Turning side activities into a business

In this Open Forum episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen tackle real-world tax, legal, and business questions straight from small business owners and investors. From S corporations and QBI deductions to rental real estate, asset protection myths, HSAs, and retirement account strategies, this episode cuts through bad advice and explains what actually works under current IRS rules.

The discussion covers common traps like trying to deduct personal investing as a business, relying on so-called “privacy trusts” for asset protection, and using AI or the IRS hotline for nuanced tax advice. Mark and Mat break down why some strategies are too good to be true, how to properly structure entities across states, and what business owners should focus on in 2026 to build wealth while staying compliant.

If you’re a business owner, investor, or high-income professional looking to understand tax strategies, retirement planning, and asset protection the right way, this episode is packed with practical guidance and hard truths. Subscribe for more expert breakdowns, drop your questions for future open forums, and check out the next episode to keep leveling up your tax and business strategy!

You’ll Learn:

• How S corporations and the QBI deduction really work for small business owners in 2026 — and when they don’t save you money.
• Why treating personal investing as a business deduction is a tax mistake and what you can deduct legitimately.
• The truth about asset protection strategies, “privacy trusts,” and when a holding company structure actually makes sense.
• How to legally pay family members (like your children) through your business and what the IRS expects.
• What the IRS Hot Topics are right now — from HSAs and retirement plans to rental real estate tax benefits.
• How to avoid common pitfalls with solo 401(k)s, HSAs, and mixed-income strategies that cost people real dollars.
• Practical, experience-based answers to real listener questions instead of theoretical or generic advice. 

Get a comprehensive tax consultation with one of our Main Street tax lawyers that can build a tax strategy plan with an affordable consultation that will leave you speechless!! 

Here’s the link - https://kkoslawyers.com/services/comprehensive-bus-tax-consult/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=description-link&utm_campaign=main-street-business-podcast&utm_content=msbp606-open-forum-small-business-strategies-2026 

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