Friends with Tax Benefits

For our final episode of season two, hosts Lauren and Daniel are joined by TurboTax Expert Niki Reynolds to help ease your worries about all of those “what-if” tax situations. Niki reviews everything from tax fraud to how to determine if a notice from the IRS is legitimate. She also answers questions about how to file a tax extension, which receipts you need to keep, and what to do if you owe the government money. Check out this resource if you need to access IRS customer support.

The views, information or opinions expressed during the Friends with Tax Benefits podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of Intuit, TurboTax or any of its brands. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice or services.

Are you one of the many people looking to start your own business? Or maybe you’ve begun the filing process but aren’t sure about the pros and cons of each business structure.

Meet 24-year old wedding, elopement, and travel photographer Grace Torres. In 2021, she made her side-hustle into her full-time job. Hosts Daniel and Lauren talk with Grace about her journey forming Grace Jicha Creative, LLC, how she files her taxes differently now, and what advice she’d offer to individuals starting a small business. Then, they welcome Oklahoma-based TurboTax Expert Mary Ann Hooten onto the podcast to learn the difference between an LLC and an S corporation, why and when to form an LLC, and how paying taxes and wages works in each structure.

The views, information or opinions expressed during the Friends with Tax Benefits podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of Intuit, TurboTax or any of its brands. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice or services.

Many of us feel a pit of dread in our stomachs when we think about the “A word.” That’s right: tax audits. Did you know that not all audits are the same? Or that by keeping certain records you might avoid one all together? In this episode hosts Lauren and Daniel speak with comedian, actor, and TED Talk presenter Ed Reggi about his experience getting audited and the character he embodied to get through it. Then, they ask TurboTax Expert Matthew Fields about different types of audits, how the IRS determines who to audit, what to do if you missed a deduction, and most importantly, how to prevent going through this ordeal.  

The views, information or opinions expressed during the Friends with Tax Benefits podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of Intuit, TurboTax or any of its brands. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice or services.

In this episode we turn to the world of college sports. Hosts Daniel and Lauren learn from Ohio State lacrosse player and content creator Mitchell Pehlke about his experience navigating brand deals using his name, image, and likeness (NIL). Then, TurboTax Expert Maria Gomez delves into the tax implications for college sports players at large. Tune in to hear about managing money as a paid student athlete, product versus payment sponsorships, and what forms and deductions to utilize at tax time.

The views, information or opinions expressed during the Friends with Tax Benefits podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of Intuit, TurboTax or any of its brands. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice or services.

So you’re investing in crypto. Or, maybe you’re using an NFT to sell content as a creative. What does this mean for your taxes? Hosts Lauren and Daniel are joined by cryptocurrency educator and web show host, Wendy O, who breaks down the basics of crypto, NFTs, and how this new currency can translate into real world investments. Then, TurboTax Expert Joseph Bedford details how this digital currency could impact your taxes, crypto’s investment value, and the tax forms you might need to file if you purchase crypto. Specifically, Joe mentions the Internal Revenue Service’s Form 8949 as one you should file at tax time if investing in crypto.

The views, information or opinions expressed during the Friends with Tax Benefits podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of Intuit, TurboTax or any of its brands. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice or services.

Inflation has dealt a blow to many of our bank accounts. Some of the most impacted are gig workers. These self-employed people often incur personal expenses for items that fuel their income. On this episode, Daniel and Lauren talk with rideshare driver, contributor and livestream show host for The Rideshare Guy, and author of several articles on the gig economy, Sergio Avedian. He offers advice for the self-employed on how to be financially wise while working and filing taxes. Then TurboTax Expert Joseph Bedford dives into how inflation might impact your taxes and what expenses might be deductible.

The views, information or opinions expressed during the Friends with Tax Benefits podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of Intuit, TurboTax or any of its brands. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice or services.

Paying for medical expenses - from glasses to surgery - can strain anyone’s wallet. On this episode Daniel and Lauren talk with professional gut health coach Chelsea Haines, who shares her experience navigating health insurance as someone living with a chronic illness. She speaks about her decision to drop conventional health insurance and open up a Health Savings Account. Then TurboTax Expert Diana Castro reviews what you need to know about standard deductions versus itemized expenditures, the difference between a flexible savings account (FSA) and a health savings account (HSA), employment status as it relates to health coverage, and medical expenses that are eligible for tax-deduction. Diana mentions the Internal Revenue Service’s Publication 502 that lists all the medical and dental expenses you can deduct at tax time.

The views, information or opinions expressed during the Friends with Tax Benefits podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of Intuit, TurboTax or any of its brands. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice or services.

Do you remember the first time you had to do your taxes? Or, maybe this tax season will be your first and you feel overwhelmed with where to start. Tune in to hear how to stay on top of it, or maybe learn something new — even if you’re a veteran filer!

Edgar Gatsinzi, a 22-year-old first-time tax filer in the entertainment industry, joins as our guest for this episode. He shares his story about filing alone for the first time, while Lauren and Daniel offer advice on how to navigate the process. Then TurboTax Expert Maria Gomez reviews everything you need to know about tax withholding, standard deductions, key tax forms, planning for refunds, taxes and employer benefits, and how to track important tax expenditures.

Make sure to read TurboTax’s tax document checklist here! 

The views, information or opinions expressed during the Friends with Tax Benefits podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of Intuit, TurboTax or any of its brands. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice or services.

Are you a first time home buyer with a lot of renovations to do? Or maybe you flip houses or plan to update a rental property. Either way, this episode is for you! Real estate investor, financial blogger, and self-proclaimed “house hacker” Lauren Bowling joins Daniel and Lauren as a guest for this episode. She shares how to make renovations on a budget and advice for new home buyers on finding the best interest rates, real estate investment, and house flipping. Then, TurboTax Expert Diana Castro breaks down what you need to know about the capital gains tax, deductions for home renovations, tax implications of short and long term rentals, and the Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) homebuyer assistance program.

The views, information or opinions expressed during the Friends with Tax Benefits podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of Intuit, TurboTax or any of its brands. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice or services.

Are you one of the many digital influencers who pays the bills by your own creativity, media following, sponsorships, or innovative side hustles? What do you do when it comes to filing taxes as a contractor? What can you deduct?

In this episode, Lauren and Daniel learn about the life of a creator. Influencer coach, Lissette Calveiro, joins to share financial tips for the self-employed. Then, TurboTax Expert Diana Castro walks you through the 1099-K form and details what you can and can’t deduct from business expenses on your taxes.

The views, information or opinions expressed during the Friends with Tax Benefits podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent those of Intuit, TurboTax or any of its brands. The primary purpose of this podcast series is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute financial, legal or other professional advice or services.