Sunlight Tax

Hosted by Hannah Cole

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218

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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

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September 1, 2026Episode 21619 min

Your September Estimated Tax Payment: Tips On Making It Easier

This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m breaking down estimated quarterly taxes for self-employed people, freelancers, creatives, and small business owners. I’ll explain how bookkeeping helps you calculate your tax payments more accurately, avoid surprises, and stay on top of your federal and state tax obligations throughout the year. I’m also introducing my new intensive program for self-employed business owners who want to get the tax, bookkeeping, and legal side of their business properly set up. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:10 Introduction and importance of quarterly tax payments 02:23 Understanding quarterly tax payments for self-employed 05:05 How to estimate your tax liability based on profit to date 08:04 Simplifying bookkeeping and estimated tax payments 10:44 Working with a licensed tax professional versus AI 12:31 Details of the two-day program and what participants will learn 14:16 Program features: database, private consultations, and setup 16:04 Upcoming cohort dates and how to join the waitlist 17:25 Building trust and transparency in business setup 18:19 Reminder to pay estimated taxes and get bookkeeping in order 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: Watch my walkthrough video on how to pay your Estimated Quarterly Taxes Join the 2-Day Business Setup Intensive Waitlist 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

August 25, 2026Episode 21534 min

The Zen Journey of Small Business

This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m sharing personal lessons from running a small business and exploring what it means to build a business that supports your life. I talk about aligning business goals with your values, protecting your mental health, practicing ethical accountability, and embracing the spiritual side of entrepreneurship while giving practical insights on negotiation, feedback, decision-making, and navigating external challenges while staying grounded in what matters most. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:10 Introduction to Hannah Cole’s journey and insights 01:48 Aligning goals with personal life and values 04:04 Small business as a spiritual and ethical journey 07:06 The importance of mental health and self-care 10:07 Receiving and managing feedback effectively 13:02 Negotiation strategies and contract clarity 16:55 Understanding external forces like economic shifts 20:04 The role of happiness and fulfillment in business 23:08 Ethics and accountability in client relationships 30:10 Building a sustainable and responsible business 32:58 Upcoming offerings and closing thoughts 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 2-Day Business Setup Intensive Waitlist Check out my program, Money Bootcamp 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

August 18, 2026Episode 21423 min

Set Up Your Business Intensive: Behind the Scenes

“You want that power. You want to feel empowered in that way. But you also just want to get it done, right? You're not there to like, okay, I don't need a degree in this. I just want to be following the law.” - Hannah Cole In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I explain how self-employed people, including freelancers, creatives, consultants, and small business owners—can build simple, effective tax and legal systems for their businesses. I also introduce a new 2-day intensive program designed to help you set up your business structure, organize your taxes, strengthen legal compliance, and create a clear plan for moving forward. With personalized guidance, practical tax planning, and community support, this intensive is designed to make the often-overwhelming process of setting up your business feel simpler, more manageable, and more human. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 02:04 Who I serve: Creative and non-creative small business owners 05:12 Common overwhelm and challenges faced by self-employed individuals 07:08 Choosing the right business entity and legal setup 08:44 Understanding quarterly taxes and avoiding surprises 09:51 The importance of trust and accuracy in tax information 12:04 Details of the two-day intensive format and community aspect 13:57 One-on-one guidance and privacy considerations 15:33 Risks of AI hallucinating tax law and how to get reliable info 16:54 Features of the new program: database, implementation, and support 18:46 Invitation for feedback and how to join the waitlist 20:56 Matching cohorts by business stage and profession 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 2-Day Business Setup Intensive Waitlist Check out my program, Money Bootcamp 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

August 11, 2026Episode 23537 min

Stacy Ennis: The Power of Nonfiction: How a Book Can Advance Your Business Mission, Leadership & Values

