

Main Street Business
Mark J Kohler and Mat Sorensen
The Main Street Business Podcast, hosted by attorneys Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler, is the go-to resource for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners who want to build, protect, and manage their wealth. Each episode explores real-world scenarios and offers practical advice on business structuring, tax planning, side hustles, real estate, self-directed retirement accounts, and more.With decades of combined legal and tax experience Mark and Mat make complex financial topics understandable through charismatic discussions and practical education. Their goal is to empower listeners to make smarter legal and financial decisions by turning advanced concepts into clear, actionable strategies for LLCs, corporations, estate planning, tax reduction, raising capital, asset protection, and retirement planning. Mark J. Kohler is a CPA, attorney, best-selling author of six books, and a nationally recognized authority on small business tax and legal strategies. Mark serves as a Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers and Board Member at Directed IRA Trust Company, which manages over $3 billion in assets. As the founder of the Main Street Certified Tax Advisor Program, Mark has trained thousands of CPAs and Enrolled Agents nationwide, helping millions of small business owners better navigate tax and legal strategies. Mark also co-hosts The Main Street Business Podcast along with Mat Sorensen.Mat Sorensen is an attorney, best-selling author of The Self-Directed IRA Handbook, and CEO of Directed IRA & Directed Trust Company, a leading self-directed IRA custodian with nearly $3 billion under administration. He is a national expert on self-directed retirement strategies and a Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers. Mat also co-hosts The Main Street Business Podcast along with Mark J. Kohler. 
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 14, 2025 • 36min
#558 The 1 Year Rule: How The Rich Dominate Business
 In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen explain how to create a comprehensive, actionable plan for the year ahead. They discuss the value of aligning your goals with a long-term vision and offer tips for making measurable progress while staying flexible enough to adapt as needed.Here are some of the highlights:Mark and Mat emphasizes the importance of having a strategic plan that can lay the foundation for the next 10 years ahead.Mat discusses the need for setting realistic goals and breaking them down into manageable objectives.Mark explains and breaks down the concept of SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.Real-world example of how to set objectives for increasing sales, including strategies like getting more leads and converting leads better.How to address personal issues that may be affecting business performance, such as health or family problems.Mat suggests involving the leadership team in the execution of the strategic plan to ensure buy-in and accountability.Mark advises writing down the strategic plan and carrying it around to review regularly. Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!   You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360  Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!  Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.   Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler  Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!    

Jan 7, 2025 • 9min
#557 The Accounting Industry Was Broken... Here's How I Fixed It
 In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler tackles the top challenges facing accountants today, from the disconnect with business owners to the need to shift from compliance to advisory roles. Learn actionable strategies to elevate your practice and thrive in the evolving tax industry.Here are some of the highlights:Mark begins by acknowledging the frustration of business owners and practitioners in the accounting industry.The disconnect between business owners and accountants, leading to frustration and apathy.Mark outlines the five major pain points for accountants: not charging enough, lack of practical strategies, inconsistent income, etc.The importance of charging fair rates and creating a relationship that values time and expertise.Issues of training new employees and the constant need for retraining due to high turnover.A break down of all the features and benefits of being a Main Street Certified Tax AdvisorEncourages accountants to check out the program and take advantage of the resources available to them.Mark discusses the skepticism among accountants about the feasibility of advisory services. Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!   You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360  Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!  Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.   Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler  Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!    

Dec 31, 2024 • 40min
#556 FULL BLUEPRINT: How To Build LASTING Wealth In 2025 w/ Josh Jalinski
 In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Josh Jalinski discuss the key elements of successful financial planning for business owners. From annual life insurance reviews to emergency funds and disability insurance, they share practical steps to avoid costly mistakes and achieve lasting financial stability.Here are some of the highlights:Mark Kohler welcomes Josh Jalinski, financial advisor, RIA owner, and host of the Financial Quarterback podcast.Mark begins by emphasizing the importance of building wealth and the need for a reliable quarterback for business owners.Josh discusses the significance of life insurance and the ability to generate income as the best investment.Mark Kohler and Josh cover the value of being busy in December and the challenges of managing client expectations during this period.Having a reliable tax and financial advisor who is actively planning and not just preparing taxes is worth its weight in gold.Financial advisors need to be proactive and not take extended breaks during the busiest time of the year.Josh shares real-world stories of clients who built significant wealth by investing a portion of their income and diversifying their assets.Annual reviews of life insurance policies are necessary to ensure they are still effective and meet the client's needs.The benefits of cash value life insurance and the importance of having a permanent policy.To Learn more about Josh Jalinski, check out his Jalinski Advisory Group - https://jalinski.com/ Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!   You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360  Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!  Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.   Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler  Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!    

Dec 30, 2024 • 8min
#555 BOIs on Hold AGAIN - 5th Circuit Reverses Itself on 12/27/24
 BOIs on Hold Again - 5th Circuit Reverses Itself on 12/27/24. A big win for small businesses in this court saga. Going live to get into what this means for you! This case has been moving fast so if you haven't filed your BOIs for your LLCs or corporations make sure your subscribed and catching the latest updates to stay in compliance. If you need help completing your BOI report (and are done with the Court theatrics) my company Main Street Business Services can help you! Find them at https://www.mainstreetbusiness.com/contact Subscribe to my Youtube Channel to keep up with BOI updates! https://www.youtube.com/@MatSorensen Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!   You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360  Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!  Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.   Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler  Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!    

Dec 24, 2024 • 14min
#554 How To Pay Yourself As An S-Corp In 2025
 In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler dives into the financial benefits of transitioning to an S corp. He highlights the importance of splitting income into payroll and draws, shares his foolproof 50/50 strategy, and explains why it’s a safe and effective approach. With practical advice on avoiding IRS scrutiny and optimizing your business structure, this episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and small business owners.Here are some of the highlights:Mark introduces the topic of transitioning from an LLC to an S corp, emphasizing the importance of how one pays themselves.Mark splits life into operations and assets, explaining that operations could include a day job or a side hustle, while assets could include rental properties, brokerage accounts, and retirement accounts.Emphasizes the importance of treating the S corp as a real business, including having a bank account, tax ID number, corporate book, and annual board meetings.Explanation of the drawbacks of paying self-employment tax on an LLC, which is 15.3% on all profits.The importance of properly allocating draws on paper and issuing a W-2 report to achieve tax savings.How an LLC pays self-employment tax and state tax, while an S corp allows for splitting income into payroll and K-1 distributions to reduce tax liability.Implementing a payroll matrix to help business owners determine the appropriate payroll percentage based on their profit.The cost of converting to an S corp is justified by the significant tax savings achieved. Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!   You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360  Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!  Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.   Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler  Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!    

Dec 20, 2024 • 10min
#553 FinCEN BOI Emergency Appeal! What should you do next?
 The department of justice has filed an emergency appeal to reverse the recent court ruling on the FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) requirement. In this episode, Mat breaks down what this appeal means for small business owners, the potential implications for compliance, and what steps you should consider taking in the meantime.  If you’re a small business owner wondering whether you need to file a BOI or how this ruling impacts your LLC or corporation, this is a must-watch (or listen). Stay informed and ahead of the curve as this legal battle unfolds.   Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!   You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360  Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!  Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.   Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler  Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!    

Dec 17, 2024 • 29min
#552 Tax Lawyer Q&A: Secrets To Saving Thousands In Taxes...
 In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen host another open forum and break down key retirement planning strategies, including the mega backdoor Roth IRA, and discuss the benefits and pitfalls of partnership structures. They also explore the potential implications of the Corporate Transparency Act following its recent unconstitutional ruling, with actionable tips for trust management and entity cleanup.Here are some of the highlights:Mark and Mat clarify the difference between mega Roth 401(k) and backdoor Roth IRA.Mark expresses concerns about the partnership structure and the potential for inequitable distribution of responsibilities and benefits.Mat emphasizes the importance of understanding partnership structures to avoid getting a bad deal.Explanation of the backdoor Roth IRA strategy and the pro-rata rule for traditional IRA contributions.How the corporate Transparency Act has been ruled unconstitutional, affecting the BOI reporting requirement.Recent ruling in Texas that the Corporate Transparency Act is unconstitutional.Speculation on the future of the Corporate Transparency Act under the Trump administration.Encourages listeners to review their tax and legal situations for year-end planning. Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!   You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360  Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!  Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.   Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler  Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!    

7 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 39min
#551 ROTH IRA vs IUL: Tax Lawyers Explain The TRUTH...
 Discover the showdown between Roth IRAs and Indexed Universal Life insurance! The hosts break down the tax benefits of Roths and the unique features of IULs. Learn why Roth IRAs are often the go-to for accessible long-term growth. Hear a personal story that underscores the importance of careful financial choices. The discussion highlights the need for individualized advice and identifies the ideal audience for each option. Get ready for insights that empower you to navigate your financial future! 

Dec 3, 2024 • 45min
#550 Tax Lawyer Explains: How To BEAT Taxes As An Influencer...
 The hosts reveal hidden tax traps that influencers often miss. They stress claiming the fair market value of gifted products as taxable income, even without a 1099 form. The discussion highlights the IRS's increasing scrutiny on influencers, making tax optimization essential. Listeners learn the realities of tax deductions, including the debunking of luxury item write-offs. Emphasis is placed on treating influencer earnings as legitimate business income, encouraging savvy tax strategies to maximize profits and future financial stability. 

Nov 29, 2024 • 30min
#549 5 Year-End Tax Strategies The IRS Wants You To Ignore…
 In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler shares valuable insights on year-end tax strategies that can help business owners save money and optimize their financial planning. With over 20 years of experience as a CPA and attorney, Mark breaks down five key strategies that every business owner should consider before the year ends. From retroactive S elections to maximizing health savings accounts, this episode is packed with practical advice for navigating the complexities of tax season.Here are some of the highlights:Mark explains the importance of making a retroactive S election to potentially save thousands in self-employment taxes.He discusses how to determine reasonable payroll amounts for S corporations, emphasizing the benefits of strategic compensation.The episode highlights the necessity of making a sale before year-end to unlock deductions for startup costs.Mark introduces the concept of holding a board meeting as a tax write-off opportunity, encouraging listeners to engage family and friends in their business discussions.He emphasizes the significance of health savings accounts (HSAs) and the upcoming open enrollment period, detailing how HSAs can provide substantial tax advantages. Grab my eBook 30 Unique Strategies Every Business Owner Should Know!   You don't want to miss this! Secure your tickets for the #1 Event For Small Business Owners On Main Street America: Main Street 360  Looking to connect with a rock star law firm? KKOS is only a click away!  Are you ready to get certified in EVERY strategy I teach? Start your journey with a FREE 15-minute discovery call to explore the Main Street Tax Pro Certification.   Check out our YOUTUBE Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/markjkohler  Craving more content? Check out my Instagram!    


