Taxes are one of the most confusing parts of being a working artist, especially when you’re self-employed, selling through galleries, or juggling multiple income streams.

In this episode, I’m joined by Hannah, a working artist and the founder of Sunlight Tax, to break down the tax basics every artist needs to understand, in clear, plain language.

We cover:

• What a Schedule C is and how artists are taxed when self-employed

• How self-employment tax actually works (and why it’s higher than you expect)

• 1099s explained, including galleries, Stripe, PayPal, and Etsy

• Why you still need to report income even if you don’t receive a 1099

• Simple ways to stay organized without rigid bookkeeping systems

• When an LLC makes sense for artists and when it doesn’t

• The easiest first step to take if taxes feel overwhelming right now

This is a practical, grounded conversation designed to help artists feel clearer, more confident, and better prepared without turning finances into a second full-time job.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Sunlight Tax: https://www.sunlighttax.com/
1099s for creatives: https://www.sunlighttax.com/1099

If you’re an artist building a sustainable career and want to understand the business side without losing your creativity, this episode is for you.

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