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 Season with SouthStar Bank

Getting ready for tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. With the proper planning, tools, and support, you can file confidently and stay financially organized year-round. SouthStar Bank is proud to offer trusted banking solutions and financial guidance to help you succeed during tax season and beyond! Whether you need tax documents or need to get a bank account set up for your return, your local SouthStar Bank team is here for you!

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

Scam Updates

Phishing scam concept. Hacker fraud protection, password steal, data phishing

Stay Informed! Protect yourself from scams by staying informed about the latest trends.

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.

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 Avalanche Method can also help prioritize debts.

9. Improve Your Credit

- Regularly monitoring your credit score is always the best practice. You can check your credit score for free annually from any of the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Make sure to always make credit payments on time; this can be assisted by setting up autopay to help you improve your score. Using credit cards and other lines of credit responsibly is vital to maintaining your financial health and viability.

Financial resolutions aren’t about perfection; they’re about progress. By setting clear goals and taking small, consistent steps, you can create positive financial habits that last well beyond the new year. Whether you’re building savings, managing debt, or planning for what’s next, SouthStar Bank is here to support you with the tools, guidance, and personal service you need to stay on track all year long. Let this be the year your financial goals turn into lasting success.

Employee Awards & Anniversaries 2025

RIDE FOR THE BRAND

The Ride for the Brand award recognizes those individuals who have gone above and beyond to uphold the SouthStar Bank brand. In the cowboy days, when you worked for a big ranch or participated in a trail drive, the cowboy was loyal to the Brand he “rode for.” Guys that rode for the brand had deep connections representing the ranch that transcended their daily work. To strengthen our culture, we continue to need employees that are a good example of this type of steadfast loyalty and who support our mission, vision, and values.

Loan Officer- Ivan Garcia
Operations- Davonica Rembert
Support Operations- Jeremy Bernal
Support Lending- Melissa Greger

RIDE FOR THE BRAND NOMINEES: Tracy Talkington, Kimberly Watson, Ivan Garcia, Anthony Albino, Davonica Rembert, Kali Gaskill, Jeremy Bernal, Lucia Fernandez, Amy Coldeway, Felicia Hamilton, Melissa Greger, Christine McGinnis

STAR LEADER

The Star Leader award is a special award given to applaud and promote the work and contributions of our most senior team. These individuals articulate a compelling vision for the institution and have inspired others to that vision. They actively support all aspects of our Bank’s advancement and show the highest commitment to professional growth. Recipients deserve exceptional notice and praise.

Gary Mobbs
Roni Nickelson
Sam Bell

TRAIL BOSS

We also wanted to recognize a few individuals who have stepped up in their leadership roles. On a cattle drive, Trail Boss is the one in charge of the entire operation – keeping track of all the different elements of the drive, selecting routes, and making key decisions. Our Trail Boss awards go to those who have helped guide our teams, selected routes for new and expanded operations, and supported key initiatives to exceed expectations. We can all agree that this year brought many new challenges, and the executive team appreciates those who helped set the path for success.

Kacy Kirk
Stephanie Nevlud
Pam Browning
Dawn Embry

PRESIDENT’S AWARD

This prestigious recognition is awarded by the bank president, David Kapavik, to the individual he and the executive team feel has made the strongest contribution to the organization over the past year. They review many aspects including performance, leadership, service, and related organizational benefits.

Keely McCarthy
Jo Ann Biezenski
Greg Vesely
Doug Foster

RISING STAR AWARD

These individuals have been with the bank for less than two years, but have already made our star shine brighter. These emerging leaders were selected by the executive committee in each department because of their exceptional growth and contributions to the organization, as well as increased levels of leadership, responsibility, and sphere of impact.

Operations- Jean Ann McCarthy
Support Lending- Robert Gordon
Support Operations- Chris Benavides

INVESTAR SUPERSTAR

This award recognizes one individual who has embraced our partnership with Hilltop Securities. We look forward to the continued growth of this relationship and the benefits it provides for our clients.

Stephanie Chaffin

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

SouthStar Bank takes great pride in supporting our communities. The Community Involvement Award recognizes one recipient in each of our four regions for exemplifying the community bank spirit through active involvement in worthy causes and initiatives throughout the area.

