January 2026 - SouthStar Bank, S.S.B.

by SouthStar BankJanuary 28, 2026

Tips to Get Ready for Tax Season

Tax season has a way of sneaking up on even the most organized households. A little preparation now can help you avoid last-minute stress, reduce errors, and even uncover opportunities to save money. Whether you’re filing on your own or working with a tax professional, using these tax tips to get ready for tax season can help you feel confident and prepared. 1. Gather and Organize Key Tax Documents One of the most critical portions of tax preparation is gathering essential documents early. Important documents can include W-2s, 1099s, mortgage interest statements, and investment income records. If you’re self-employed, organize business income and expense receipts. You can review what documents you may need on the IRS website. Keeping everything organized in one secure place makes filing taxes more straightforward and more efficient. Tax forms for SouthStar Bank accounts can be accessed through your Online Banking portal. 2. Review Last Year’s Tax Return Reviewing last year’s return can highlight deductions or credits you may qualify for again. It also helps identify changes such as a new job or increased income, a home purchase, or a growing family that may affect your tax return this year. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (signed into law 7/4/2025) has significant effects on credits and deductions; you can review all of these provisions here. 3. Track Deductible Expenses Throughout the Year Many taxpayers miss out on valuable tax deductions because their expenses are not tracked consistently. Medical costs, student loan interest, charitable donations, and education expenses may be deductible. Keeping a running list is a great practice to adopt going forward if you are not currently tracking these expenses consistently. 4. Maximize Retirement Contributions Contributing to tax-advantaged retirement accounts, such as IRAs, can help lower your taxable income while building long-term savings. Depending on eligibility, you may be able to make contributions before the tax filing deadline. SouthStar Bank offers retirement savings options that support both financial planning and tax savings strategies. Contact your local branch to learn more! 5. Review and Adjust Tax Withholding If you owed taxes or received a large refund last year, it may be time to adjust your withholding. Updating your W-4 can help align your paycheck with your tax liability, improve cash flow, and help you avoid unwelcome surprises during tax filing season. 6. For More Complex Returns, Consider Working with a Tax Professional Tax laws change often, and situations involving small businesses, investments, or significant life events can make tax preparation more complex. A qualified tax professional can help you identify credits, deductions, and compliance requirements you may overlook. 7. File Early and Use Direct Deposit Filing early helps protect against tax-related identity theft and speeds up refunds. Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your refund, and the IRS is currently working to phase out all paper tax refund checks. Following this change, the IRS is encouraging taxpayers without a bank account to open one so they can receive refunds by direct deposit. Prepare for Tax […]

Employee News

by SouthStar BankJanuary 28, 2026

Congratulations Shirley Sears! New Branch Executive & Senior Vice President of Lending

Shirley Sears has been promoted to the role of Senior Vice President of Lending and Branch Executive of the SouthStar Bank Leander branch. Shirley has more than two decades of experience in the banking industry and has spent the last 3.5 years as a cornerstone of the Leander team. Throughout her time at SouthStar Bank, Shirley’s strong work ethic and lending expertise have allowed her to consistently provide stability, guidance, and support to her clients and fellow employees. As a leader of the Leander team, she is most excited about the opportunity to lead her team and make an even larger positive impact on the branch. She looks forward to further expanding SouthStar Bank’s presence throughout the Leander and Cedar Park areas. Outside of work, Shirley remains highly involved in the community. She is currently serving on the board of the Leander Chamber of Commerce and is also participating in the Cedar Park Leadership Program. When she finds time for herself, she often enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, listening to live music, or spending the day out at the lake. Congratulations Shirley! NMLS# 1464584

General Education, Important Notice, Scams

by SouthStar BankJanuary 23, 2026

Scam Updates

Scammers are constantly finding new ways to steal personal and financial information, often by pretending to be trusted businesses, government agencies, or even friends and family. Educating yourself on current scams is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, as awareness helps you recognize red flags before damage is done. By staying informed and knowing how to verify suspicious messages or requests, you can significantly reduce your risk and keep your information secure. Please keep checking this blog for updates on current scams we are seeing in the financial industry. January 2026 USA Warranty Scam: Scammers are sending letters by mail asking you to contact them to verify your home warranty, which they claim is secured by SouthStar Bank. SouthStar Bank does not require this type of warranty and is also not associated with this company. January 26-30: Happy Identity Theft Awareness Week! Remember, identity theft can happen to anyone at any age. Educate yourself to protect yourself! November 2025 Impersonation Scam: Fraudsters are making calls, sending texts, and emailing recipients impersonating SouthStar Bank employees to request personal account information. A true SouthStar Bank team member will never contact you to ask for personal information. If someone tries to contact you, hang up and contact your local branch immediately using your branch’s direct number. What To Do If You Think You Have Been Scammed If you believe someone is trying to scam you, stop engaging with them immediately and do not share any personal or financial information. Avoid clicking links, opening attachments, or responding to urgent or threatening messages. Always take your time in verifying the request by contacting SouthStar Bank or the person they are imitating directly using a trusted phone number or website, not the contact details provided in the message. Finally, report the attempt to your bank, employer, or the appropriate authorities so they can help protect you and others from future scams.

General Education, Savings

by SouthStar BankJanuary 14, 2026

Financial Resolutions for the New Year

The new year is the perfect time to reset your financial goals and build habits that support long-term success. Whether you’re focused on saving more, paying down debt, or planning for the future, setting clear financial resolutions can help you start the year with confidence. At SouthStar Bank, we’re here to help you turn those resolutions into realistic, achievable steps toward a stronger financial future. 1. Evaluate Your Spending Review your spending from the previous year by reviewing your bank and credit card statements. Understanding where you’ve spent in the past is a great way to identify areas where you can save in the new year! 2. Reassess Your Budget An annual budget review is an excellent idea as we head into the new year! Review how you performed against your budget in the previous year. Identify areas where spending was too high and adjust for the new year. Assess any new fixed or variable costs you anticipate will impact you and ensure you plan for them. 3. Stay Consistent and Track Your Progress Consistency is paramount when it comes to your financial goals. Tracking your progress weekly or monthly is a great way to ensure you stay on target while also encouraging you to keep working toward your goal! 4. Automate Savings/Payments Making the most of automation can be a great way to ensure you stay on track with savings goals and don’t miss any recurring payments. You can set up automated bill payments as well as automated transfers through your Online Banking login. 5. Establish or Evaluate Your Emergency Fund An emergency fund is a vital backdrop for your finances. Determining exactly how much you need in your emergency fund depends on several factors (number of dependents, income stability, cost of living, etc.). Establishing an emergency fund if you don’t have one currently should be a priority. If you already have a fund established, it is still best practice to review it annually to ensure it remains sufficient. 6. Establish an Estate Plan Preparing for the future is never a bad idea. Establishing an Estate Plan can offer you peace of mind and allow you to evaluate your current assets. If you already have an Estate Plan in place, it is never a bad idea to review your plan annually to ensure you make any necessary adjustments. 7. Evaluate Contributions to IRA/HSA/401 (k) IRA, HSA, and 401 (k) accounts all offer unique benefits that consumers should take advantage of when possible. Evaluate your current contributions and ensure you are getting the most from these accounts! The updated contribution limits for 401 (k) and IRA accounts in 2026 can be found 8. Pay Off High-Interest Debt It is always wise to prioritize your high-interest debt (credit card debt, payday loans, private student loans, etc.). These interest rates are often higher than your returns on investments and savings and thus can eat into your savings potential. Consolidating debt can potentially help to lower your interest rate. Using the Snowball or […]