News and Events

DOL Sets New Standard Salary Level for Overtime

On September 24, 2019, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) raised the standard salary level threshold for full-time workers from $455 to $684 per week. This means that employees making less than $35,568 per year will be eligible for overtime. Additional areas impacted by the DOL ruling are listed below: Total annual compensation levels for highly […]

Tax Withholding Estimator Tool Helps Figure Tax on Social Security Benefits

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) introduced the new Tax Withholding Estimator last month. This user-friendly tool is designed to help retirees, employees and self-employed individuals check their withholdings. Take a moment and open the link below to test it out! Tax Withholding Estimator Tool Source: Internal Revenue Service

IRS Implements New Debt Collection Program

You have all heard of, or maybe even received, the scam call from someone saying they are with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) where the caller threatens you with jail time if you don’t pay your taxes due, but did you know that the IRS is now working with three private collection agencies who may be calling you […]

MSA Attends Women’s Leadership Mixer and More Event

Erica Brown, Amber McGhinnis and Shanon Stanbury enjoyed a night out while attending the Women’s Leadership Mixer and More event on Thursday, August 29, 2019. The event was sponsored by Safe Harbor, Catawba Valley Health System and the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce and showcased the Empowering Woman Panel of five women with diverse backgrounds, different experiences […]

Tax Planning Includes Determining Filing Status

Tax planning is a year-round event because life is always changing. Many factors affect filing requirements, deductions, credits and more. Check out these IRS Tax Tips to see if your tax situation could be impacted in the upcoming filing season. Don’t forget to mention these important life changes to your tax preparer. To view these tax tips, please […]

Free Shred Day!

Are you drowning in paper clutter? Take some time to clean out those old tax returns and other confidential paperwork and bring it to our office to dispose of for free!                                                                                                                                  Open to the Public                                                                                                        Thursday – May 3                                                                                                     11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.                                                                          Martin Starnes and Associates CPAs, P.A., Hickory                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         […]

Changes to the North Carolina Annual Report Filing Process

The North Carolina Annual Reports filing process has changed effective January 1, 2018. The State of North Carolina now requires that all reports be filed directly with the Secretary of State. The annual reports can no longer be a part of the income tax filing process.  Annual reports are due no later than the 15th day of the […]

Updated Withholding Calculator Now Available

Wondering how the new tax laws might impact you and if you are withholding enough from your paycheck?   Use the Internal Revenue Service’s newly revised withholding calculator for a quick and easy way to make this determination.  Just click on this link – https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/updated-withholding-calculator-form-w-4-released-calculator-helps-taxpayers-review-withholding-following-new-tax-law.

2018 Catawba County Summit Recap

On Thursday, March 22, the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce held the Future of Catawba County Summit. The agenda of the half-day summit was filled with an abundance of information about the current state of Catawba County and what is to come in the future. The event was a great way to network with community leaders, politicians, educators, and […]

Filing an Extension Might be Good for You

The April 17th tax filing deadline is fast approaching. Instead of rushing to file your return by the first due date, you should consider the option to file for an automatic six-month extension. There are many reasons an extension can be helpful or necessary.  Many taxpayers fear that extending their return will be a red flag for audits, but […]