Presenter Bio:
Rosemary Bocian, MA, EA, NIC, has been an ASL freelance interpreter for 9 years. In 2017 she co-authored the book "The Interpreter's Quick Guide to Self-Employment" which is currently being used by Interpreter Training Programs nationwide and sold on Amazon as well as at select Barnes & Nobles locations. Following publication, she began teaching workshops across the nation including the 2019 RID National Conference. This inspired her to become an Enrolled Agent and support interpreters directly by providing tax preparation services through her business Quick Guide Tax. Rosemary received both her Bachelor’s in ASL Interpretation and Master’s in Deaf Studies: Culture from Gallaudet University. As a professional tax preparer (EA), author and seasoned speaker, Rosemary presents the complex world of taxes in plain language so that interpreters can thrive in the profession.
3 Easy Ways to Take Charge of your Taxes as a Freelance Interpreter
Workshop Description:
Do you ever feel unprepared for tax season? Are you confused about deductions, quarterlies and handling multiple income sources? You are not alone! With interpreting being such a unique field, it can be difficult to find accurate tax guidance. In this workshop, participants will learn 3 practical strategies interpreters can use to get organized for this year’s taxes and make future tax seasons smoother. With an efficient process in place, interpreters can breathe easier knowing they are ready for tax season every year.
Educational Objectives:
Participants will be able to indicate at least 2 differences between 1099 and W2 income
Participants will be able to identify at least 8 business deductions
Participants will learn how to save for and pay quarterly estimated taxes
Unpacking the Decision to Become an LLC as a Freelance Interpreter
Workshop Description:
This workshop will reveal the answers to the most common questions interpreters ask about LLCs, including: Do I need an LLC? How do I form an LLC? What is liability insurance? Does an LLC provide tax savings? What is an EIN? How are sole proprietorships and S Corps different? In addition, we will examine several real-life scenarios to help interpreters evaluate whether an LLC is right for them.
Educational Objectives:
Participants will understand what an LLC is
Participants will be able to indicate the difference between liability insurance and LLCs
Participants will be able to describe the purpose of an EIN and a tradename (DBA)
Participants will be able to identify the tax implications of sole proprietorships and S Corps
Tax Mistakes All Interpreters Need to Avoid
Workshop Description:
Being a freelance interpreter requires more than just interpreting. Focus is so heavily placed on language and skill that the business side of the profession often falls through the cracks. Through engaging content and hands-on activities, participants will learn how to avoid the most common tax mistakes that interpreters make. By becoming tax savvy freelancers, interpreters can transform their business practices and improve their current and future careers.
Participants will be able to calculate taxable income
Participants will be able to indicate at least 3 differences between 1099 and W2 income
Participants will be able to identify the difference between an LLC and Liability Insurance
Participants will be able to state at least 15 business tax deductions
Participants will learn how to implement tax planning throughout the year by using a budget-based scheduling approach
I Owe A lot of Taxes… Why Does This Happen and What Can I Do About it?
Workshop Description:
Are you confused about why you owe a lot of taxes when you file? Are you currently sitting on a huge tax bill that you don’t know how to handle? Taxes can be an extremely stressful experience for freelance interpreters, especially if you are blindsided year after year with a large tax bill that you’re unprepared for. This webinar will explain various payment options that are available if you find yourself with a large tax bill that you can’t afford. It will also teach you how to avoid owing large balances in the future by ensuring correct estimated taxes and withholdings are paid throughout the year. In addition, we will examine several real-life scenarios to help interpreters apply the concepts taught and gain an idea of how they can apply them to their own unique situations.
Educational Objectives:
Participants will understand what quarterly estimated taxes are and how they impact the amount of taxes owed when filing in the spring.
Participants will be able to complete form W4 to ensure correct tax withholding from multiple employers.
Participants will be able to describe the difference between short term and long term federal tax payment plans.
The Big Beautiful Bill Act: Updates for Interpreters
Workshop Description:
This webinar will unpack the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s key provisions that affect interpreters. Whether you’re on staff, freelancing, or doing both, you will leave with valuable information that applies to you. You’ll learn about how the raised 1099-NEC threshold and Qualified Business Income deduction permanency impact freelance work. We’ll also explore some exciting new tax-saving opportunities offered by charitable donation and car interest deduction updates, 529 plan expansion, increased child tax credits, and Trump accounts. We’ll touch on preparing for energy credit phase-outs as well. By the end, you’ll understand how these updates impact your taxes as an interpreter and enter tax season with confidence.
Educational Objectives:
Interpreters will be able to-
State the new 1099-NEC filing threshold and how to handle unreported self-employment income
State the maximum deductible amount of charitable contributions for those who do not itemize personal deductions
List 3 energy-efficient purchases that will no longer be eligible for Green Tax Credits after 2025
Calculate the new car loan interest deduction
Decoding Retirement
Workshop Description:
As an Enrolled Agent, I bring my real-world interpreter experience together with professional tax knowledge in Decoding Retirement: A Guide to Account Types, Tax Savings & Risk Tolerance. We’ll explore how different retirement accounts (like IRAs, 401(k)s, and options tailored to freelance work) can help you save on taxes, figure out your contribution limits, and assess your investment risk through relatable, real-life examples. Through engaging activities, example scenarios, and a clear roadmap built just for interpreters, you’ll walk away with practical steps you can actually use, and confidence from hearing advice from someone who not only understands your world but is licensed to navigate tax rules and advocates for interpreters full-time.
Educational Objectives:
Participants will be able to-
Calculate annual maximum contribution limits for those with self-employment income.
List key differences between Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
Explain how personal risk tolerance affects potential investment growth and articulate why this matters when choosing retirement account allocation strategies.

