If you’ve paid anyone in your business — even once — this episode is for you.

1. Second shooters.
2. Editors.
3. Studio rent.
4. A VA.
5. Marketing help.
6. Attorney fees.

In this episode, we’re talking about W-9s and 1099s — not in a scary or overwhelming way, but in a clear, practical way so you actually understand what matters and why.

Photographers get tripped up on this every single year, not because they’re doing anything wrong, but because no one ever explained it in plain English. So that’s what we’re doing here.

1. What actually makes someone a contractor (in real, plain English)
2. The difference between a W-9 and a 1099 — and why they are not interchangeable
3. Why you don’t get to just “decide” how someone is paid
4. The biggest mistake photographers make when paying contractors
5. Why bookkeeping plays a huge role in staying compliant
6. How and when payments need to be tracked
7. Why reporting thresholds keep changing — and what you should focus on instead
8. What happens if someone won’t give you a W-9
9. How compliance creates clarity, confidence, and peace of mind

This episode isn’t about being perfect or knowing everything. It’s about understanding the few things that actually impact your business so you can stop scrambling, stop guessing, and feel confident you’re doing this the right way.

[Learn more about the W9 1099 Workshop]

Mentioned in this episode:

1099 Workshop

If you paid anyone for a service in your photography business, W-9s and 1099s apply — even if you paid through Venmo, PayPal, HoneyBook, cash, or check. The W-9 / 1099 Workshop walks photographers through exactly who needs a W-9, when a 1099 is required, and how to file correctly and on time. You’ll get clear explanations, templates, and step-by-step guidance so you can stay compliant without guessing. This workshop is built specifically for photographers who want their contractor reporting handled cleanly and confidently. [Enroll In The W9 1099 Worskhop]

Bastian Accounting Tax Ready Bootcamp!

Tax-Ready Bootcamp is a live, five-day working bootcamp for photographers who want their finances organized and ready for tax filing — without overwhelm or guesswork. You’ll work through my photographer-specific templates in real time, with clear guidance and live Q&A,

Many photographers have no idea that state sales tax amnesty programs even exist — but they could save your business from devastating penalties.

In this episode, Tiffany breaks down how these programs and Voluntary Disclosure Agreements (VDAs) can help you get compliant with state sales tax laws without facing crushing fines or legal trouble.

If you’ve fallen behind on sales tax or aren’t sure where you stand, this episode will show you the right way to come clean, rebuild compliance, and protect your photography business for the future.

What state sales tax amnesty programs are — and how they can protect your business from severe penalties

How Voluntary Disclosure Agreements (VDAs) work and why they’re often your best path to compliance

The step-by-step process for applying for a VDA — including how to remain anonymous in the early stages

What benefits come with amnesty programs: waived penalties, limited lookback periods, and protection from prosecution

What commitments you make once you sign a VDA — and what happens if you don’t follow through

What to do if you’re not eligible for a VDA and still need to fix past noncompliance

[00:02:10] Understanding Sales Tax Amnesty Programs

Tiffany explains how amnesty programs give business owners a chance to come forward and correct past sales tax issues without facing the full legal and financial consequences.

[00:07:00] Inside the VDA Process

Learn the full process for entering a Voluntary Disclosure Agreement — from submitting an anonymous inquiry to signing your official compliance plan with the state. Tiffany breaks down what each stage looks like and how long it typically takes.

[00:13:45] The Benefits of a VDA

Discover how states reward honesty through reduced penalties, shorter audit lookback periods, and protection from criminal prosecution — helping you start fresh and compliant.

[00:18:30] Long-Term Compliance Commitments

Entering a VDA is more than paying back taxes — it’s a promise to maintain ongoing compliance. Tiffany shares what the state expects and the serious consequences of breaking that agreement.

[00:23:10] If You Don’t Qualify for a VDA

Not all businesses are eligible — especially if the state has already contacted you. Tiffany walks through alternative strategies for negotiating payment plans, requesting partial penalty abatements, and rebuilding compliance.

FREE State-by-State Sales Tax Guide for Photographers — Learn exactly what’s taxable in each state and where you may have obligations.

Voluntary Disclosure Agreement Checklist — A quick-reference guide to prepare for applying for amnesty (available at bastianaccounting.com).

Financially Focused Photographer Facebook Community — Connect with other photographers and get expert advice.

Perform a sales tax compliance check-up:

1. Review past sales data — Identify states where you’ve made sales or performed services
2. Determine obligations — Use the State-by-State Sales Tax Guide to see what’s taxable
3. Check eligibility — See if you qualify for a VDA or other amnesty options
4. Plan next steps — Create a system to track, file, and pay sales tax accurately moving forward

“I’m behind...

