Don't Forget These Deductions: Parking and Tolls

This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I talk with Shannan Hsiao, a career, leadership, and transition coach with more than 20 years of experience in corporate design and tech. We explore what it takes to move from corporate work toward a more self-directed career, including navigating identity shifts, building confidence, embracing creative work, and creating more inclusive leadership. We also talk about Shannan’s retreats, equine-assisted coaching, and the practical and emotional realities of building an independent business.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:10 Shannan’s path from corporate design to transition coaching02:18 Finding confidence when corporate no longer feels secure04:08 Creative identity, money, and the pressure to choose a safe career11:13 Why Shannan is creating an Asian women’s retreat16:06 Representation and authentic leadership in corporate spaces19:45 How horses support reflection and coaching22:18 Designing Your Next Thing: reflection, support, and possibility26:23 The mindset and role changes involved in leaving corporate29:05 Accepting the awkward learning curve of business ownership33:27 The freedom and creative feedback loop of independent work38:22 Scaling a business at a pace that fits your life40:16 How business setup and bookkeeping unlock room to grow44:06 Where to find Shannan and her upcoming retreatsIf 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 SHANNAN HSIAO:Shannan Hsiao is a design leader and executive coach who helps designers and creatives in tech design what’s next. She has more than 20 years in design, most recently as VP of Design and Research at Clover, so she knows firsthand what it takes to lead through big change with empathy and clarity. Before design, she worked as a vet tech, managed a veterinary clinic, and ran her own catering company. Today, she is the founder of Simply Designed. She brings her passion for authenticity and community to career, leadership, and transition coaching, including equine-assisted coaching and retreats. She learned to ride later in life, and she knows it can take getting through the butterflies and what-ifs to start something new.WORK WITH SHANNAN:Shannan’s WebsiteInstagram: @simply.designed.eqEpisode Links:Check out my 2-day Business IntensiveGet my Tax Help on SubstackOrder my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-EmployedGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductions Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m talking with Robin Mehler, an Asheville-based real estate agent who made the transition from teaching and nonprofit work to entrepreneurship. Robin shares how she navigated the identity shift of becoming a business owner, learned to manage the financial and tax side of running a business, and found ways to bring her values into a more profit-driven career. Her goal? To build a business that supports her family while making a positive impact in her community.Robin also shares a beautiful idea she brought into her real estate business from day one: finding a way to celebrate and support the teachers who make such a difference in our communities. We talk about the Two-Day Business Setup Intensive, understanding taxes and S corporation payroll, building financial confidence, and creating a business that gives back. This is a conversation about values-driven entrepreneurship, financial empowerment, and how you can build a business that reflects what matters most to you.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:10 Robin’s belief in sharing what you have01:02 From Asheville education work to real estate03:50 Overcoming the identity shift and self-doubt06:19 Turning scattered tax questions into business systems09:25 The $500-per-closing promise to teachers13:40 Planning an $8,000 teacher celebration17:47 Keeping generosity flexible as family costs change20:14 Family time, service work, and boundaries23:29 How accessible tax education changed Robin’s outlook27:14 The Asheville event and finding RobinIf 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 ROBIN MEHLER:Robin Mehler, known as Asheville’s Running Realtor, brings deep local knowledge and a genuine passion for helping clients navigate the Western North Carolina real estate market. Having lived in and explored the Asheville area for more than 25 years as a runner, outdoor enthusiast, and community member, Robin knows the neighborhoods, mountain communities, trails, and hidden gems that make Asheville and WNC such special places to call home.Whether you are buying your first home, relocating to Asheville, upgrading to your dream home, or preparing to sell, Robin is committed to providing exceptional customer service, clear communication, and personalized guidance throughout every step of the real estate process. Her goal is to make every transaction as smooth, informed, and low-stress as possible.As a trusted Asheville REALTOR® and former teacher, Robin believes real estate is about more than just buying and selling homes—it’s about building stronger communities. In support of local educators, Robin awards $500 to a Western North Carolina public school employee for every home bought or sold by her clients as a way of giving back to those who serve the community every day.If you are looking for a knowledgeable, responsive, and hardworking real estate agent in Asheville or Western North Carolina, Robin is ready to help you confidently navigate today’s market with professionalism, positivity, and a willingness to go the extra mile.WORK WITH ROBIN:Robin’s websiteInstagram: @Running_Realtor_AshevilleEpisode Links:Check out my 2-day Business IntensiveGet my Tax Help on SubstackOrder my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-EmployedGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsYou Got This,PS: I am most active on Instagram Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

