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

• 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!

Most entrepreneurs set goals every year… and most of them fail to follow through. In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen break down their proven, real-world process for building a strategic plan that actually works in 2026 and beyond.

You’ll learn how to think long-term without burning out short-term, why writing your plan down is non-negotiable, and how to reverse-engineer a 10-year vision into realistic one-year action steps. Mark and Mat walk through their exact eight-step framework, covering SMART goals, realistic capacity checks, quarterly execution, accountability, and why sharing your plan with your spouse or board can make or break your success.

If you’re a business owner, investor, or entrepreneur who wants clarity, focus, and momentum this year, this episode gives you a practical blueprint you can implement immediately. Subscribe for more Main Street business strategy, leave a comment with your 2026 goal, and check out future episodes for execution and scaling tactics!

You’ll learn:

• Why most entrepreneurs overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what’s possible in ten
• How to create a clear 10-year vision and reverse-engineer it into realistic 5-, 3-, and 1-year goals
• The importance of writing your strategic plan down and why pen-to-paper thinking changes execution
• How to use SMART goals to avoid vague plans that never get finished
• When taking a step back financially is the smartest move for long-term growth
• How to break big objectives into bite-sized, actionable steps you can actually complete
• Why quarterly planning and realistic scheduling matter more than motivation
• How accountability, board meetings, and sharing your plan with your spouse can dramatically improve results
• Why your strategic plan should be flexible, reviewed regularly, and adjusted without guilt

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=msbp605-create-your-annual-strategic-plan

• 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!

Buying a new truck or piece of equipment before December 31 can feel like the ultimate year-end tax hack, but this episode breaks down why that decision can either save you thousands or create a painful tax bill you never saw coming. Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen walk through the real math behind deductions, bonus depreciation, basis, and business-use percentages so you don’t fall into the traps many business owners hit when rushing into a purchase for the write-off. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should buy now, wait, or skip the purchase altogether, this conversation gives you the clarity you need.

You’ll learn how tax brackets, depreciation schedules, and financing choices impact your allowable deduction, why bonus depreciation isn’t always the smartest move, and how S-corp basis affects whether you can deduct anything at all. The guys also explain year-end timing strategies, the time value of money, and how to prioritize deductions that actually move the needle—while avoiding the mindset of treating tax planning like a last-minute school assignment.

If you want to make smart year-end decisions, hit like and subscribe for more practical tax and wealth-building strategies. Have a question about your specific situation? Drop it in the comments! And if you’re considering a major purchase before December 31, watch this episode before heading to the dealership or equipment lot.

You’ll learn:

• How to avoid the biggest year-end tax mistakes business owners make when rushing to buy equipment or a new truck
• Why “just because you can doesn’t mean you should” is the most important rule in year-end tax planning
• The difference between a tax deduction and a tax credit, and why confusing the two leads to expensive decisions
• How to calculate whether a year-end equipment purchase actually saves you money after factoring in your tax bracket
• Why business-use percentage determines whether your vehicle deduction is $100,000 or $30,000
• Why 100% bonus depreciation can become a trap if you finance equipment without having basis in your S corporation
• Why contractors, doctors, and other high-income earners should not automatically take bonus depreciation in one year

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=msbp604-year-end-equipment-purchases

• 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!