Main Street Business

In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen take on your toughest tax and business questions in an open forum style. From setting up the right business structure to handling a home office deduction the smart way, they give you the tips you wish your accountant and attorney actually explained. It’s smart, fast-paced advice that real Main Street entrepreneurs can put into action.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark and Mat discuss the benefits and drawbacks of not getting married and having a revocable living trust.

• Mat shares his experience of owning real estate with a partner without a revocable living trust, emphasizing the importance of a buy-sell agreement.

• Mark discusses the benefits of having an estate plan and provisions to take care of each other in case of death.

• The options of treating the rental income as a gift or claiming it as rental income and expenses.

• How an LLC allows for de minimis expense accounting, which can be beneficial for startups.

• Emphasize having a home office deduction to qualify for other business-related deductions.

• Importance of planning for the distribution of assets in a trust to minimize tax implications and ensure the beneficiaries' needs are met.

• The limitations of umbrella insurance and focusing on proper insurance and asset protection through LLCs.

• Advise being transparent with the spouse and choosing the right type of lawyer to minimize conflict and costs.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Work With Mat & Mark’s Law Firm
Get strategic legal guidance for your business, taxes, asset protection, and estate planning with KKOS Lawyers.
[Book a Call with KKOS Lawyers]

Take Control of Your Retirement
Want to invest your IRA or 401(k) in assets you actually understand? Check out our self-directed trust company Directed IRA.
[Learn More About Directed IRA]

Free Resources

Mat Sorensen’s Optimal Order of Investing Guide
Learn how to prioritize where your money should go and build a smarter investing strategy.
[Download the Free Guide]

Mark J. Kohler’s 30-Point Tax Guide
Discover practical tax strategies and planning opportunities every business owner and investor should know.
[Download the Free Guide]

Get More From Mat & Mark

Watch on YouTube
Tax strategies, business planning, investing, asset protection, and more.
[Visit the YouTube Channel...

In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen explain why every adult—single or married, wealthy or not—needs a will and a revocable living trust. Learn the practical steps for setting up your estate plan, naming a trustee, and ensuring your assets stay protected and your wishes are followed.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark emphasizes the importance of having a will, noting that 50% of Americans do not have one.
• Mat explains that a trust allows for more control over who gets what, when, and under what conditions.
• Mark and Mat discuss the flexibility of a trust, including the ability to amend it as life circumstances change.
• Example of Robin Williams' will being made public, highlighting the privacy benefits of a trust.
• A living trust is effective immediately and can be funded with assets during one's lifetime.
• The concept of a "trifecta" or "pitcher" that brings together all the elements of an estate plan.
• Mark clarifies that a trust does not provide asset protection and should not be used for that purpose.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Work With Mat & Mark’s Law Firm
Get strategic legal guidance for your business, taxes, asset protection, and estate planning with KKOS Lawyers.
[Book a Call with KKOS Lawyers]

Take Control of Your Retirement
Want to invest your IRA or 401(k) in assets you actually understand? Check out our self-directed trust company Directed IRA.
[Learn More About Directed IRA]

Free Resources

Mat Sorensen’s Optimal Order of Investing Guide
Learn how to prioritize where your money should go and build a smarter investing strategy.
[Download the Free Guide]

Mark J. Kohler’s 30-Point Tax Guide
Discover practical tax strategies and planning opportunities every business owner and investor should know.
[Download the Free Guide]

Get More From Mat & Mark

Watch on YouTube
Tax strategies, business planning, investing, asset protection, and more.
[Visit the YouTube Channel...

In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen take a deep dive into the six LLC structures every entrepreneur, investor, and licensed professional should understand. Whether you're starting a business, protecting rental properties, or building wealth with a high-net-worth strategy, this episode breaks down how to choose and use the right LLC to match your goals.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark and Mat discuss the six types of LLCs, starting with the most common type for rental properties.
• Mat explains the benefits of a single-member LLC for asset protection and the flow-through of taxes on personal returns.
•  The importance of setting up LLCs early for protection and the potential need for multiple LLCs for multiple properties.
• Mat breaks down the tax savings from avoiding self-employment taxes and the importance of taking a reasonable salary.
• Mark and Mat highlight the advanced planning and asset protection strategies associated with COPE LLCs.
• Mark and Mat introduce the series LLC, which allows for separate liability treatment for multiple properties.
• How separating different types of LLCs for asset protection and tax planning is crucial.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Work With Mat & Mark’s Law Firm
Get strategic legal guidance for your business, taxes, asset protection, and estate planning with KKOS Lawyers.
[Book a Call with KKOS Lawyers]