Moving from employment to full-time self-employment comes with new tax responsibilities. Tax questions, bookkeeping, and business setup can keep you from making sales and growing your business. In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m breaking down the tax basics every new self-employed business owner needs to understand, including business deductions, self-employment tax, bookkeeping systems, quarterly estimated tax payments, and choosing the right business entity.The right tax and business systems can help you stay compliant, avoid costly mistakes, and feel more confident running your business. I’ll also introduce my 2-Day Business Intensive, where I help solo business owners get their tax, bookkeeping, and legal setup on solid footing so they can stop second-guessing their business and focus on growing it.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:12 Tax uncertainty can put the brakes on sales01:35 Why getting your business setup locked in matters03:49 How payroll helped Hannah double revenue05:37 The transition from corporate work to self-employment07:22 Business deductions and first-year startup expenses09:53 Bookkeeping, tax planning, and self-employment tax11:06 Why self-employment tax is 15.3%13:24 Quarterly payments, retirement, and entity questions15:39 Inside the two-day business setup intensive17:29 Cohort dates, pricing, and final encouragementIf 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:Check out my 2-day Business IntensiveGet my Tax Help on SubstackOrder my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-EmployedGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductions Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever been ghosted by your accountant? You’re not alone! In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m talking about why accountants sometimes disappear, how to find the right tax professional for your business, and why having your financial systems properly set up can make all the difference.I’ll share why getting your tax, bookkeeping, and business systems in order is essential for self-employed creatives, freelancers, and small business owners. I’ll also explain how my 2-Day Business Setup Intensive helps entrepreneurs get clarity on their taxes, bookkeeping, and legal setup with personalized guidance and support, so you can stop second-guessing your business finances and start feeling confident about running your business.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:00 Introduction to ghosting stories and why trust matters02:00 The story of Andy and the pitfalls of S corporations07:01 How Hannah’s intensive helps entrepreneurs rebuild trust10:04 Kai’s story: from fear to confidence in business setup13:02 The importance of proper bookkeeping and tax planning14:50 How trust in your setup boosts sales and growth16:05 Details of the two-day business setup intensive19:49 Program details, private sessions, and entity guidanceIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!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:Check out my 2-day Business IntensiveGet my Tax Help on SubstackOrder my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-EmployedGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductions Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

This week on the Sunlight Tax podcast, I’m chatting about another commonly missed tax deduction for self-employed individuals: parking and tolls. I’m diving into how tolls and parking should be tracked separately and added to the car expense category on tax schedules so you can get the deduction you deserve.Join me in this episode to get some practical tips on how to easily track your parking and toll expenses for this upcoming tax season.Also mentioned in today’s episode:2:26 Tracking parking and tolls separately from mileage2:44 Methods for tracking car expenses4:30 Practical tips for maximizing your deductionsIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it!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:Sunlight episode on tracking mileage deductionGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsCheck out my 2-day Business IntensiveGet my Tax Help on SubstackOrder 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

Today, I’m chatting about a commonly missed tax deduction for entrepreneurs: cell phone and internet expenses. I’m going over why these deductions are missed and how you can utilize them to get the most out of your tax return this year.Join me in this episode to learn how to calculate a reasonable business percentage for these mixed-use expenses so you can maximize your allowable deductions and keep more of your hard-earned money.Also mentioned in today’s episode:2:54 Calculating business percentage for cell phone expenses5:50 Internet usage and business deductions8:28 Tracking and documenting your personal expensesIf 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 your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsCheck out my 2-day Business IntensiveGet my Tax Help on SubstackOrder 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

This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m discussing how recent interest rate hikes are affecting personal finance and the broader economy. I’ll share practical advice for managing debt, building savings, and navigating investments in a changing economic landscape.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:10 Introduction to Market News and Interest Rates02:07 The Power of Small Cohorts in Business Programs04:36 Announcing New Business Setup Intensive Cohorts06:39 How the Fed Uses Interest Rate Hikes to Control Inflation07:33 Predictions for Future Interest Rate Increases08:19 Implications for Personal Borrowing and Debt09:32 Opportunities in Savings and Investment Accounts10:54 The Importance of Investing to Combat Inflation12:10 Promoting the Business Setup Intensive Program13:21 Actionable Steps for Financial Health and GrowthIf 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:Check out my 2-day Business IntensiveMy upcoming in-person workshop with The Art Students League of New YorkGet my Tax Help on SubstackGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder 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

