advantaged accounts are one of the most powerful tools for self-employed individuals. I break down how these accounts can help you save more money, lower your tax bill, and build long-term financial security. I also share practical examples, real numbers, and details about my upcoming class so you can make the most of the tax benefits available to you as a freelancer or business owner. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:10 Embracing Summer and Financial Reflection 02:50 Understanding Tax-Advantaged Accounts 06:05 Maximizing Retirement Savings with SEP IRAs 08:50 The Power of Productive Friction in Learning 11:58 The Power Triangle for Financial Growth 15:10 Strategies for Effective Tax-Advantaged Saving 17:55 Upcoming Class: Save Like A Millionaire 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. Episode Links: Join the Workshop: Save Like a Millionaire: Using Tax-Smart Accounts Get my Tax Help on Substack Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

    22 min

  4. Jun 16

    Anna Burgess Yang: Why Self-Employment May Be More Secure Than a Traditional Job

    “It’s stressful to work for an employer and it’s stressful to work for yourself. It’s just like ‘choose your stress.’” – Anna Burgess Yang In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I sit down with Anna Burgess Yang to discuss her journey from corporate banking to solopreneurship. We explore the skills that helped her make the leap, how she approaches business decisions and financial management, and what it really means to navigate risk as a self-employed business owner. Anna also shares practical insights on freelancing and building a sustainable solo business while having effective financial planning Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:10 Introduction to Solopreneurship 06:01 Transitioning from Corporate to Freelance 10:25 Common Mistakes Solopreneurs Make 12:26 The Risks of Employment vs. Self-Employment 17:10 Current Economic Landscape for Freelancers 22:20 Navigating Career Pivots 28:04 Financial Management for Solopreneurs 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. About Anna Burgess Yang: Anna Burgess Yang is a freelance content marketer and journalist specializing in B2B SaaS and fintech. She is also a solopreneur educator focused on back-end business operations. A former corporate executive, she now writes long-form content for clients. She also maintains her own blog, newsletter, and a tutorials site. Within her content, she teaches other solopreneurs and marketers how to use AI and automation to work more efficiently. Check Out Anna’s Work: FREE RESOURCE: Budget Health Check Anna’s Instagram Anna’s LinkedIn Anna’s YouTube Channel Episode Links: Join the Workshop: Save Like a Millionaire: Using Tax-Smart Accounts Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

    36 min

  5. Jun 9

    Most Americans Have Been Deceived About Taxing the Wealthy (Even My Mom and Partner)

    In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down some of the biggest misconceptions about wealth taxes, estate taxes, and tax fairness in the United States. We’ll explore how the tax system works for the wealthiest Americans, why so many myths persist around taxing wealth, and what these policies mean for everyday people, small business owners, and future generations. I also share the story behind my grassroots campaign to raise awareness about tax justice through art, advocacy, and community action. My goal is to make complex tax issues easier to understand and help more people engage in conversations about economic fairness and social change. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:10 My Art Campaign 00:29 The State of Wealth Inequality in the US 00:57 Tax Fairness and the Wealthy 01:50 Problems with Wealth Tax and Historical Context 02:45 Inheritances and the Income Tax System 03:41 Hannah’s Grassroots Campaign and Art Fundraiser 04:41 Understanding the Sunlight Tax Website 05:09 Funding the IRS and Tax Enforcement 06:34 Myths and Misinformation about Tax Laws 07:32 Upcoming Expert Interview with Professor Madoff 09:00 Misconceptions about Inheritance and Gift Taxes 12:17 The Truth About Estate Taxes and Public Perception 16:35 Tax Benefits for Primary Residence Sales 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. Episode Links: Support me in rebuilding my studio Ray Madoff, author of The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy. Get my Tax Help on Substack. Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