Barbara Shaffer
Kyla Gesell
Daniel Desselle
Melissa Chavez

STAR SERVICE AWARD

The Star Service Award recognizes one recipient in each of our four regions for service above and beyond the expected norm. Recipients consistently demonstrate exceptional knowledge of our products and services, as well as an intuitive understanding of our clients’ needs. Recipients consistently exemplify the SouthStar mantra of providing friendly, flexible common-sense financial services.

Fatima Alamilla
Kali Gaskill
Laura Desselle
Laura Blackstock

BRANCH OF THE YEAR

The Branch of the Year award was created to celebrate a branch’s achievements as a team. Multiple factors are taken into consideration including loans, deposits, internal operations, marketing efforts, and community outreach.

Franklin

ANNIVERSARIES

50 YEARS: Jo Ann Biezenski

35 YEARS: Carla Meisetschleager

30 YEARS: David Kapavik, Kevin Knesek, Mary Kujawa

25 YEARS: Melissa Greger, Jenny Currie

20 YEARS: Laura Blackstock, Tamara Siegel

10 YEARS: Kacy Kirk, Samantha Alexander, Sarah Ortega, Mark Kelly, Elizabeth Lorrick

5 YEARS: Michelle Felde, Keely McCarthy, Samalia Huggins, Taryn Vandenberg, Laura Desselle, Aften Serrano, Jeremy Bernal, Christine McGinnis, Stephanie Chaffin, Melissa Chavez

STAR SERVICE NOMINEES: Aften Serrano, Amanda Jordan, Amy Coldeway, Bailey Edgington, Billy Fleming, Brandy Rumfolo, Bridget Brosh, Carla Meisetschleager, Christine McGinnis, Davonica Rembert, Dawn Embry, Dayton Mejias, Deanna Ford, Debra Morris, Donna Corley, Fatima Alamilla, Glenn Walsh, Hillary Hernandez, Jenny Currie, Joey Patek, Kacy Kirk, Kali Gaskill, Katherine Frederick, Kerri Gonzalez, Kimberly Moore, Kristy Hollis, Kyla Gesell, Laura Blackstock, Laura Desselle, Lora Scasta, Lucia Fernandez, Maggie Womack, Mariela Tinajero, Mark Kelly, Meghan Rabel, Melissa Chavez, Melissa Greger, Melissa Swift, Melissa Thompson, Michelle Felde, Monica Chavez, Riley Martine, Rosie Weaver, Sam Bell, Samantha Alexander, Samantha Myers, Samantha Schulz, Sara Huggins, Sarah Ortega, Sharon Green, Shelby Mossman, Steffani Scarborough, Stephanie Chaffin, Terry Thompson, Torie Adkins

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT NOMINEES: Anthony Albino, Barbara Shaffer, Bryan Buck, Daniel Desselle, Davonica Rembert, Debra Morris, Glenn Walsh, Greg Vesely, Hillary Hernandez, Ivan Garcia, Jo Ann Biezenski, Jeff Harris, Kevin Knesek, Kimberly Moore, Kimberly Watson, Kyla Gesell, Laura Blackstock, Lora Scasta, Lucia Fernandez, Mary Kujawa, Melissa Swift, Melissa Thompson, Monica Chavez, Pam Browning, Rosie Weaver, Samalia Huggins, Sara Huggins, Sche Kehner, Shirley Sears, Stephanie Chaffin, Torie Adkins, Tracy Talkington, Tyler Narro

Congratulations Tracy Talkington! New Branch Executive & Senior Vice President of Lending

Tracy Talkington has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Lending and Branch Executive at the SouthStar Bank Round Rock branch. Tracy has spent the last two years with SouthStar Bank as a Vice President of Lending, with 5 years of total lending experience alongside 13 years in real estate as a realtor and business manager. In her new role, Tracy is focused on working alongside her team to grow deposits and loans, support day-to-day operations, and strengthen their presence in the Round Rock community, all while delivering an excellent client experience!

Tracy currently serves as Vice President of Membership for Professional Women of Williamson County (PWOW), a local organization that connects, supports, and empowers women through professional development, leadership, and community involvement. Tracy also recently completed the Round Rock Chamber’s Leadership Program, a year-long program designed to develop community leaders while building strong relationships across the Round Rock business and nonprofit community.

Outside of the office, Tracy can be found tending to her garden, working on home projects, or travelling with her husband to keep up with all their kids’ activities.

Congratulations Tracy!