If there’s one thing worse than running out of kiln space during holiday season, it’s realizing you owe thousands to the IRS and you’ve spent your “tax fund” on glitter, clay, and a suspiciously large Starbucks bill.
We get it. Taxes are the least exciting part of studio ownership — right behind unclogging the sink after a kids’ slime party. But the truth is, a few strategic money moves can save you from penalties, panic, and the dreaded April 15th breakdown.
At pyop accounting, we help creative business owners (yes, you) go from stressed to streamlined with tax systems that make sense — and don’t ruin your vibe. Because when your studio is your source of income and your dream, the last thing you need is a surprise visit from Uncle Sam.
So let’s talk tax strategy like you’d talk glaze finishes — with just the right blend of clarity and sass. Here are 4 tax payment hacks studio owners can’t afford to miss:
Safe harbor might sound like where you’d like to retire one day, but it’s actually a tax rule that keeps you from getting penalized.
If you pay 100% of last year’s taxes, you’re in the clear — even if this year you double your revenue (we’re rooting for you).
If your income's over $150K? You’ll need to cover 110% of last year’s tax bill.
👉 Pro tip: Your CPA can calculate these safe harbor amounts automatically. Just make sure you’re using someone who understands the seasonal waves of a PYOP studio (ahem… we might know someone).
No one likes emptying the business bank account every quarter for taxes. So don’t.
Instead, set up a separate tax savings account and sweep 15–25% of your sales into it consistently. Every week. Like clockwork.
That way, when tax time hits, you won’t have to choose between paying Uncle Sam or buying more bisque.
Here’s the tea: The IRS penalty is basically just interest, and right now it’s around 8% per year.
So if you need to hold off a little — say you’re investing in your summer camp programs or restocking supplies for the holiday rush — paying that small fee might actually be the smarter move.
Example:
Owe $10K → delay payment → pay an $800 penalty.
But if that $10K helps you bring in $20K from a workshop launch? Worth it.
Strategic procrastination has never sounded so good.
The IRS clearly picked these dates with a dartboard:
Add them to your Google Calendar. Set a reminder. Make it a recurring event. Whatever you do — don’t miss them.
Better yet? Automate those transfers so you can keep your brain focused on events and underglaze, not tax math.
Your studio shouldn’t just be your passion project. It should be a real, thriving business — one that supports your lifestyle, your future, and your sanity.
At pyop accounting, we help women-owned studios simplify their finances, grow intentionally, and stop leaving money on the table (or in the back of the kiln).
Because life is too short for low returns on big energy.
👉 Let’s make tax season feel like just another step toward the studio you’ve always dreamed of.
Visit pyopaccounting.com — and never dread April again.
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Donna Bordeaux, CPA with PYOPAccounting.com
Creativity and CPAs don’t generally go together. Most people think of CPAs as nerdy accountants who can’t talk with people. Well, it’s time to break that stereotype. Lively, friendly, and knowledgeable can be a part of your relationship with your CPA, as demonstrated by Donna and Chad Bordeaux. They have over 50 years of combined experience as entrepreneurial CPAs. They’ve owned businesses and helped business owners exceed their wildest dreams. They have been able to help businesses earn many times more profit than the average business in the same industry and are passionate about helping industries that help families build great memories.