This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m diving into tax deductions for freelancers and small business owners. I’ll walk through the IRS rules you need to understand, plus how setting up simple automated systems can help you capture more legitimate deductions, save time, and take some of the stress out of tax season.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:10 Introduction to Business Deductions and IRS Rules02:04 The Importance of Documentation and Automation03:54 How to Track and Deduct Business Travel Expenses06:07 Understanding Mixed Use Items and Partial Deductions08:00 Examples of Deductible Expenses and Personal Travel10:12 Resources for Learning and Setting Up Deduction Systems12:13 The Benefits of Proper Deduction Planning13:57 Details of the Sunlight Tax Intensive Program14:52 Encouragement and Final Tips for Business OwnersIf 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:Learn more about the IntensiveMy upcoming in-person workshop with The Art Students League of New YorkLink to join the First Official Cohort (9/23 & 9/24). Investment is $1850Get my Tax Help on SubstackGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder 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

“The question is, how do you… retain a sense of core self? What are the immutable qualities about yourself… that are going to stabilize you throughout all of the motion and the change?” - Melissa WongThis week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m joined by Melissa Wong, career coach and author of The Fluid Career, to explore how creatives, freelancers, and knowledge workers can navigate today’s changing world of work. We talk about building a fluid career, transitioning to self-employment, managing multiple income streams, and creating a career that can adapt as your life and priorities change.If you’re considering self-employment, balancing multiple types of work, or looking for a more intentional approach to your career, Melissa shares practical insights for building a flexible career path without feeling like you have to choose just one thing.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:02 Introduction to Melissa Wong and her work02:04 Challenges of transitioning from employment to self-employment04:11 Strategies for starting a self-employed career without data08:00 The importance of articulating your unique offer15:08 Practical steps for operational setup and legal considerations23:00 Evolving passive income streams in the AI era28:01 Building relationships and trust in a self-employed ecosystem32:57 Managing multiple income streams and risk tolerance39:53 Emotional and mental aspects of financial management43:50 The core message of Melissa’s book and its impact44:59 Closing thoughts and how to connect with MelissaIf 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 Melissa WongMelissa Wong is a writer, thinker, and coach for creatives. At Coherence Studio she offers 1:1 coaching, group programs, and podcast conversations designed to help multi-talented creatives identify their unique worth and get into a place of intentional action.For the first decade of her career, she worried about how her many roles and interests would ever coalesce into an intelligible, unified place. Now she helps creatives and knowledge workers articulate and share a coherent story of their work and design their career into an integrated multi-income system.The Fluid Career synthesizes insights, stories, and tactics drawn from thousands of client sessions, offering a practical framework for designing modern careers to meet this moment of heightened complexity.Melissa lives with her family in Portland, Oregon where you can likely find her attending or hosting some kind of event or elbow deep in her latest creative project.Check Out Melissa Wong’s work:The Fluid Career BookGet a FREE download of The Fluid Career book introduction here⁠Website: Coherence StudioInstagram: @coherencestudioEpisode Links:Learn more about the IntensiveLink to join the First Official Cohort (9/23 & 9/24). Investment is $1850Get my Tax Help on SubstackGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder 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

This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I talk about why expert guidance and community support can make it easier to navigate business structure, tax compliance, and the behind-the-scenes systems that keep a small business running smoothly.I’m also introducing my new business program designed to help self-employed business owners get the tax, bookkeeping, and legal side of their business properly set up. If you’re starting, growing, or tuning up a small business and want more clarity around your taxes, bookkeeping, and legal setup, this episode is for you.Also mentioned in today’s episode:00:10 Introduction to the new business program02:17 Details of the upcoming open house events04:00 Overview of the two-day intensive program05:17 Program benefits: legal, tax, and bookkeeping06:32 Beta cohort details and early access07:36 First official cohort schedule and content08:23 Value of expert guidance and personalized support09:45 One-on-one coaching and group community11:06 Building connections and support networks12:04 How to join and questions answeredIf 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:Register to my Open Houses on 9/9:* Open House (AM) - 9:30am* Open House (PM) - 4:30pmLoom video walkthrough about the IntensiveLearn more about the IntensiveLink to join the program:* link to join the First Official Cohort (9/23 & 9/24). Investment is $1850* link to join the Beta Cohort (9/23 & 9/24). Investment is $1275Get my Tax Help on Substack Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe