You didn’t start your creative business to become a bookkeeper. But if you’re avoiding your numbers, you’re probably also avoiding growth, peace of mind, and yes—some serious savings come tax time.
This post pulls from an episode of The Accidental CEO Podcast featuring Heather Leicy: wedding photographer, tax educator, and co-host of the Conquer Community. She didn’t just go full-time on a whim—she made a plan, set up smart systems, and turned her tax dread into a weekly five-minute ritual.
Whether you’re new to business or just tired of April anxiety, here’s how to make tax season feel like a bonus, not a burden.
1. Make the Transition Like a CEO (Not a Dreamer)
Heather didn’t just quit architecture overnight. She stashed every dollar from her photography work for a year without touching it, tracked her income closely, and only left her job once she knew it could support her family.
“I set aside six months of expenses before making the jump. That gave me peace of mind and creative freedom.”
Takeaway: Know your numbers before you leap. It turns risk into strategy.
2. Weekly Bookkeeping = Year-Round Clarity
What if your taxes were basically done by the time April rolled around? Heather tracks all expenses weekly, using QuickBooks and categorizing everything into tax-deductible buckets.
She calls it her “5-minute Monday ritual,” and it’s a game changer.
Bonus tip: Use downtime wisely. She reconciles expenses while waiting in the car during her kid’s lessons.
3. The Four Questions to Ask Your CPA
Your CPA isn’t just there to file your taxes. They should be a strategic partner in your business.
Here’s what Heather recommends you ask:
- How can I improve my bookkeeping to make your job easier?
- Are there any red flags in my business?
- Are there ways I can decrease what I pay in taxes?
- Are there any new tax laws that will impact me next year?
“Your CPA is your secret weapon. Use them.”
4. Set Aside 30% of Every Payment
Heather recommends you immediately move 30% of any payment you receive into a separate tax account. That way, quarterly taxes or unexpected bills don’t send you spiraling.
And if you over save? Hello, bonus refund.
“Tax season should feel like a bonus, not a burden.”
5. Celebrate the Wins (and Delegate the Rest)
If you hate numbers? Outsource. But even then, Heather recommends learning enough to have conscious control over your business. You don’t need to love spreadsheets—you just need to understand what’s happening behind the scenes.
“You’re not bad at numbers. You just haven’t been shown the right way.”
Heather’s Favorite Tools
- Quickbooks for easy expense tracking
- MileIQ for mileage tracking
Final Word: Don’t Wait Until April
Taxes don’t have to be scary. With a weekly system, a savings habit, and a CPA who actually talks to you, you can run your business with confidence.
Whether you’re photographing weddings or painting murals, it’s time to treat the financial side of your work like the creative masterpiece it is.
Listen to the full episode of The Accidental CEO Podcast for more tax-saving tips, business growth insights, and honest talk from the creative trenches.
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