In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen answer your top tax and legal questions. From choosing the right tax advisor (without overpaying for empty credentials) to navigating HSAs, S corp taxation, and solo 401(k) limitations—this episode is packed with practical strategies to keep your business and investments in top shape. Plus, they break down how their Crypto IRA can help you leverage cryptocurrency in your retirement portfolio.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark discusses the importance of choosing a good tax advisor and the potential pitfalls of high fees without proper credentials.
• Mat clarifies the difference between an HSA account and an HSA-qualifying insurance plan, emphasizing that the account can be set up anywhere, including with Direct IRA.
• Mark and Mat cover the benefits of self-directing an HSA account, including the ability to invest in various assets like crypto, real estate, and private companies.
• Upcoming changes in 2025 regarding 1099-K forms for payment apps like Cash App and Venmo.
• A workaround involving picking up FICA wages on a Schedule C and ensuring proper documentation on the 1120-S form.
• The challenges of setting up an IRA LLC for buying crypto and recommends using the Crypto IRA product instead.
• The process of transferring funds from a retirement account to a Gemini account for buying and selling crypto.
• Mark and Mat encourage listeners to invest time in finding the right professional team for their business, including accountants and lawyers.

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• Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.
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In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler explains how to successfully transition out of your business while maximizing value. From setting up a seamless family succession plan to making your business more appealing for a third-party sale, he shares practical steps to ensure a smooth and profitable exit. Tune in for expert strategies that will help you plan your next move with confidence!

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark outlines four strategies that wealthy individuals use when exiting their businesses.
• Emphasizes the importance of deciding who will buy the business, whether it's family or a third party.
• The complexities of family succession, including the need for succession planning and business consultants.
• Introduction to the concept of systemization, developing people, and understanding EBITDA for third-party sales.
• Real-world examples of clients who initially wanted to sell but later decided against it due to the success of their systemized business.
• The potential for staying on with the new buyer for a transition period, which could increase the sale price.
• Mark urges caution when considering elaborate tax structures and emphasizes the need for second and third opinions.
• Mark warns against high-risk, high-cost tax strategies and the potential for IRS audit risks.

• Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!
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• Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.
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In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler shares the blueprint for tax-efficient business ownership. He explains why smart bookkeeping is key, how to leverage deductions, and when to transition from an LLC to an S corp for optimal tax savings. If you’re tired of overpaying the IRS, this episode is a must-listen!

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark explains what you take out of your business is not what you are taxed on, using a scenario where a business owner makes $60,000 but is only taxed on $50,000 due to write-offs.
• The evolution of a small business from a sole proprietorship to an LLC, and then to an S corporation once the business starts making significant income.
• Mark discusses the concept of having two sets of books: one for tracking income and expenses through the business account, and another for adding other expenses that may not have gone through the main account.
• The concept of phantom income, where business owners reinvest money back into the business and are still taxed on that amount.
• Strategies for minimizing phantom income, such as taking a portion of the reinvested money and depositing it with the IRS to cover expected taxes.
• How most small businesses should avoid the C corporation structure and stick with pass-through entities like LLCs or S corporations.
• The importance of tracking every expense related to the business, as these expenses can be significant tax write-offs.
• Mark advises business owners to involve family members in the business to take advantage of write-offs for supporting family financially.

• Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!
• You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360
• Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!
• Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.
• Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler
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In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler uncovers the secret to saving big on taxes and strengthening your business—the family board meeting. Discover how to legally write off travel, meals, and payments to family members, while staying compliant and building financial security. Mark breaks down the process step by step, making it easy for any small business owner to implement.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark explains why every small business should hold a family board meeting and how it can unlock valuable tax deductions while enhancing business legitimacy.
• Discussion on how travel, dining, and other expenses related to board meetings can be legally written off, reducing taxable income.
• Mark covers the importance of maintaining proper documentation, such as meeting minutes and corporate records, to ensure compliance and asset protection.
• The process of selecting board members, including family and friends, to provide valuable advice while benefiting from tax write-offs.
• Explanation of how to structure family board meetings with clear agendas and actionable discussions to improve business planning.
• Mark outlines the tax benefits of compensating family members for their participation in board meetings and how it can serve as a wealth-building strategy.
• The significance of holding board meetings at least once a year to stay compliant, with suggestions on how to schedule additional meetings for greater tax advantages.
• How having a properly structured family board meeting can help business owners align their financial goals with their long-term vision and legacy planning.

• Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!
• You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360
• Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!
• Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.
• Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler
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In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler shares expert tax and legal strategies designed for life coaches who want to build a thriving business. Discover why starting with an LLC is crucial, how to track expenses effectively, and smart ways to involve your family for tax benefits. With actionable insights and real-world advice, Mark helps life coaches take control of their finances and set the foundation for long-term success.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark emphasizes the importance of mindset, stating that being a life coach is a business and should be treated as such.
• Encourages life coaches to think of their business as a gateway to the American dream, offering tax write-offs and financial benefits.
• Advises life coaches to be cautious about where they get their tax and legal information, stressing the importance of credible sources.
• Mark strongly urges tracking expenses from the beginning, even before making the first dollar, using tools like Excel or QuickBooks.
• Involve family members in the business to take advantage of tax write-offs for their contributions.
• Tax advantages of an S corporation, including reducing self-employment tax by splitting income into W-2 salary and pass-through income.
• How family members can be put on payroll for tasks like stuffing envelopes, cleaning the office, or helping with business projects.
• Mark encourages life coaches to plan for this transition in advance to avoid future tax burdens.

