Winther, Stave & Co., LLP

Winther, Stave & Co., LLP Winther, Stave & Co., LLP is a full-service accounting firm.

Winther, Stave & Co., LLP is a full-service accounting firm with offices in Spencer and Milford, IA dedicated to providing our clients with professional, personalized services, and guidance in a wide range of accounting, tax, and business advisory services. With over 300 years of combined experience, our team of professionals will provide financial solutions tailored directly to your needs.

Accounting terminology can feel like a foreign language, but understanding a few key terms can make a real difference in...
07/17/2026

Accounting terminology can feel like a foreign language, but understanding a few key terms can make a real difference in how you manage your income and investments throughout the year. Getting familiar with common terms like AGI, cost basis, and EITC now can help put you in a stronger position down the road. Swipe through for three terms worth knowing.

Have questions about any of these terms or how they apply to your situation? Drop a comment or send us a message. We would love to help!

If there is one financial tool every business owner should understand, it is the general ledger. It is the master docume...
07/10/2026

If there is one financial tool every business owner should understand, it is the general ledger. It is the master document that ties all of your financial activity together, and keeping it accurate is one of the most important things you can do for your business's health.

Swipe through for a straightforward breakdown of what the general ledger is, how it works, and why it matters.

We hope you found this breakdown helpful! As always, if you have any bookkeeping questions or would simply like help with your back office, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to be a resource for you.

This July, we’re not just celebrating Independence Day — we’re also celebrating 250 years as a nation, a truly once-in-a...
07/03/2026

This July, we’re not just celebrating Independence Day — we’re also celebrating 250 years as a nation, a truly once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Our team wishes each of you a happy, safe, and memorable Fourth of July!

Please note that our office is closed on Friday, July 3rd. We’ll be back on Monday, July 6th, ready to assist with any early summer questions or needs.

After an outstanding career in public accounting, we are honored to celebrate Arvin Druvenga as he begins his well-earne...
06/30/2026

After an outstanding career in public accounting, we are honored to celebrate Arvin Druvenga as he begins his well-earned retirement.

For many years, Arvin has been a trusted advisor, dedicated colleague, and valued friend. His professionalism, integrity, and commitment to serving our clients have made a lasting impact on our firm and the many individuals, families, and businesses he has helped throughout his career.

While we will certainly miss seeing him in the office each day, we are excited for him as he begins this new chapter filled with more time for family, friends, travel, and the pursuits he enjoys most.
Please join us in congratulating Arvin on an incredible career and wishing him many years of health, happiness, and adventure in retirement.

Thank you, Arvin, for your years of service, your leadership, and the difference you've made. We are grateful for everything you've contributed and wish you nothing but the very best in retirement!

🏡 Rising home values are leaving some homeowners with large gains when they sell. But that doesn’t necessarily mean a la...
06/23/2026

🏡 Rising home values are leaving some homeowners with large gains when they sell. But that doesn’t necessarily mean a large tax bill. If you sell your principal residence and meet certain requirements, you can exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for joint filers).

📈 Gain that exceeds the exclusion or doesn’t qualify for it, however, is subject to long-term capital gains tax (or short-term capital gains tax if you haven’t owned the home for more than a year). It also could be subject to the net investment income tax if your income is over a certain amount. Contact us before putting your home on the market.

We can help you estimate the tax impact and discuss possible planning opportunities.

If you’ve recently lost your job, you’re likely focused on replacing income and evaluating your next steps. But some tax...
06/16/2026

If you’ve recently lost your job, you’re likely focused on replacing income and evaluating your next steps. But some tax implications related to a job loss may also require attention.

For example, unemployment compensation and severance pay are generally taxable, at least at the federal level. And health insurance premiums you’d been paying pre-tax from your paycheck may now have to be paid after-tax — though you might be able to deduct them.

There are also tax consequences to consider in relation to your retirement plan with your former employer or withdrawing funds from an IRA to replace some of your lost income.

If you’d like guidance, contact us.

Many parents don’t know that the “kiddie tax” exists. Others assume it affects only minor children. But it also can appl...
06/09/2026

Many parents don’t know that the “kiddie tax” exists. Others assume it affects only minor children. But it also can apply to full-time students through age 23 and 18-year-olds even if they aren’t full-time students. When it applies, the child’s unearned income in excess of $2,700 (for 2026) is taxed at the parent’s tax rate, if higher.

If your child has investment income from custodial accounts, consider reviewing the types of investments in those accounts. Growth-oriented investments that generate little current income may help reduce exposure to the kiddie tax until your child is old enough that the tax no longer applies.

If you’d like help evaluating your family’s situation, contact us.

📈 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...
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.

Scammers continue to target taxpayers through email, text messages, phone calls and regular mail. They often try to crea...
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.

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...
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.

Address

1316 West 18th Street PO Box 175
Spencer, IA
51301

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

(712) 262-3117

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