Mark J. Kohler joins Ryan Alford on Right About Now to talk about how entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and small business owners can think differently about taxes and wealth. As a tax attorney, CPA, author, and educator, Mark explains why the tax code is not just something to fear once a year, but a tool business owners can learn to use legally and strategically.
Ryan and Mark cover the difference between earning more money and keeping more money, including how side hustles, rental properties, 1099 income, and business expenses can create real advantages when handled correctly. Mark also shares why business owners need to stop fully delegating their tax strategy and instead become the CEO of their own tax team.
The episode also dives into family payroll, family board meetings, Roth IRAs, self-directed IRAs, crypto, and how small business owners can involve their families while building wealth. It is a practical, high-energy conversation about taking ownership of your money, understanding the rules, and using the same strategies wealthy people study every year.
Topics Covered
Why small business owners overpay in taxes
How the tax code motivates wealth-building behavior
Side hustles as a gateway to tax strategy
Why business owners need better bookkeeping
What your accountant may not be telling you
Family payroll and paying your kids through the business
Roth IRAs, crypto, and self-directed retirement accounts
How to build a tax team instead of outsourcing everything
Ryan Alford and Mark J. Kohler on ownership, discipline, and wealth
Links
Right About Now / Ryan Alford
https://www.ryanisright.com/
https://www.ryanalford.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/
Mark J. Kohler
https://markjkohler.com/
https://www.instagram.com/markjkohler/
https://www.youtube.com/@markjkohler
https://mainstreetbusinesspodcast.com/
https://directedira.com/
Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Stop Blaming the Rich & Own Your Destiny
00:32 – Introduction: Welcome to Right About Now with Ryan Alford
00:53 – Introducing Main Street Tax Attorney Mark J. Kohler
01:31 – Mark's Journey from Lemonade Stands to the 1%
02:31 – Why Taxes Are Law (And Why the "Big Dogs" Afford It)
03:29 – The Side Hustle Revolution & Building Wealth
04:42 – The 1099 Golden Ticket: Write-Offs You're Missing
05:32 – Demystifying Tax Brackets & Effective Tax Rates
06:09 – Real Estate & Depreciation Strategies (The Trump Tax Anomaly)
07:29 – Tax Strategies the Rich Geek Out On (Roth IRAs & HSAs)
08:50 – Understanding the True Purpose of the Tax Code
09:58 – Oil & Gas Tax Credits Explained
11:17 – The #1 Thing Small Business Owners Must Stop Doing
12:35 – Being the CEO of Your Own Tax Team
13:05 – Treat Your Side Hustle Like a Real Business
14:07 – Tracking Expenses: Stop Delegating, Start Documenting
14:51 – Integrating Family: How to Form a Family Board & Family Office
16:17 – Putting Your Kids on the Payroll Tax-Free
18:44 – Why Your Current Accountant Might Fight New Tax Strategies
20:57 – Mark’s Take on the Crypto Bus & XRP
21:38 – The Difference Between a Financial Advisor and an Investment Advisor
23:32 – What Fuels Success & The Ultimate Goal of the American Dream
25:05 – Where to Find Mark J. Kohler's Resources & Network
26:17 – Closing Thoughts: Information Doesn't Change Lives, Execution Does
