
Main Street Business
The Main Street Business Podcast hosted by Mark J. Kohler with co-host Mat Sorensen discuss complex tax and legal topics like LLCs, corporations, estate planning, raising capital, and retirement planning in an engaging and charismatic way, making it easy for anyone to understand.Mark J. Kohler has done over +10,000 consultations with clients, is a Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers and CFO/Board Member of Directed IRA Trust Company with $2B+ in managed assets. He’s a best-selling author of six books, national speaker and founder of the Main Street Certified Tax Advisor Program, a program training thousands of CPAs and Enrolled Agents on proven strategies, effectively changing the lives of millions of small business owners in America.
Latest episodes

Jun 20, 2025 • 33min
Breaking News - Senate Tax Bill Text Released
Breaking News - Senate Tax Bill Text Released. With both the House and Senate versions now on the table, which proposal offers bigger tax cuts? Which one could save you more money? I’m breaking down the differences between the House and Senate proposals and what’s changing and how it will affect you.Intro & Why This Tax Bill Matters00:00 - 00:02:25Expiring Tax Provisions in 202600:02:25 - 00:03:32Standard Deduction & Income Tax Rates00:03:32 - 00:09:07Child Tax Credit Breakdown00:09:07 - 00:10:59State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction Debate00:10:59 - 00:15:13No Tax on Tips & Overtime Explained00:15:13 - 00:20:14Small Business Tax Breaks (QBI & Bonus Depreciation)00:24:02 - 00:29:27House vs. Senate: Final Comparison00:29:27 - 00:30:25 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 Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away! Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!

Jun 17, 2025 • 41min
#580 The 4 Phases of Business - Don’t Make the Same Mistakes We Did
In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen walk you through the full business lifecycle—showing you how to start lean, systemize operations, scale smart, and exit on your terms. Get ready for real-world strategies that actually work.Here are some of the highlights:Mark shares his experience in the startup phase, emphasizing the importance of not suffocating the business.Mat highlights how scaling a business involves scaling people, not just systems.Mark & Mat discuss the challenges of duplicating oneself in the business and the importance of having a clear vision.The need for a balanced approach to scaling, including personal financial planning.The challenges of finding the right person to take over the business and the importance of understanding key performance indicators.The optimization phase, focusing on efficiency and systemizing to make money.How to evaluate your team and ensure you have the right people in place to support scaling the business.Start planning for your eventual exit, even if it's years away, by working on improving financials and operations. 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 Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away! Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!

Jun 3, 2025 • 54min
#579 Tax Hacks the Wealthy Use (Attorneys Break it Down)
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. 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 Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away! Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!

May 27, 2025 • 20min
#578 The Complete Guide to Estate Planning
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. 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 Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away! Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!

May 13, 2025 • 37min
#577 Which LLC is Right for Your Business
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. 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 Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away! Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!

7 snips
May 6, 2025 • 16min
#576 How to Set Up a Family Office Without Being Ultra-Rich
Discover how anyone can set up a family office, not just the ultra-rich! Learn the power of turning family gatherings into tax-deductible board meetings. Mark J. Kohler shares strategies for asset protection, wealth building, and decision-making clarity. Explore his 'trifecta' approach, which combines a revocable trust, tax returns, and assets. Regularly updating your financial plan and collaborating with advisors is crucial for success. Get inspired to create financial strategies that strengthen both your wealth and family ties!

May 1, 2025 • 31min
#575 How to Turn NIL Deals Into Long-Term Wealth
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 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 Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away! Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!

Apr 22, 2025 • 8min
#574 Stock Market Falls - 3 Strategies to Take Advantage and Build Wealth
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. 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 Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away! Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!

Apr 15, 2025 • 30min
#573 How to Exit Your Business The RIGHT Way w/ Chris Van Dusen
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. 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 Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away! Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!

Apr 10, 2025 • 36min
#572 LLC Masterclass: Everything Every Business Owner Should Know!
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 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 Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away! Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!