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...

In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen dive into listener questions about tax and business planning. From maximizing deductions on rental properties to creative financing strategies for commercial real estate and smart ways to restructure an LLC, they address the biggest tax and business concerns entrepreneurs and investors face.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark explains the benefits of short-term rentals, including accelerated depreciation and cash flow.
• Mark & Mat provide a detailed explanation of how short-term rentals can be grouped under the 469-4 election and the importance of material participation.
• The importance of understanding the long-term play when dealing with short-term rentals.
• A breakdown of various creative solutions like subleasing and seller financing to mitigate the financial burden.
• The potential of seller financing and the benefits of carrying the paper for a premium.
• The possibility of condominium conversion as a unique solution to increase a property's value.
• Mark & Mat discuss the potential pitfalls of borrowing against equity and the importance of generating income to pay debt service.
• The importance of keeping assets that have great cash flow or appreciation and the potential for 1031 exchanges.

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 give you the blueprint for bulletproof asset protection. From LLCs to trusts to holding companies, find out the smart, cost-effective strategies that work without the extra fluff.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark & Mat break down the biggest asset protection scams and how shady promoters convince people to buy unnecessary LLCs, trusts, and offshore entities.
• Mat discusses when you should separate your real estate properties into multiple LLCs vs. keeping them together in one—so you don’t overcomplicate things. 
• Mark reveals the truth about “anonymous LLCs” and how to use Wyoming holding companies for real privacy protection.
• How to build an asset protection plan that actually makes sense for your wealth level—so you don’t spend money on pointless legal structures.
• How to avoid setting up LLCs that end up costing you more in taxes than they save you in protection.
• Why your asset protection structure must match your tax return—or it could get torn apart in an audit or lawsuit.
• When you should separate your real estate properties into multiple LLCs vs. keeping them together in one—so you don’t overcomplicate things.
• How to legally minimize tax burdens while keeping your asset protection plan airtight.

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...

BOI Reporting Fines Canceled for U.S. Citizens & Businesses! 

Big news for U.S. business owners! The Treasury Department has announced that U.S. citizens and domestic businesses will not face fines or penalties for failing to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports after new deadlines are set.

Last week, FinCEN confirmed that updated BOI reporting deadlines will be announced no later than March 21. However, Treasury has now clarified that they will not enforce penalties or fines associated with the BOI!

This decision comes as part of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and is being positioned as a win for reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that this move aligns with President Trump's goal of fostering economic growth by cutting unnecessary red tape.

What does this mean for you?

No fines or penalties for U.S. businesses and beneficial owners.
A significant shift in compliance obligations under the CTA.
Stay tuned for more updates as the final rule changes are announced!

Need Help Setting Up An LLC? Please check out my law firm here: https://kkoslawyers.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 and Mat Sorensen break down tax-saving strategies for RV owners in 2025! Whether you're a weekend warrior or a full-time traveler, learn how to turn your RV into a business asset, claim deductions, and keep more money in your pocket. 

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark and Mat provide statistics on RV ownership, noting that 13% of US households own a recreational vehicle and 43 million Americans regularly go RVing.
• Mat discusses the concept of full-time RVers and the opportunities for work campers in RV parks.
• Mark explains the financial benefits of not selling one's home but renting it out as an Airbnb to cover RV expenses.
• How full-time RVers cannot write off their RV as a home but can write off a portion if it is used as a home office.
• Part-time RV owners should determine how many days a year they will use the RV and consider its potential business use.
• Mark points out that if an RV is 100% available for rent, it can be written off as a business asset.
• Mat highlights the flexibility of using an RV for both personal and business purposes, making it a versatile asset.
• The possibility of writing off mileage for business use when moving the RV for work.

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 sits down with music industry icon Wendy Starland to talk about the dark side of streaming services. Learn why & how artists are being shortchanged and how her new platform, Music Soul, is creating a fairer, brand-integrated ecosystem for musicians, fans, and businesses alike.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark J. Kohler underlines the distinction between creating art and running a business, introducing Wendy Starland as a guest who has helped many artists, including Lady Gaga, launch their careers.
• Wendy Starland talks about her topic at the World Economic Forum, focusing on the exploitation of musicians and the need to change the industry dynamics.
• Mark and Wendy discuss the misconception that artists make significant money from music streaming, with Wendy explaining that artists earn less than $45,000 for a billion streams.
• Wendy explains the challenges artists face, including the competition within record labels and the lack of financial support for many artists.
• The challenges of monetizing free music, with Wendy explaining how artists have had to adapt to the new streaming model.
• Wendy introduces Music Soul, a new music streaming platform and marketplace designed to support artists and brands.
• How the platform aims to create an ecosystem where artists retain 70% of streaming and advertising revenue, significantly higher than current streaming platforms.
• Music Soul will offer various features, including streaming music, buying merchandise, attending concerts, and engaging with brands and charities.

Learn more about Wendy Starland here! - https://www.wendystarland.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 and Mat Sorensen explain FinCEN’s BOI requirement and what it means for LLCs and corporations. With compliance deadlines approaching fast, they provide expert guidance on how to file properly and avoid costly fines.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Mark and Mat discuss the recent developments, including the overturning of a previous injunction and the reinstatement of BOI enforcement by FinCEN.
• Mat provides the new deadline for filing the BOI in 2025.
• Mat details the information required for the BOI, including the name of the business, tax ID, EIN, and the names and home addresses of owners and those with substantial control.
• Importance of listing all owners, including those who own 25% or more and those with control through trusts or other entities.
• Context of the policy behind the BOI, aiming to prevent money laundering and other illegal activities by requiring transparency in business ownership.
• The process of filing the BOI through the FinCEN website or using their law firm's services, which can help simplify the process.
• Discussion on the exceptions to filing the BOI, including entities with more than 25 employees or $5 million in revenue.
• Mark and Mat strongly urge filing even if the entity has not been active, as non-use does not exempt the requirement.

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 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.

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...