Financially Focused Photographer Ep. 006: Sales Tax Amnesty - How You Can Catch Up Without Penalties

Описание: 🎧 Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts → [https://link.bastianaccounting.com/sh...]
Spotify → [https://link.bastianaccounting.com/sh...]
Amazon → [https://link.bastianaccounting.com/sh...]

Shownotes
https://bastianaccounting.com/episode...

---

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 You'll Learn:

What sales tax amnesty programs are and how they help businesses avoid severe penalties
How Voluntary Disclosure Agreements (VDAs) work — step-by-step
How to stay anonymous during the early stages of the process
What benefits come with a VDA: waived penalties, limited lookbacks, and clean-slate compliance
What happens if you don’t qualify — and how to fix it anyway
How to maintain compliance after your agreement so you never fall behind again

---

Episode Highlights:

[00:02:10] Understanding Sales Tax Amnesty Programs
Tiffany explains how states give business owners a chance to correct past tax issues without the full legal or financial consequences.

[00:07:00] Inside the VDA Process
Learn what happens from start to finish — including how to keep your identity confidential during initial contact with the state.

[00:13:45] The Benefits of a VDA
See how honesty pays off: reduced penalties, shorter audit lookback periods, and no criminal prosecution.

[00:18:30] Staying Compliant After a VDA
A VDA isn’t a free pass — it’s a commitment. Tiffany explains the importance of ongoing compliance and accurate recordkeeping.

[00:23:10] When You Don’t Qualify for a VDA
Discover what to do next — from calculating what you owe to negotiating payment plans and penalty reductions.

---

Resources Mentioned:
Ultimate Sales Tax Guide - https://www.bastianaccounting.com/sta...
Financially Focused Photographer Free Community - https://www.bastianaccounting.com/ffp...

---

This Week’s Homework:
✅ Review your past sales data — identify where you owe sales tax
✅ Determine if you qualify for a VDA or other amnesty options
✅ Set up a tracking system for ongoing compliance
✅ Download the free sales tax guide to help you stay on top of each state’s rules

---

Community Q&A:
“I’m behind on sales tax and found out I’m not eligible for a VDA. What do I do?”
Tiffany’s advice: Don’t panic. You can still voluntarily come forward, calculate your balance, and work with the state to set up a payment plan. Being proactive shows good faith — ignoring it only makes it worse.

---

Key Quotes:
"Ignorance is never a defense — but honesty and proactive compliance can save your business."
"A VDA is like financial probation — a second chance to do things right, not a free pass."
"Getting right with sales tax isn’t about punishment; it’s about protecting your business and peace of mind."

---

Connect with Tiffany:
Join our free Facebook community → [https://link.bastianaccounting.com/ff...](https://link.bastianaccounting.com/ff...)
Join the Financially Focused Collective (membership) → [https://link.bastianaccounting.com/ff...](https://link.bastianaccounting.com/ff...)

---

CREDITS
Music Composed (Intro & Outro): Joey Bastian
Audio Production: Joey Bastian
Check Him Out: [https://www.joeybastian.com/](https://www.joeybastian.com/)