    21 min

  6. Jun 2

    How to Tax the Rich and Studio Fundraiser

    "Everyone should feel that their taxes are fair." This week on the Sunlight Tax podcast, I share why tax fairness matters and how current tax policies disproportionately benefit the wealthiest Americans while placing a greater burden on working people and small business owners. I break down the growing gap between wealth and taxation, explain how these policies affect everyday life, and discuss why a more equitable tax system is essential for a stronger economy and society. I also share the story behind my latest art project – a fundraiser to rebuild my Helene-destroyed studio that doubles as what I do best: Helping you understand & spread the word about a key issue that’s complex, fact-based, and offering real solutions. With a touch of handmade vibes. And spread the word (before the midterms), and buy a hand-printed tote that helps me rebuild. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:10 Introduction and Personal Reflections 02:49 The Taxation Debate: Fairness and Advocacy 08:30 Understanding Wealth Inequality 10:09 Misdirection in Taxation 20:02 Strategies of the Wealthy 22:25 Systemic Failures in Taxation 25:27 Proposed Solutions for Tax Fairness 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. Episode Links: Support me in rebuilding my studio Ray Madoff, author of The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy. Katherine Anne Edwards, economist, and co-host of the podcast The Optimist Economy Get my Tax Help on Substack. Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

    35 min

  7. May 19

    3 Brain Tricks For Expanding Attention and Handling Stress

    This week, I’m sharing my personal journey of resetting my mind and business, and the three simple brain shifts that have helped me expand my attention and handle stress in a more sustainable way. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, I walk you through grounded tools you can start using right away to feel more focused and in control. In this episode, I explore how I’m learning to manage overwhelm and embrace humility through powerful metaphors. My hope is that this conversation gives you permission to slow down and make small, meaningful changes that support a more intentional life and work. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:10 A journey on how I’m embracing the Reset 12:08 The Power of Reading 15:24 Building a Supportive Community 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. Episode Links: Take the 2-minute survey here. The Sunlight Tax Podcast Episode 201: Amelia Hruby: How to Build a Successful Business Without Social Media Get my Tax Help on Substack. Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

    17 min

  8. May 12

    Amelia Hruby: How to Build a Successful Business Without Social Media

    This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m joined by Amelia Hruby, feminist writer and host of the Off the Grid podcast, for a conversation about building a successful business without relying on social media. Amelia shares her personal journey away from social media dependence and explains how she created a sustainable, relationship-centered business through community, creativity, email marketing, and intentional audience growth outside the attention economy. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:10 Introduction to Amelia Hruby 01:24 Journey to Feminist Podcasting and Authorship 03:40 Personal Experience with Social Media 07:26 Navigating Business Without Social Media 10:17 Building Relationships Beyond Algorithms 18:24 Reframing Attention: From Scarcity to Ecology 25:29 The Art of Noticing and Attention 27:57 The Impact of Social Media on Creativity 30:30 Navigating the Challenges of Social Media 34:35 Reclaiming Attention and Relationships 38:32 Deciding to Leave Social Media 44:49 Finding Connection Beyond Social Media 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. About Amelia Hruby: Amelia Hruby is a feminist writer and podcaster with a PhD in philosophy from DePaul University. Over the past decade, she’s been a university professor, a community organizer, and a radio DJ. Now, she is the founder and executive producer of Softer Sounds, a podcast studio that supports women and nonbinary small business owners. Since leaving social media in April 2021, she’s also launched the popular podcast Off the Grid, where she interviews artists, writers, business leaders and former influencers. Amelia is a platform critic, an AI skeptic, and an advocate for a non-extractive internet. Her new book, Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media is out now. Check out Amelia’s work: Off The Grid Podcast Download Amelia’s FREE Leaving Social Media Toolkit Get Amelia’s Book: Your Attention is Sacred Except on Social Media Use code SUNLIGHT for $5 off the book (paperback, ebook, or audiobook version) Episode Links: Get my Tax Help on Substack. Get your FREE visual guide to tax deductions Order my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

    46 min
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4.9
out of 5
110 Ratings

About

In this show, we’re talking about taxes, money, and careers for self-employed people who have a big vision for changing the world with their work. I’m your host, Hannah Cole; tax pro, artist, and the founder of Sunlight Tax. sunlighttax.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Hannah Cole
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    211
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Hannah Cole
  • Show Website
    Sunlight Tax

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