Sales tax is one of the most confusing and anxiety-inducing topics for photographers, yet it's crucial for building a legally compliant business. In this episode, Tiffany breaks down everything photographers need to know about sales tax in plain English – from understanding what's taxable to implementing collection systems that actually work.

Whether you're a portrait photographer working locally or a wedding photographer traveling across state lines, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to handle sales tax correctly. Plus, Tiffany shares what to do if you haven't been collecting sales tax (spoiler: don't panic – there are solutions!).

1. Why sales tax is a "trust tax" and how personal liability works (even with an LLC)
2. Which photography products and services are taxable in different states
3. How to determine where you have "nexus" and need to collect sales tax
4. The 7-step process for implementing sales tax collection in your business
5. Common sales tax mistakes that can trigger audits
6. What to do if you haven't been collecting sales tax (hint: amnesty programs!)

[00:02:15] Why Sales Tax Matters for Photographers

Tiffany explains why ignoring sales tax can lead to devastating consequences, including personal liability even if you have an LLC. She shares real examples of photographers who faced $15,000+ in assessments.

[00:08:45] Sales Tax Fundamentals

Learn the basics: all states tax tangible items (prints, albums), but rules for services and digital files vary dramatically. Plus, understand the difference between destination-based and origin-based states.

[00:11:30] Understanding Nexus

Discover when you need to collect sales tax based on physical presence vs. economic activity. Includes specific scenarios for portrait photographers, wedding photographers, and those selling online.

[00:15:20] 7-Step Implementation Process

Tiffany walks through her proven system for sales tax compliance, from determining nexus to setting up collection systems and meeting filing deadlines.

[00:21:30] Getting Compliant If You're Behind

Don't panic! Learn about Voluntary Disclosure Agreements (VDAs) and state amnesty programs that can help you get compliant without crushing penalties.

1. FREE State-by-State Sales Tax Guide for Photographers - Our most downloaded resource!

Conduct a sales tax compliance check-up:

1. Identify where you have nexus - List all states where you perform services or sell products
2. Research taxability - Use our guide to understand what's taxable in each state
3. Verify registration status - Confirm you're registered where required

In episode four of The Financially Focused Photographer, we're tackling something that might not sound exciting but will absolutely transform your business – setting up bookkeeping systems that actually work for creative professionals like you.

Building on our previous discussions about money mindset (Episode 1), strategic investments (Episode 2), and knowing your true take-home pay (Episode 3), today we're diving into the foundation that makes all of those concepts work: good financial data.

Because here's the thing – you can't make informed business decisions without accurate numbers. And accurate numbers come from consistent, proper bookkeeping.

1. Why completely separating business and personal finances is essential (not optional!)
2. Understanding "piercing the corporate veil" and why it matters for LLCs
3. How proper separation enables the Profit First system from Episode 3
4. Real example: The wedding photographer who saved 5 hours monthly with proper separation

1. Spreadsheets: Only for absolute beginners with minimal transactions
2. Wave Accounting: Free option that's a step up from spreadsheets
3. QuickBooks Online: The gold standard (with a WARNING about Self-Employed)
4. FreshBooks: Great for service-based businesses
5. Photography CRMs: Why HoneyBook, Dubsado, etc. aren't true accounting solutions
6. Professional Help: When it makes sense to outsource

Despite its name, QuickBooks Self-Employed is NOT for small businesses! It's for gig economy workers and lacks:

1. Balance sheet reporting
2. Proper bank reconciliation
3. Inventory tracking capabilities
4. Upgrade path to QuickBooks Online
5. Strategic reporting features

1. Why default chart of accounts don't work for photographers
2. The importance of photography-specific income and expense categories
3. How we structure accounts for our monthly clients
4. Creating meaningful financial reports that actually help you make decisions

1. Tiffany's personal weekly system that transformed her business

We've all seen the Instagram posts – photographers proudly announcing their six-figure businesses. But here's what no one's talking about: a six-figure business doesn't equal a six-figure salary. Not even close.

In this eye-opening episode, Tiffany breaks down the reality of what photographers actually take home versus what their businesses generate. You'll discover why understanding this gap is crucial for building a sustainable business that truly supports the life you want.

