Estes & Associates LLC - Lake of the Ozarks

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.

06/03/2026

The IRS sends you a notice! What to do? This month's letter walks you through the process, plus much more!

As summer settles in and schedules fill up, a few smart decisions now can help you avoid costly surprises later. In this issue, there are strategies to strengthen your financial footing – from midyear tax planning opportunities to knowing when to call for help with an IRS notice. There is also...

05/29/2026

Quarterly deadlines can come fast. Staying ahead of key tax dates helps keep your business running smoothly and avoids last-minute stress or penalties.

Our team is here year-round to help with filings, extensions, and planning support whenever you need it. Reach out anytime, and we'll make sure you're covered.

05/29/2026

Underreported income and math errors are key mistakes that can trigger an audit from the IRS. Having your taxes prepared by a professional can significantly reduce this risk.

The IRS is constantly looking for a reason to audit you. There are several red flags that can identify your tax return as one that needs additional attention. Knowing these indicators can help you avoid the unwanted scrutiny.

05/22/2026

There's still time to lower your tax obligation. Here are five great ideas to consider.

Now is a great time to assess your current tax situation and address any lingering tax questions that may improve your tax picture this year. Here are five things to consider.

05/19/2026

For those who hire seasonal staff, this temporary addition to their workforce is often essential to their business operations during the summer. But mistakes with payroll or bookkeeping — like missed hours or incorrect paychecks — can quickly turn extra help into extra headaches.

To help you stay ahead of the rush, swipe for a few payroll and bookkeeping mistakes we’ve seen with seasonal staff, along with simple steps you can take to prevent them.

Please feel free to reach out to schedule a quick review to ensure you’re prepared ahead of the busy season. Give us a call, and we can get something on the books.

05/18/2026

If your books feel a little messy after a busy start to the year, we can help you get caught up, reconciled, and ready for what’s next. We clean up transactions, organize expenses, and deliver clear reports so you can see your cash flow, expenses, and profitability at a glance.

And if you need help with payroll, we can help you make sure your payroll records are accurate, your payroll taxes are filed correctly, and that you remain compliant.

Give us a call, and we can help you spring clean your back office before the busyness of summer takes over.

05/15/2026

The gift tax is one of the most misunderstood provisions in the tax code. Here is what you need to know.

Presenting a gift to a grandchild does not normally have us thinking about the taxes. However, if not careful, the over-generous gift giver could end up with a surprise tax bill and a note from the IRS.