Education

Mark J Kohler
YouTube Channel
Helping you with your small business, taxes, and all things finance

Mat Sorensen
YouTube Channel
Taking control of your retirement
Articles
Investor versus Dealer in Real Estate, Which One Are You?
We are frequently asked by clients whether their plans to buy and sell real estate will subject them to status as a “dealer” in real estate, and therefore subject their profits to ordinary income treatment and self-employment tax. In general, the sale of real estate...
Roth 401k versus Roth IRA: A Battle for the Ages (kind of)
Not that long ago, a Roth retirement account did not exist. However, for many individuals today, a Roth account is the preferred retirement investment vehicle, particularly for self-directed retirement account owners. The reason why a ROTH tends to gain favor is...
Success in a Lawsuit
For many people, filing a lawsuit is tantamount to hitting your opposing party with the nuclear option. Nevertheless, if the potential for litigation does arise, in most cases, your options will be to either litigate, settle, or walk away. In most cases, trying to...
Do the "Panama Papers" Spell the End of Offshore Planning as We Know It?
On April 3, 2016, 11.5 million leaked files from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca (known as the “Panama Papers”) hit news outlets around the world. Mossack Fonseca specializes in offshore planning in countries regarded as “tax havens.” This torrent of leaked...
One of the Most Important Legal Principles That Every Small Business Owner Should Know
You may have heard the saying, “substance over form”. In the legal context, this is an established principle that is used by judges and business regulators throughout the country, particularly in the tax arena. As a small business owner, it is important that in all...

Doing Your Due-Diligence in Real Estate Deals
We are frequently called upon by clients to assist them with reviewing their real estate purchase transactions to ensure that their interests are adequately protected. While every real estate purchase transaction is different, there are due diligence items that are...
What’s the Difference Between a Copyright and a Trademark, and Why Does It Matter?
At least once a month, I get a phone call or email from a client who says: “Jarom, my business is absolutely blowing up! I need a copyright to protect my name and logo so some copycat doesn’t rip me off!” These clients are absolutely right about needing protection. ...
It’s 11:00 p.m. – Do You Know Who Your Account Beneficiaries Are?
As an attorney who practices in the area of Trusts and Estates, one of the most important pieces of advice I give to clients is to establish a revocable living trust to own real estate, small business interests, and other assets in order to effectuate the transfer of...
How to Bulletproof Your Lease Agreements
You lease agreement can be your best protection against a lawsuit or liability on your rental property. It can also mean the different between collecting from your tenant or from paying your tenant. The goal in having a strong rental agreement is to make it as easy...
Boilerplate Contract Clauses Every Business Owner and Investor Should Know
I know you've read a contract and "glossed" over sections with headings like "Indemnification" and "Severability". Although these clauses are often overlooked, these clauses are often included in most contracts for investments, equipment, services, and other business...
Free E-book Downloads

The 10 Best Tax-Saving Secrets
by Mark J Kohler
My message is much more than just saving TAXES!!
Make a plan. Start NOW saving more on your tax returns. Demand more from your tax preparer, planner, and financial advisor

Self Directed Investor Toolkit
BY MAT SORENSEN
Your guide to understanding self-directed IRAs and Real Estate Investment.