Take Control of Your Retirement
Want to invest your IRA or 401(k) in assets you actually understand? Check out our self-directed trust company Directed IRA.
[Learn More About Directed IRA]

Free Resources

Mat Sorensen’s Optimal Order of Investing Guide
Learn how to prioritize where your money should go and build a smarter investing strategy.
[Download the Free Guide]

Mark J. Kohler’s 30-Point Tax Guide
Discover practical tax strategies and planning opportunities every business owner and investor should know.
[Download the Free Guide]

Get More From Mat & Mark

Watch on YouTube
Tax strategies, business planning, investing, asset protection, and more.
[Visit the YouTube Channel...

In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler shows how simple board meetings and a strategic plan can supercharge your finances. He explains how to turn ordinary family gatherings into legitimate, tax-deductible business meetings that strengthen your entity structure. Get inspired to organize your goals, sharpen your decision-making, and create a family office that supports real wealth-building.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark explains the concept of a family office, emphasizing that it is not limited to billionaires but can be set up by anyone.
• The benefits of a family office include tax write-offs, better asset protection, and wealth building.
• Mark advises participants to legitimize their LLC or corporation by holding board meetings and documenting the minutes.
• The difference between boards of directors for corporations and boards of advisors for LLCs.
• Mark introduces his "trifecta" concept, which includes a revocable living trust, 1040 tax return, and various assets and operations.
• Encouragement to set up boards for all their entities, even if they only have one or two.
• Mark emphasizes the need to update the plan regularly and share it with tax and legal advisors.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Work With Mat & Mark’s Law Firm
Get strategic legal guidance for your business, taxes, asset protection, and estate planning with KKOS Lawyers.
[Book a Call with KKOS Lawyers]

Take Control of Your Retirement
Want to invest your IRA or 401(k) in assets you actually understand? Check out our self-directed trust company Directed IRA.
[Learn More About Directed IRA]

Free Resources

Mat Sorensen’s Optimal Order of Investing Guide
Learn how to prioritize where your money should go and build a smarter investing strategy.
[Download the Free Guide]

Mark J. Kohler’s 30-Point Tax Guide
Discover practical tax strategies and planning opportunities every business owner and investor should know.
[Download the Free Guide]

Get More From Mat & Mark

Watch on YouTube
Tax strategies, business planning, investing, asset protection, and more.
[Visit the YouTube Channel...

In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Max Merritt reveal how NIL athletes can turn short-term earnings into long-term wealth. From forming an LLC to electing S corp status and leveraging mega Roth strategies, they lay out the playbook every young athlete—and their advisors—should follow.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark emphasizes the similarities between athletes and entrepreneurs, highlighting the self-discipline required in both fields.
• Max notes that many college athletes become entrepreneurs, often owning their own businesses.
• The importance of treating NIL income as a business transaction, suggesting the formation of an LLC and potential S corporation election.
• Mark warns against signing NIL contracts in the athlete's name, suggesting the use of the LLC to protect the athlete's interests.
• Mark and Max explain the concept of the mega backdoor Roth IRA, allowing athletes to save up to $70,000 annually in a tax-advantaged account.
• The potential for athletes to save significant amounts in retirement accounts like the solo 401(k).
• Mark encourages athletes to seek professional advice from tax lawyers and financial advisors to make informed decisions about their income and investments

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Work With Mat & Mark’s Law Firm
Get strategic legal guidance for your business, taxes, asset protection, and estate planning with KKOS Lawyers.
[Book a Call with KKOS Lawyers]

Take Control of Your Retirement
Want to invest your IRA or 401(k) in assets you actually understand? Check out our self-directed trust company Directed IRA.
[Learn More About Directed IRA]

Free Resources

Mat Sorensen’s Optimal Order of Investing Guide
Learn how to prioritize where your money should go and build a smarter investing strategy.
[Download the Free Guide]

Mark J. Kohler’s 30-Point Tax Guide
Discover practical tax strategies and planning opportunities every business owner and investor should know.
[Download the Free Guide]

Get More From Mat & Mark

Watch on YouTube
Tax strategies, business planning, investing, asset protection, and more.
[Visit the YouTube Channel...