“If you really focus on the reader and creating something meaningful and impactful and excellent... it has longevity and shelf life and continued work to do out in the world well beyond you.” — Stacy Ennis In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I sit down with Stacy Ennis to explore what it really takes to write and publish a nonfiction book that grows your business, strengthens your brand, and creates lasting impact. We discuss the publishing process, book coaching, traditional publishing vs. self-publishing, and why integrity, strategy, and a clear message matter more than simply getting a book into the world. Stacy shares practical insights from years of helping authors craft books that not only sell, but also make a meaningful difference—offering valuable guidance for anyone considering writing a business book or becoming a published author. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:10 Introduction to Stacy Ennis and her background 01:00 Stacy’s journey from childhood reading to publishing expert 02:36 Her experience in publishing and ghostwriting 03:24 Working with authors with a bigger mission 04:49 The ROI of writing a book and trust building 05:56 Trusting Stacy’s expertise after a trust-breaking experience 07:43 The importance of mission and impact in writing 09:04 The strategic value of a book for influence and marketing 10:33 Shelf life and longevity of well-done work 12:24 Reflections on the author journey and publishing routes 14:36 Exploring traditional, self, and hybrid publishing 16:36 The evolving landscape of publishing and author education 18:24 Why hybrid and self-publishing are viable options 20:28 The role of a book in business, trust, and influence 24:18 The transformative process of organizing ideas 27:37 The impact of writing on personal and business growth 28:58 The importance of creative health and deep thought 31:16 Rebuilding self-trust through the writing process 32:44 The societal and professional importance of authorship 33:01 Stacy’s resources and podcast 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 Stacy Ennis: Stacy Ennis is a best-selling author, book coach, and speaker on a mission to help leaders clarify their ideas and harness their unique story to make an impact. Her background includes impacting more than 100 books in her 17-plus years in publishing; ghostwriting for a Nobel Prize winner in medicine; and leading as executive editor of Sam’s Club’s Healthy Living Made Simple, a publication that reached around 11 million readers. Stacy’s work and writing have been featured in Yahoo!, Inc., Insider, Publisher’s Weekly, Katie Couric, and the TEDx stage. Stacy is also the host of the podcast Beyond Better and holds a master’s in writing and editing from the University of Cincinnati. Check Out Stacy Ennis’ Work: * 10 Things You Should Know Before Writing a Nonfiction Book free resource * Author Influence Circle * Direct link to book a call with Stacy to chat about their book * Instagram @stacyennis * LinkedIn: Stacy Ennis * Study mentioned on the episode Episode Links: Check out my program, Money Bootcamp 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

August 4, 2026Episode 1901 hr 2 min

Tessa Fontaine: BTS on Writing Fiction: Money, Career, and Why Writing Matters

This week on the Sunlight Tax Podcast, we go behind the scenes with writer Tessa Fontaine as we explore the realities of building a fiction writing career. We talk about money, publishing, creative community, balancing art with financial stability, and why most authors rely on multiple income streams to keep writing. We also discuss the deeper purpose of writing—how stories help us make sense of the world, why art matters beyond profit, and what it means to create work that truly connects. Whether you’re a writer, artist, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation is an honest look at the intersection of creativity, career, and purpose. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:10 Introduction to Tessa Fontaine’s Writing Journey 03:18 The Role of Income and Writing as a Creative Outlet 04:18 The Joy of Reading and Audiobooks for Writers 06:36 Balancing Practical Career and Artistic Spirit 11:36 Building Community and Accountability in Writing 22:34 The Fickleness of Writing Income and Artistic Freedom 27:54 The Incompatibility of Capitalism and Art 36:36 The Gift Economy and the Purpose of Art 46:06 Why Do You Write? Personal Motivations 50:40 Diverse Careers and Income Streams for Writers 54:29 Misunderstandings About the Financial Side of Writing 01:00:02 The Enduring Power of Art and Literature 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 Tessa Fontaine: Tessa Fontaine is the author of THE ELECTRIC WOMAN: A MEMOIR IN DEATH-DEFYING ACTS (FSG 2018), a New York Times Editors’ Choice; Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers pick, and best book of the year by Southern Living, Refinery29, Amazon Editors’, and The New York Post. THE RED GROVE (FSG 2024), her debut novel, was named a best book by Amazon Editors’ and People Magazine, and was currently longlisted for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize. Other writing can be found in Outside, The New York Times, Glamour, AGNI, The Believer, People, LitHub, Creative Nonfiction, and more. Raised outside San Francisco, Tessa is a former professor and has taught in jails and prisons. She co-founded and teaches the Accountability Workshops with writer and pal Annie Hartnett, and lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with her daughter, goofy dog and sassy cat. Check Out Tessa’s Work: Tessa’s Website Accountability Workshops website Instagram: @accountabilityworkshops Episode Links: Check out my program, Money Bootcamp 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