The Revenue vs. Take-Home Reality

1. Why photography businesses have some of the biggest gaps between revenue and take-home pay
2. Real example: The wedding photographer bringing in $150K but only paying herself $35K
3. Understanding what "take-home pay" actually means for your personal finances

Finding Your Personal Take-Home Sweet Spot

1. A practical exercise to calculate what you actually need to live
2. Breaking down essential expenses vs. desired lifestyle costs
3. How to connect your business goals to your personal financial needs

The Profit First Approach for Photographers

1. Why the traditional formula (Revenue - Expenses = Profit) is broken
2. Setting up multiple bank accounts to automate your finances
3. Specific percentage allocations for photographers

Comparing Business Models Through the Take-Home Lens

1. High-volume vs. premium pricing: Which actually pays you more?
2. Calculating your REAL hourly rate (prepare to be shocked)
3. Why fewer clients often means more money in your pocket

7 Practical Steps to Increase Your Take-Home Pay

1. Strategic pricing based on time investment
2. Streamlining services for maximum profitability
3. When and how to outsource effectively
4. Developing passive income streams
5. Plus 3 more actionable strategies

"I've been in business for three years and just realized I've been paying myself less than my second shooter. I feel embarrassed and don't know where to start fixing this. Help!"

Tiffany addresses this surprisingly common situation with compassion and provides a three-tier framework for determining personal financial needs and implementing immediate changes.

Based on working with hundreds of photographers, here's what Tiffany typically sees:

1. Solo photographers ($100K-$150K revenue): $30K-$60K take-home

In this episode, host Tiffany Bastian explores why "I can't afford it" is never really about the money and introduces a strategic framework for making smart business investment decisions.

Understanding the difference between costs and investments is crucial for photography business growth. When you shift from "I can't afford it" thinking to "How can I invest strategically?" you transform from someone limited by finances to someone who leverages financial resources for business growth. This episode provides a practical framework for evaluating any business purchase decision.

1. Why "I can't afford it" reveals deeper beliefs about your business finances
2. The limiting language of "afford" and "budget" vs. empowering investment thinking
3. How successful entrepreneurs find ways to afford what they truly prioritize
4. The 5-Step ROI Framework for evaluating business investments
5. Real-world examples of ROI calculations for photography businesses
6. Strategic decision-making that propels your business forward

When someone says "I can't afford it," what they're really saying is: "I'm interested in this product or service, but I don't have a clear grasp on my financials. I'm not certain about my goals, so I don't know if this purchase will get me closer to them. Basically, I don't know where to begin to get organized, so I'll pass for now."

"Afford" - Webster's definition: "to be able to bear the cost" (notice how heavy and burdensome that sounds?)

"Budget" - Often associated with cheap, low-cost, cutting corners in everyday use

"Investment" - Webster's definition: "the outlay of money usually for income or profit" (focused on what you'll gain)

1. Define the problem or opportunity: Get crystal clear about what specific issue this purchase will solve or what opportunity it will help you capture
2. Calculate the total investment: Factor in upfront costs, recurring costs, time required for implementation, learning curve, and hidden costs
3. Estimate the return: Quantify benefits as specifically as possible - time savings, additional revenue, improved client experience, reduced expenses
4. Consider the timeline: Map out when you'll start seeing returns, break-even point, and long-term benefits
5. Evaluate alternatives: Consider less expensive options, rental vs. purchase, phased approaches, or DIY solutions

$2,000 Lighting Setup Analysis:

1. Problem solved: Ability to shoot in any lighting condition, expanding scheduling and location options
2. Total investment: $2,000 plus 10 hours of practice time

In our premiere episode, host Tiffany Bastian explores how your underlying beliefs about money fundamentally shape your photography business success.

Money mindset is the foundation of everything you do as a photographer. Before diving into tactical strategies like bookkeeping and tax planning, it's crucial to understand your relationship with money. Even with perfect systems in place, limiting beliefs about money can prevent you from reaching your full potential as a photography business owner.

1. Why talented photographers often struggle financially despite "doing all the right things"
2. How to identify your current money mindset and beliefs
3. Understanding that wealth looks different for everyone
4. The financial river/ocean metaphor: how your business should flow into your life
5. Common money blocks photographers face and how to overcome them
6. Practical steps to transform your relationship with money

Complete these sentences to reveal your underlying money beliefs:

1. Money is _____.
2. People with money are _____.
3. As a creative, my relationship with money should be _____.
4. Charging high prices for my photography makes me feel _____.
5. When a client questions my rates, I _____.

1. The Starving Artist Mentality: The belief that financial struggle is part of the creative journey
2. The Imposter Complex: Feeling you need more certification or experience to charge professional rates
3. Limiting Beliefs About Money: Phrases like "money doesn't grow on trees" that influence your approach to business

1. Pay attention to your money language
2. Separate facts from stories
3. Track your money
4. Surround yourself with prosperity influences
5. Consciously choose new beliefs
6. Celebrate financial wins

Ask yourself:

1. How much do I actually need to earn personally?
2. What lifestyle do I want my business to...