Episode 158: How to Pay Less Taxes (Legally)!

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FEATURING

Luzy King & Sonia Castelan

Luzy King is an award-winning Latina Wealth Coach. She became a first-gen investor after learning about investing and wealth building by accident through her MBA program in 2019. During the same year, Luzy was denied access to financial advice because she didn’t have $100K to start investing, and she made a commitment to learn things on her own and become the first one in her family to start investing. Now, she is passionate about teaching women of color all of the strategies she wishes someone would have taught her in school. Luzy is a certified trauma-informed Financial & Business Coach, contributing author, and Community Leader. Luzy is on a mission to destigmatize the idea of wanting more money, more money, and more options. She is ready to teach women of color how to build a legacy through stock market investing and entrepreneurship.

 

Sonia Castelan is the founder of Castelan Tax Services, dedicated to helping individuals and business owners take control of their finances. Born in Brooklyn, NY, with roots in Puebla, Mexico, she understands the financial challenges many in the BIPOC community face.  After experiencing her own financial struggles due to a lack of money conversations growing up, Sonia took it upon herself to master personal finance and break generational cycles. In 2020, she merged her corporate data analysis expertise with her passion for financial education, launching Castelan Tax Services to provide expert tax guidance and wealth-building strategies.

Her mission is simple: to demystify money, empower her community, and help others build lasting financial confidence.

Short Episode Description:

Are you worried about overpaying in taxes? In this episode, we uncover the best legal tax-saving strategies for entrepreneurs and professionals. Our expert guest, Sonia, a first-gen Latina tax professional, breaks down the biggest tax mistakes business owners make and how to avoid them. Learn how to separate personal and business finances, optimize tax deductions, and start investing for long-term financial growth, ultimately helping you understand how to pay less in taxes.

Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways

[00:02:00] Overcoming Tax Fears in the Latino Community

Many entrepreneurs fear taxes due to a lack of financial literacy and misinformation, leading them to believe that making more money automatically means paying more in taxes. Sonia explains that with strategic planning, individuals and business owners can significantly reduce their tax burden and pay less in taxes, keeping more of their hard-earned money.

[00:10:00] Sonia’s Journey to Becoming a Latina Tax Professional

As the eldest daughter of Mexican immigrants, Sonia grew up in a financially strict household where money was a taboo topic. After struggling with debt and realizing the importance of financial literacy, she took control of her finances and turned her knowledge into a business that now helps others reduce their tax liability legally and learn how to pay less taxes in the process.

[00:20:00] Common Tax Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make

Many business owners make the mistake of mixing personal and business finances, which leads to bookkeeping challenges and missed tax deductions. Another common issue is failing to track expenses properly, making it difficult to maximize deductions. Additionally, entrepreneurs often neglect quarterly estimated tax payments, which can result in significant penalties from the IRS. These mistakes can prevent them from knowing how to effectively pay less in taxes.

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[00:28:00] How Entrepreneurs Can Leverage Taxes for Wealth Building

Sonia advises business owners to place tax funds in a high-yield savings account to earn interest while setting money aside for tax payments. Contributing to a traditional IRA or solo 401(k) can also help reduce taxable income while securing long-term financial growth. Investing back into the business should be done strategically, focusing on expenses that generate a return rather than unnecessary spending. These strategies are essential for knowing how to reduce your taxes effectively.

[00:35:00] The Danger of DIY Taxes & Why You Need a Tax Professional

Many six-figure entrepreneurs attempt to do their own taxes, thinking they are saving money, but this often leads to overpayments or costly IRS issues. While tax software is useful, it does not provide personalized tax planning advice or help individuals strategize for the future. Working with a tax professional ensures business owners are maximizing deductions and making informed financial decisions, helping them understand how to pay significantly less taxes.

Final Thoughts: Taxes Are a Tool, Not a Burden

By using the strategies outlined in this episode, you can legally minimize your tax burden and start building real wealth. Whether you’re a business owner or a professional, working with a tax professional can save you thousands and set you up for long-term financial success. Learning how to pay less taxes is a crucial step in managing your finances efficiently.

Ready to take control of your taxes? Connect with Sonia today and start making smarter money moves!

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Related Notes

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CEO and Founder

What sets Luzy Apart

She is an exceptional, sought-after speaker whose passion for financial empowerment resonates powerfully with her audience. Her presentations left a lasting impact on the community, with attendees describing it as engaging, empowering, and providing clear actionable steps.

 

What sets Luzy apart is her ability to demystify complex financial concepts, making them easy to understand and incredibly engaging. Attendees have expressed gratitude for her tailored content that addresses their unique identities, creating a relatable and inclusive learning environment.

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Let’s Build Wealth Juntxs,

Luzy King