In this video, I break down 3 strategies to help you navigate a market downturn:
1) The market always comes back – History shows us time and time again that corrections are normal and the market recovers. The key is staying invested.
2) Tax loss harvesting – This is a powerful tool to offset gains and reduce your tax bill. I’ll show you how to do it the right way.
3) Over-allocated in stocks? It might be time to diversify. If you're too heavy in the market, consider investing in alternative assets you actually understand.
Want to take control, invest in what you know?

Head over to DirectedIRA.com – where you can diversify your IRA and 401k into alternative assets like real estate, private companies, and more through a self-directed retirement account.

Need help with tax planning and legal strategies for your LLC or investments?
Go to KKOSlawyers.com to get expert planning that actually helps you build wealth.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Work With Mat & Mark’s Law Firm
Get strategic legal guidance for your business, taxes, asset protection, and estate planning with KKOS Lawyers.
[Book a Call with KKOS Lawyers]

Take Control of Your Retirement
Want to invest your IRA or 401(k) in assets you actually understand? Check out our self-directed trust company Directed IRA.
[Learn More About Directed IRA]

Free Resources

Mat Sorensen’s Optimal Order of Investing Guide
Learn how to prioritize where your money should go and build a smarter investing strategy.
[Download the Free Guide]

Mark J. Kohler’s 30-Point Tax Guide
Discover practical tax strategies and planning opportunities every business owner and investor should know.
[Download the Free Guide]

Get More From Mat & Mark

Watch on YouTube
Tax strategies, business planning, investing, asset protection, and more.
[Visit the YouTube Channel...

In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler welcomes Chris Van Dusen to unpack the biggest mistakes business owners make when trying to sell—and how to avoid them. From cleaning up your books to understanding your true enterprise value, this is your roadmap to a smarter exit.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark and Chris explain the concept of enterprise value, differentiating it from lifestyle businesses.
• Chris emphasizes the importance of understanding the market and strategic fit for a business looking to sell.
• Mark and Chris discuss the significance of replacing oneself in a business to increase its value.
• Chris introduces the term EBITDA and its role in determining business profitability.
• Mark shares his experience with clients who decide to stay in their business after preparing it for sale.
• How multiple businesses can be combined to create a larger, more efficient entity.
• Discussion on the role of investment bankers in helping businesses prepare for sale.
• Chris advises being prepared for the emotional transition and having a plan for the next chapter.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Work With Mat & Mark’s Law Firm
Get strategic legal guidance for your business, taxes, asset protection, and estate planning with KKOS Lawyers.
[Book a Call with KKOS Lawyers]

Take Control of Your Retirement
Want to invest your IRA or 401(k) in assets you actually understand? Check out our self-directed trust company Directed IRA.
[Learn More About Directed IRA]

Free Resources

Mat Sorensen’s Optimal Order of Investing Guide
Learn how to prioritize where your money should go and build a smarter investing strategy.
[Download the Free Guide]

Mark J. Kohler’s 30-Point Tax Guide
Discover practical tax strategies and planning opportunities every business owner and investor should know.
[Download the Free Guide]

Get More From Mat & Mark

Watch on YouTube
Tax strategies, business planning, investing, asset protection, and more.
[Visit the YouTube Channel...

In this episode of the Mainstreet Business podcast, host Mat Sorensen kicks off the LLC Masterclass series with the questions every entrepreneur, investor, and side hustler needs answered:

 Do you actually need an LLC?
 How do you set one up the right way?
 What about paying yourself?
 How many LLCs should you have?
 And which state should you form it in?

With over 20 years of experience and 10,000+ LLCs formed for clients across all 50 states, Mat breaks down the four main reasons why forming an LLC might be a smart move for your business or real estate investments. He covers asset protection, business legitimacy, partnerships and investors, and how to properly structure rental properties and estate planning.

Whether you're just starting your first business or growing a real estate portfolio, this episode will give you a solid foundation on how LLCs work—and why they matter.

