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