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Are you missing out on one of the easiest 100 percent deductions available to business owners? In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen break down exactly how to structure a holiday party or company event so it becomes a fully deductible business expense. From the IRS rules under Section 274 to real examples of what qualifies, you’ll learn how to turn food, entertainment, awards, and even venue costs into a legitimate write-off.
Unlike generic tax tips online, this discussion dives into real-world application for small business owners — whether you have a growing team, a handful of employees, or a small staff running from your home office. Mark and Mat explain the three requirements every event must meet, the difference between 50 percent and 100 percent deductions, why culture and team-building matter for tax purposes, and the exact documentation you need to protect the deduction. They also walk through case law, common mistakes, and creative strategies like using the Augusta rule when hosting at your home.
Whether you’re planning a Christmas party, a summer barbecue, a team-building event, or an employee appreciation night, this episode will help you use the tax code to your advantage while still creating an event your team will love. By the end, you’ll know how to design an effective, compliant, and fully deductible company party that strengthens your culture and saves you money.
If you’re serious about maximizing deductions, staying compliant, and building a stronger business, this is an episode you can’t afford to skip.
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Teaser
0:33 Why Company Parties Matter
2:48 Tax Law Shift: Entertainment Rules
3:36 How Parties Revive 100% Deduction
4:04 Real Examples: Bowling & Awards
5:55 IRS Requirements for Full Write-Off
11:59 Using the Augusta Rule at Home
15:19 Key Court Cases Supporting Deduction
17:38 Entertainment vs Team-Building
20:14 Final Tips for Proper Documentation
Resources:
Interview a Main Street Tax Pro that Speaks like Mark: https://taxadvisornetwork.markjkohler.com/?utm_source=mjk-youtube&utm_medium=description-link&utm_campaign=main-street-business-podcast&utm_content=msbp602-write-off-holiday-party
Meet with a Real Lawyer on Zoom: https://kkoslawyers.com/schedule-an-appointment/?utm_source=mjk-youtube&utm_medium=description-link&utm_campaign=main-street-business-podcast&utm_content=msbp602-write-off-holiday-party
Self-Direct Your IRA or 401k- Buy a Business or Real Estate with Your Retirement Account (Directed IRA): https://directedira.com/appointment/?utm_source=mjk-youtube&utm_medium=description-link&utm_campaign=main-street-business-podcast&utm_content=msbp602-write-off-holiday-party
Keep Your LLC or Corp in good standing and Hide Your Address (Main Street Business Services): https://mainstreetbusiness.com/?utm_source=mjk-youtube&utm_medium=description-link&utm_campaign=main-street-business-podcast&utm_content=msbp602-write-off-holiday-party
Become a Certified Tax Advisor in Mark’s Program – https://mainstreetpros.com/?utm_source=mjk-youtube&utm_medium=description-link&utm_campaign=main-street-business-podcast&utm_content=msbp602-write-off-holiday-party
Connect:
Website: https://markjkohler.com/?utm_source=mjk-youtube&utm_medium=description-link&utm_campaign=main-street-business-podcast&utm_content=msbp602-write-off-holiday-party
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markkohler/?utm_source=mjk-youtube&utm_medium=description-link&utm_campaign=main-street-business-podcast&utm_content=msbp602-write-off-holiday-party
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