✅ For tax and legal planning with your LLC, visit kkoslawyers.com
✅ For LLC compliance support, go to mainstreetbusiness.com

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Work With Mat & Mark’s Law Firm
Get strategic legal guidance for your business, taxes, asset protection, and estate planning with KKOS Lawyers.
[Book a Call with KKOS Lawyers]

Take Control of Your Retirement
Want to invest your IRA or 401(k) in assets you actually understand? Check out our self-directed trust company Directed IRA.
[Learn More About Directed IRA]

Free Resources

Mat Sorensen’s Optimal Order of Investing Guide
Learn how to prioritize where your money should go and build a smarter investing strategy.
[Download the Free Guide]

Mark J. Kohler’s 30-Point Tax Guide
Discover practical tax strategies and planning opportunities every business owner and investor should know.
[Download the Free Guide]

Get More From Mat & Mark

Watch on YouTube
Tax strategies, business planning, investing, asset protection, and more.
[Visit the YouTube Channel...

In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler welcomes real estate investor Hunter Thompson to uncover how to raise capital legally and effectively in today’s skeptical, high-interest market. From 506(c) strategies to scaling with the fund-of-funds model, this is a must-listen for serious investors.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark and Hunter underline the importance of having the right strategies and tactics to attract and retain investors in a competitive market.
• Hunter shares insights on the difficulties of raising capital, including the need for effective marketing and investor education.
• Mark Kohler and Hunter discuss the role of influencers and content creators in attracting and educating investors.
• The need for real estate investors to become more visible and active in the market to attract capital.
• Hunter explains the challenges of finding good deals in a competitive market and the importance of being prepared for market downturns.
• Mark lists the benefits of self-directed IRAs, including the ability to invest in real estate and the tax advantages.
• The challenges of navigating the regulatory landscape and the importance of staying compliant.
•  The importance of staying informed and connected in the real estate investment community.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Work With Mat & Mark’s Law Firm
Get strategic legal guidance for your business, taxes, asset protection, and estate planning with KKOS Lawyers.
[Book a Call with KKOS Lawyers]

Take Control of Your Retirement
Want to invest your IRA or 401(k) in assets you actually understand? Check out our self-directed trust company Directed IRA.
[Learn More About Directed IRA]

Free Resources

Mat Sorensen’s Optimal Order of Investing Guide
Learn how to prioritize where your money should go and build a smarter investing strategy.
[Download the Free Guide]

Mark J. Kohler’s 30-Point Tax Guide
Discover practical tax strategies and planning opportunities every business owner and investor should know.
[Download the Free Guide]

Get More From Mat & Mark

Watch on YouTube
Tax strategies, business planning, investing, asset protection, and more.
[Visit the YouTube Channel...

In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen show how a tax extension can reduce stress, cut audit risk, and buy you time for smart tax moves. Get the facts on key deadlines, solo 401(k)s, and what to do now if you’re behind.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark emphasizes that filing an extension gives time to prepare better, including looking for additional write-offs.
• Mat clarifies that the IRS is unlikely to shut down and that savvy individuals are extending their tax returns.
• How rushing tax returns often leads to missed deductions, which can be avoided by extending the deadline.
• Mark and Mat discuss the six-month extension available for personal returns, extending the deadline to October 15.
• Mat mentions the need to file an extension for business returns if they haven't been done by March 15.
• Filing an extension incurs no penalty and is a simple one-page form.
• The penalty for failure to pay, which is a half-percent per month, and the larger penalty for failure to file.
• How filing an extension can reduce the chances of an audit, as the IRS assigns audits based on the order of returns received.

Don't know how much you should pay when filing a tax extension? Find the answer here - https://markjkohler.com/how-much-should-i-send-in-with-my-extension/

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Work With Mat & Mark’s Law Firm
Get strategic legal guidance for your business, taxes, asset protection, and estate planning with KKOS Lawyers.
[Book a Call with KKOS Lawyers]

Take Control of Your Retirement
Want to invest your IRA or 401(k) in assets you actually understand? Check out our self-directed trust company Directed IRA.
[Learn More About Directed IRA]

Free Resources

Mat Sorensen’s Optimal Order of Investing Guide
Learn how to prioritize where your money should go and build a smarter investing strategy.
[Download the Free Guide]

Mark J. Kohler’s 30-Point Tax Guide
Discover practical tax strategies and planning opportunities every business owner and investor should know.
[Download the Free Guide]

Get More From Mat & Mark

Watch on YouTube
Tax strategies, business planning, investing, asset protection, and more.
[Visit the YouTube Channel...