Let’s talk about taxes for small business owners—yeah, I know. Not exactly anyone’s cup of tea. But what if I told you our latest episode of Diana Prince Lives Next Door, hosted by yours truly, Angela Acosta, is about to change your whole perspective? We dove right into the big question: What are the biggest mistakes small business owners make with their taxes? And our guest, the fabulous Charisse Bateman of Blue Heart Accounting, busted fear myths and gave us the real-deal on mindsets, money, and the honest-to-goodness how-to for women who want to feel empowered—not overwhelmed—by their finances.
Let’s face it. Most women in business (yep, even the boldest among us) have had that “I’d rather walk on hot coals than talk to the IRS” moment. But after chatting with Charisse Bateman, I’m here to tell you: it doesn’t have to be that way. Charisse Bateman brought her 25+ years of wisdom—and a mega dose of empathy—to explain that the biggest tax mistake isn’t missing a deduction, or even filing late. It’s letting fear and overwhelm drive you right into avoidance mode. It’s that sneaky mindset trap: if you ignore the numbers, they’ll magically fall into place (spoiler alert—they won’t).
Taxes Don’t Have to Be Terrifying for Small business owners.
So, what did I learn? It’s all about getting real with your finances—no more hiding, no more DIY power trips that end up costing more than calling in an expert. Charisse Bateman broke it down for us:
- Mixing personal and business finances. Guilty as charged? Separate those accounts, friend. Not only does it make bookkeeping a breeze, it saves you a world of pain come tax season.
- DIY disasters. Building your brand from scratch? Great! Wiring your own accounting system without a clue? Maybe not so much. Knowing when to ask for help could be your biggest money-saving move.
- Choosing the wrong entity. Should you be an LLC, S-Corp, independent contractor, or entrepreneur? Charisse Bateman walked us through those definitions—and it matters more than you think for small business owners.
- Leaving money on the table. Are you skipping deductions out of fear? Missing out on mileage, phone, internet, or home office expenses? That’s all your hard-earned cash you could be saving if you take the time to get educated.
Now, here’s the fun part: it’s totally fixable. Messed up last year? Still haven’t filed? Charisse Bateman says everything can be sorted out. There isn’t a mythical IRS monster waiting to drag you away. In fact, Charisse Bateman shared a real-life story where the IRS refunded a penalty just because she asked. Newsflash: the IRS is made up of humans. Who knew?
And honestly—how liberating is it to know that the “hot mess” is never too hot to handle as small business owners? The Hot Mess Express package (yes, that’s a real service!) is built for women who want to come clean with their books—fast, shame-free, and totally doable. Cue the confetti.
Ready to Face Your Finances Like a Superwoman?
We didn’t just talk numbers. We smashed through the self-worth issues, too. Why do so many women think they’re “too small” for tax strategy and expert help? Why do so many of us feel like imposters for even asking the questions? Charisse Bateman is on a mission to make sure every woman in business feels seen—not just as a number, but as a fierce, capable CEO of her own story.
From self-love to scalable systems, this episode serves up all the permission you need to take charge. Want to know the simple secret? Shine a light on what you dread most. Go looking for those “scary” numbers—and watch how fast they turn manageable. As Charisse Bateman says, “you don’t have to make it harder than it is.” Boom.
And before I sign off, here’s the book that changed everything for Charisse Bateman: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. Why? Because it’s a masterclass in mindset—how even in the darkest, most challenging circumstances, we still get to choose our meaning and move forward with purpose. Not just a “feel good” read, but a “feel deep” one. And isn’t that what every woman entrepreneur needs?
This episode is a proud labor of love from The GAL Project—a platform dedicated to raising women’s voices and championing the power within every one of us. Until next time, keep shining, keep questioning, and keep claiming your wonder.
Connect with Charisse Bateman:
Get Featured on Diana Prince Lives Next Door
Want to share your inspiring story on Diana Prince Lives Next Door? We invite remarkable women to be featured on the podcast! This is your opportunity to stand beside everyday heroines as we celebrate female strength, resilience, and boundless potential. As a guest, you will be part of a movement empowering women everywhere to claim their wonder as they unlock the healing power of travel.
Elevate your journey with us on Diana Prince Lives Next Door! Join a vibrant community of phenomenal women making a real impact in their fields and lives. Register here.
Tune In and Get Inspired!
Thank you for joining us on this Diana Prince Lives Next Door episode. Enjoyed the stories? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform:
Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Spotify
Don’t keep these stories to yourself! Share your favorite episodes on social media, helping us reach and inspire more women.
Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Let’s boss up together!
Comments are closed