July 28, 2026Episode 1321114 min

My #1 Tip to Make Your Kid a Millionaire

“One of the most advantageous things that exists in the U.S. tax code is a Roth IRA for a minor.” In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I’m discussing the benefits of tax-advantaged savings for children, specifically focusing on a Roth IRA for kids. I explain how parents can open a custodial Roth IRA for their kids, the advantages of a Roth IRA, and the importance of teaching children about compound interest and financial literacy. This episode also emphasizes the long-term benefits of starting early with investments and how this can empower the next generation financially. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:32 The concept of tax-advantaged savings for kids 01:02 What is a custodial Roth IRA and why it’s beneficial 01:58 How kids with summer jobs can start investing 02:53 Difference between traditional and Roth IRA explained 04:18 Advantages of Roth IRA for minors and future tax benefits 07:15 Why kids’ low income makes Roth IRA especially advantageous 08:40 Teaching kids about compound interest and investment growth 11:08 Resources for learning about compound interest and investing 13:03 Empowering the next generation with financial tools I hope this 3-part series on investing for your kid(s) helps you understand your options. If you missed the first two, here they are: 1. Trump Accounts explainer (if your kid was born in 2025, 2026 or you’re planning for one in 2027 or 2028, please get the FREE $1000 you are entitled to) 2. 529 Plan vs Trump Accounts (you can use both). 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: Roth vs Traditional IRA: Does it even matter? How to fund your IRA: Pay yourself first Check out my program, Money Bootcamp 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

July 21, 2026Episode 21021 min

Savings for Kids: Trump Accounts vs. 529 Plans

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I explain the key differences between Trump Accounts and 529 Plans, two tax-advantaged savings options designed to help families invest in their children’s futures. You’ll learn who qualifies for a Trump Account, how these new custodial investment accounts work, contribution limits, tax considerations, and how they compare to traditional 529 college savings plans. I also break down the advantages and drawbacks of each option, including flexibility, eligible uses, long-term growth potential, and strategies for maximizing tax-efficient wealth building. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:00 Introduction to Trump Accounts and 529 Plans 02:00 What Are Trump Accounts? Eligibility and Benefits 04:50 Pros and Cons of Trump Accounts 09:07 Understanding 529 Plans and Their Benefits 13:01 Transferability and Investment Options in 529 Plans 17:58 Using 529 Funds for Education and Beyond 20:04 Comparing Purpose and Benefits of Both Vehicles 21:03 Final Tips and Strategic Considerations 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: The Sunlight Tax Podcast EP159: My #1 Tip to Make Your Kid a Millionaire 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

July 14, 2026Episode 20915 min

Invest for Your Kids: New Trump Accounts Now Available

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I break down the new Trump Accounts, a custodial savings program for children introduced in 2026. I walk through who qualifies, how these accounts work, how to open one, contribution limits, and the tax rules you need to know. I also explore the potential advantages and drawbacks of using a Trump Account as part of a long-term savings strategy, how it compares to other options for investing in a child’s future, and what families should consider before contributing. Despite the name, these accounts are a good thing. Also mentioned in today’s episode: 00:10 Introduction to Trump Accounts and Their Purpose 01:28 What is a Trump Account and Its Legislative Background 02:52 Eligibility, Bonus Contributions, and Funding Limits 04:15 How to Open a Trump Account and the Election Process 07:17 Investment Strategies and Allowed Assets in Trump Accounts 09:04 How to Use the Trump Accounts and Withdrawal Rules 11:48 Who Can Open a Trump Account and Additional Flexibility 14:56 Next Steps for Building Wealth 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: The Sunlight Tax Podcast EP159: My #1 Tip to Make Your Kid a Millionaire 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

July 7, 2026Episode 20836 min

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

June 30, 2026Episode 20734 min

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