Tax and Money Conversations for Sensitive Creatives with Hannah Cole of Sunlight Tax
Release Date: 11/20/2025
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info_outlineWelcome back to the show! We are thrilled to host the incredible Hannah Cole of Sunlight Tax to talk about her new book, Taxes for Humans: A Simple Guide to the Taxes That Rule Your Life. This episode is must listen material for artists, curators, freelancers, and gallery professionals who want a kinder, clearer way to deal with money and taxes.
Hannah is an exhibiting artist turned tax professional. She shares the personal story of being dismissed by an accountant and how that experience inspired her to build a more humane, accessible approach to taxes for creatives. If you have ever felt judged, confused, or “bad with money,” this conversation will feel like a deep exhale.
You will hear Hannah reframe money as a tool for good, with examples like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and offer encouragement for anyone who has avoided looking at their numbers out of shame or fear.
✨ Current Open Call at Create! Magazine
Share your work with us for upcoming issues and opportunities here:
https://www.createmagazine.co/call-for-art
In this episode, we talk about:
✍️ The inspiration behind Taxes for Humans and why Hannah put everything she teaches in her programs into one affordable, comprehensive book (just 27 dollars).
🚫 How being dismissed by an accountant pushed her to create Sunlight Tax and become an advocate for creative people who are tired of feeling talked down to.
🤯 Why the fear of “not having it together” is the number one thing creative entrepreneurs have in common and how it fuels imposter syndrome.
🎨 The artist and accountant divide, and how Hannah bridges two very different worlds so artists can step into their power as entrepreneurs.
✨ How to get good at taxes and money management while keeping your soul, your vision, and your unique creative spark.
💰 A simple mindset shift to see money as a powerful tool for impact instead of something scary or shameful.
📈 Hobby versus business, what the IRS actually looks for, and why the bar for being considered a business is much lower than most artists think.
🧾 The single most important first technical step you can take today to get organized and compliant, even if you feel behind.
Hannah’s approach is a beautiful balance of order and creative chaos. She shows you that you can be a serious artist and also be excellent at money and taxes. Do not let fear keep you out of the studio or away from the career you really want.
Connect with Hannah Cole and Sunlight Tax
📚 Get the Book
Taxes for Humans: A Simple Guide to the Taxes That Rule Your Life
https://www.sunlighttax.com/book
🌈 Free Tax Deduction Guide
Download Hannah’s rainbow colored visual guide to tax deductions to print and pin above your desk:
https://www.sunlighttax.com/deductionsguide
🌐 Website
https://www.sunlighttax.com
📸 Instagram
@sunlighttax