• Grab my FREE Ultimate Tax Strategy Guide HERE!
• Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute demo to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.
• You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the most significant tax & legal event of the year: Tax and Legal 360
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In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen share powerful insights on why converting your LLC to an S corporation is a game-changer for tax savings. They discuss the crucial tax advantages, the importance of structuring income properly, and walk you through the filing process. Find out how you could potentially save $7,000 or more with this strategic business move.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark emphasizes how LLCs do not save taxes and explains the process of turning an LLC into an S corp.
• Discussion on the difference in tax rates between LLCs and S corps, with S corps allowing for lower self-employment tax.
• Mat and Mark cover the importance of allocating income to FICA wages and the potential savings.
• Mark outlines the three-step process for making a late S corporation election, including filling out form 2553 and referencing revenue procedure 2013-30.
• Mark explains the workaround for the first year, including claiming compensation on both the 1120s and Schedule C.
• The benefits of the S corporation strategy for business owners and the potential annual savings.
• Need for proper health insurance premium write-offs and the overall benefits of the S corporation strategy.
• Why S Corps should avoid taking the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction when filing taxes.

• Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!
• You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360
• Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!
• Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.
• Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler
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In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen explain how to create a comprehensive, actionable plan for the year ahead. They discuss the value of aligning your goals with a long-term vision and offer tips for making measurable progress while staying flexible enough to adapt as needed.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark and Mat emphasizes the importance of having a strategic plan that can lay the foundation for the next 10 years ahead.
• Mat discusses the need for setting realistic goals and breaking them down into manageable objectives.
• Mark explains and breaks down the concept of SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• Real-world example of how to set objectives for increasing sales, including strategies like getting more leads and converting leads better.
• How to address personal issues that may be affecting business performance, such as health or family problems.
• Mat suggests involving the leadership team in the execution of the strategic plan to ensure buy-in and accountability.
• Mark advises writing down the strategic plan and carrying it around to review regularly.

• Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!
• You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360
• Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!
• Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.
• Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler
• Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!

In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler tackles the top challenges facing accountants today, from the disconnect with business owners to the need to shift from compliance to advisory roles. Learn actionable strategies to elevate your practice and thrive in the evolving tax industry.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark begins by acknowledging the frustration of business owners and practitioners in the accounting industry.
• The disconnect between business owners and accountants, leading to frustration and apathy.
• Mark outlines the five major pain points for accountants: not charging enough, lack of practical strategies, inconsistent income, etc.
• The importance of charging fair rates and creating a relationship that values time and expertise.
• Issues of training new employees and the constant need for retraining due to high turnover.
• A break down of all the features and benefits of being a Main Street Certified Tax Advisor
• Encourages accountants to check out the program and take advantage of the resources available to them.
• Mark discusses the skepticism among accountants about the feasibility of advisory services.

• Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!
• You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360
• Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!
• Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.
• Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler
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In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Josh Jalinski discuss the key elements of successful financial planning for business owners. From annual life insurance reviews to emergency funds and disability insurance, they share practical steps to avoid costly mistakes and achieve lasting financial stability.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark Kohler welcomes Josh Jalinski, financial advisor, RIA owner, and host of the Financial Quarterback podcast.
• Mark begins by emphasizing the importance of building wealth and the need for a reliable quarterback for business owners.
• Josh discusses the significance of life insurance and the ability to generate income as the best investment.
• Mark Kohler and Josh cover the value of being busy in December and the challenges of managing client expectations during this period.
• Having a reliable tax and financial advisor who is actively planning and not just preparing taxes is worth its weight in gold.
• Financial advisors need to be proactive and not take extended breaks during the busiest time of the year.
• Josh shares real-world stories of clients who built significant wealth by investing a portion of their income and diversifying their assets.
• Annual reviews of life insurance policies are necessary to ensure they are still effective and meet the client's needs.
• The benefits of cash value life insurance and the importance of having a permanent policy.

To Learn more about Josh Jalinski, check out his Jalinski Advisory Group - https://jalinski.com/

• Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!
• You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360
• Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!
• Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.
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BOIs on Hold Again - 5th Circuit Reverses Itself on 12/27/24. A big win for small businesses in this court saga. Going live to get into what this means for you! This case has been moving fast so if you haven't filed your BOIs for your LLCs or corporations make sure your subscribed and catching the latest updates to stay in compliance. If you need help completing your BOI report (and are done with the Court theatrics) my company Main Street Business Services can help you! Find them at https://www.mainstreetbusiness.com/contact 

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel to keep up with BOI updates! https://www.youtube.com/@MatSorensen

• Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!
• You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360
• Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!
• Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.
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