Estes & Associates LLC - Lake of the Ozarks

07/17/2026

Providing a gift of stock can make sense if handled properly. Read more.

Providing a gift of stock (or other property) to a friend or loved one can be a powerful tax planning tool. However, it is not without its complications.

07/10/2026

Pass-through entities such as S corporations and certain partnerships offer legal protections and avoid double taxation. Does it make sense for your business?

Given the popularity of this business format, it continues to drive tax policy. Here is what you need to know.

07/03/2026

The ensure you're ready for an audit, tax returns should be kept indefinitely and supporting documents should be kept a minimum of three years.

After filing your tax return, do not close the book on your taxes until you have set up next year's files, purged unneeded old records, and prepared your records in case of an audit. Here are some tips.

07/01/2026

Side hustle income, tax tips, smarter food budgeting, and the growing trend of unplugging from screens. This month's insights can help you keep more money and spend more time on what matters.

Many Americans are taking on side hustles and part-time jobs to boost their income. While earning extra money can help pay for vacations or provide a financial cushion for your family, it can also increase your tax bill. In this month's newsletter, learn how additional income may affect your tax sit...

06/26/2026

It's not always a good idea to amend a tax return. Do you know how to choose?

Oops! You find an error or omission on last year's tax return. What should you do? Is it always a good idea to file an amended tax return? Here are some things to consider.

06/19/2026

While it might feel early to think about 2027’s tax season, taking a moment to check in on your taxes at the mid-point of the year can actually be quite helpful. Scheduling a mid-year tax checkup can help your company unlock essential tax-saving options when they are needed, instead of waiting until December or tax season, when options are limited and stress is higher.

Swipe to see how a mid-year tax check-in can be advantageous for your business.

We are here to help make sure your tax strategy matches your business needs every step of the way. If you would like to check in mid-year to ensure you are on the right path, do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you.

06/19/2026

Looking for tax-free income? Here's a list of the more common types.

There's a lot of income the IRS doesn't tax. Here are a few of the more common types.

06/14/2026

Every June 14th, we celebrate the Stars and Stripes on Flag Day. While we’re all familiar with the United States’ flag, we might not know all of the history behind this symbol.

To celebrate, we wanted to share a few fun facts about the history of the flag that might surprise you:

🔹 The current 50-star design was created by a 17-year-old. Robert G. Heft of Lancaster, Ohio, submitted the design as a high school project in 1958. It was chosen by President Eisenhower out of more than 3,000 submissions in 1960.

🔹 There have been 27 official versions of the flag. Twenty-five of those changes were solely to update the number of stars every time a new state joined the Union. The star additions were admitted on July 4th, and, together, they give us a rich visual history of the country's growth over time.

🔹 The colors for the flag have taken on their own meanings over the years. Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress in 1774, suggested that red represents hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue stands for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

🔹 Six American flags have been planted on the moon. Neil Armstrong and Edwin E. “Buzz” Aldrin were the first, but five additional Apollo missions have also left a flag on the lunar surface.

🔹 The current design is the longest-running version in history. No new states have been added since Hawaii joined the union in 1959, making this the most enduring flag design the country has ever had.

Wishing you a wonderful Flag Day filled with pride and appreciation for the history behind the flag we share.

06/12/2026

Social Security planning starts at an early age. Here is what you should be doing now!

Too many think to pay attention to Social Security only when they near retirement. Do this at your own risk! Even those in their 20s should be taking action. Here are some tips.

06/05/2026

Reminder: Second quarter estimated taxes are due Monday, June 15th.

If you have not already done so, please plan to make your second quarter estimated tax payment. The due date is Monday, June 15th.