Winther, Stave & Co., LLP

06/02/2026

📈 If you participate in a company 401(k) plan, there may be an option to add to your retirement nest egg that you’re not aware of: after-tax, non-Roth contributions.

These contributions aren’t subject to the annual elective deferral limit ($24,500 for 2026, plus catch-up contributions if you’re age 50 or older). So, if your plan allows, you can make them after you’ve maxed out your deferral limit, including catch-up contributions, if applicable. They create tax basis in your account that can eventually be withdrawn tax-free. And growth on the money won’t be taxed until you start taking withdrawals.

We can review your situation and help you determine whether you might benefit.

05/26/2026

Scammers continue to target taxpayers through email, text messages, phone calls and regular mail. They often try to create urgency or fear to trick victims into sharing sensitive information or sending money.

Remember, the IRS will never contact you by email or text about a tax bill or refund. It also won’t demand immediate payment over the phone. Most IRS communications are sent through regular mail — though fraudsters may send fake IRS notices by mail, often including QR codes.

Don’t click on links, open attachments or scan QR codes from unknown senders that might direct you to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal or financial information. Visit our website for the complete article. www.winther-stave.com. Or contact us if you have questions.

05/21/2026

In honor of Memorial Day, we invite you to join us in taking time to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country and preserve our freedom.

Please note that our office will close on Friday May 22nd at noon and be closed on Monday, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26th, and will respond to any messages received during the closure as promptly as possible.

Wishing you a respectful and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/12/2026

Moving to a new state? Review the tax implications first . . . .

🏠 If you’re thinking about relocating, don’t choose a new state based only on climate, cost of living or proximity to family. Also review the tax implications.

💲 For example, some states don’t have a personal income tax, and some that do have one offer tax breaks for pension payments, retirement plan distributions and Social Security payments. Also be aware that a state with no personal income tax may impose high property, sales or estate taxes.

🚚 Before making a move, contact us to review the potential income, property, sales and estate tax implications. We can help you minimize potential negative tax consequences and make the most of any tax advantages offered by the new state.

05/06/2026

📣 Now is the time to fine-tune your income tax withholding!

Many taxpayers discover at filing time that their tax payments during the year didn’t align with their actual liability — either too much or too little was withheld from their paychecks. Keeping withholding aligned with expected tax liability can help you enjoy better cash flow during the year and avoid unwelcome surprises at filing time.

If you received a large refund or owed a lot of tax when you filed your 2025 return, it may be beneficial to fine-tune your withholding for 2026. Adjustments may also be a good idea if you experience a major life event, such as having a child.

We can help you review your withholding (and estimated tax payments, if applicable) and make any needed changes.

04/29/2026

Honoring 46 remarkable years of service! Rita's knowledge and dependable support have made her indispensable to both our staff and our clients.

Please join us Friday, May 1 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM for a come-and-go reception at our Spencer office to honor Rita and share our gratitude as she begins this well-earned new chapter. Light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

If you are unable to attend and would like to send your well-wishes, please mail cards to:

Winther, Stave & Co., LLP
P.O. Box 175
Spencer, IA 51301

04/22/2026

Our very own Lacie Brandts does more than just crunch numbers—she conquered the Boston Marathon! Join us in celebrating this amazing accomplishment.

04/21/2026

To minimize potential interest and penalties and maximize tax-saving opportunities, look beyond April 15 to the tax-related deadlines you may face for the rest of 2026. Here are a few key tax-related deadlines for individuals.

✅ JUNE 15: Pay the second installment of 2026 estimated taxes, if applicable.

✅ SEPT. 15: Pay the third installment of 2026 estimated taxes, if applicable.

✅ OCT. 15: File a 2025 income tax return and pay any tax, interest and penalties due if an automatic six-month extension was filed.

✅ DEC. 31: Incur various expenses that potentially can be deducted on your 2026 tax return.

For the full article go to the Resources page on our website: www.winther-stave.com or contact us for more information about the filing requirements and to help ensure you meet all deadlines that apply to you!

04/15/2026

Happy Tax Day! We hope your filing season wasn’t too “ruff” this year. As a reminder, the IRS won’t accept excuses, but they do accept extensions.

Wishing you a smooth tax day!

04/14/2026

We’ve really enjoyed having Lawson with us this tax season!

THE BEAVER NETWORK
Winther, Stave & Co., LLP - Spencer, IA
Lawson Haveman (Senior, Accounting & Finance)

"This spring during tax season, I have been interning at Winther, Stave & Co., LLP in Spencer, Iowa. Through this opportunity, I have gained valuable experience assisting with the preparation of individual and business tax returns while also being exposed to auditing and attestation engagement procedures. This experience has provided an excellent chance to apply what I have learned in the classroom to real-world accounting situations, further strengthening my interest in public accounting. I am extremely grateful for this internship opportunity and those who have contributed to my learning."

Pictured (L-R): David Schmidt CPA, Partner, Lawson Haveman, Rodney Meendering CPA, Partner, and Jennifer Maki CPA, Partner