#606 Open Forum - Tax Strategies for Small Businesses in 2026

18 snips

Jan 16, 2026

Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen dive into essential tax strategies for small businesses, focusing on S corporations and the QBI deduction. They clarify missteps in personal investment deductions and debunk common myths about asset protection trusts. The hosts also discuss when auto loan interest can be deducted and highlight the new HSA eligibility rules for 2026. Listeners learn how to navigate the complexities of turning side activities into legitimate businesses and the implications for Solo 401(k)s when acquiring employees.

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ADVICE

S‑Corp Payroll And Rental Investments

Use an S corporation to save on FICA taxes by paying yourself a reasonable salary and taking remaining profits as distributions.
Invest in rental real estate to build investment income alongside operating your business for tax and growth benefits.

ADVICE

Auto Loan Interest: Business Vs Personal

If you use your vehicle for business, deduct auto loan interest proportionally by business use even when using the mileage method.
The new personal above‑the‑line auto interest deduction for certain US‑assembled cars exists, but it phases out at higher AGI thresholds.

ADVICE

Maximize The QBI 20% Deduction

Claim the Qualified Business Income (QBI) 20% deduction for pass‑through income when eligible, and structure as needed to maximize it.
Confirm entity type (S‑Corp, partnership, sole proprietor) and watch phaseouts for specified service trades before relying on QBI.

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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!!

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