Thanksgiving is only 35 days away

Christmas is only 63 days away

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”
- Robert Brault

OF INTEREST

The “One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act”

Brings Major Tax Breaks for 2025–2028

Signed into law on July 4, 2025 (Public Law 119-21), this sweeping new legislation adds several temporary tax deductions that could mean more money in your pocket - whether you’re working for tips, logging overtime, paying off a car loan, or enjoying your senior years.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s new:

💵 1. “No Tax on Tips”

Workers in tip-based jobs can now deduct up to $25,000 in tips reported on a W-2 or 1099.
✅ Covers cash, card, and tip-sharing income
✅ Applies even if you don’t itemize
⚠️ Phases out above $150 K AGI ($300 K joint)
⚠️ Not available for “specified service” industries such as consulting or professional services
The IRS will release the official list of eligible occupations by October 2, 2025.

⏰ 2. “No Tax on Overtime”

Employees can deduct the extra half-rate portion of overtime pay (the “and-a-half” part) up to $12,500 single / $25,000 joint.
✅ For wages reported on W-2 or 1099
✅ Applies whether or not you itemize
⚠️ Phases out above $150 K AGI ($300 K joint)
Employers must report annual overtime totals to the IRS.

🚗 3. “No Tax on Car Loan Interest”

Bought a new, U.S.-assembled vehicle after December 31, 2024? You may deduct up to $10,000 per year in car-loan interest (not lease payments).
✅ Vehicle must be for personal use only
✅ Must be new and assembled in the U.S. (check the VIN or dealer label)
⚠️ Phases out above $100 K AGI ($200 K joint)
Lenders will issue annual interest statements for your records.

👵 4. Extra Deduction for Seniors 65+

Older taxpayers receive a new $6,000 deduction - $12,000 if both spouses qualify - on top of the existing senior standard deduction.
✅ Applies to itemizers and non-itemizers alike
⚠️ Phases out above $75 K AGI ($150 K joint)

📅 Effective Dates and IRS Guidance

All four deductions apply to tax years 2025 through 2028.

The IRS will provide transition relief for the first filing year to help taxpayers and employers adjust to new reporting rules.

Bottom Line:
Between deductions for tips, overtime, car loan interest, and seniors, this new law delivers tangible savings for working families and retirees alike.
Keep your documentation handy, and watch for IRS updates later this fall.

Roy Shipley,

Shipley Bookkeeping Solutions

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🍂 The Season of Simple Things

There’s something comforting about fall in Onslow County. The mornings start off cool, the sunsets come a little earlier, and the air carries that mix of pine, barbecue smoke, and someone burning leaves out back.

Pumpkins sit proudly on porches, kids are counting down the days until Halloween, and local shops are swapping out beach gear for blankets and coffee mugs. It’s that in-between time - not quite summer anymore, but not full-on holiday season either - when life seems to slow down just enough to notice the small stuff again.

It’s the wave from your neighbor as you both check the mail.
It’s the smell of chili simmering on a Sunday.
It’s seeing a farmer’s market stand with the last of the late-season tomatoes and a basket of sweet potatoes right beside them.

Somehow, in a world that’s always running full speed, these little things still manage to pull us back to what matters - connection, kindness, and community.

So as the days get shorter and the evenings a little cooler, take a moment to enjoy the simple things: a slow walk, a good meal, a long talk, a porch light glowing in the dusk. Because before we blink, the holidays will be here - and these quiet October moments will be the ones we’ll miss most.

And if you’re looking for a way to soak it all in, you might want to check out some of the fall festivals listed in this edition - a great reminder that sometimes, joy really is right in our own backyard.

🧡 Share Your Fall Moments!
We’d love to see how you celebrate the season - whether it’s a favorite porch pumpkin, a fall festival photo, or a simple snapshot of a Sunday afternoon.

📸 Email your pictures or short stories to onslowinsider@gmail.com, and we might feature them in an upcoming issue of The Onslow Insider!

Good news travels fast — but only if you share it!
Forward The Onslow Insider to someone who loves staying connected to local stories, events, and small businesses.
💌 Subscribe or share today: Subscribe Here
Together, we keep Onslow informed, inspired, and involved!

EVENTS

Spirits of the Vineyard -

Annual Halloween Party

Halloween is better with wine in hand - so join us at Huffman Vineyards for an evening of spooky fun, delicious food, and vineyard vibes.

What to Expect:

👻 Costume Contest – Show off your best look and win bragging rights (and prizes!)

🍏 Bobbing for Apples & Sack Race – Classic games with an adult twist - laughter guaranteed.

🎨 Coloring Corner – Because even adults deserve to color outside the lines after a glass or two.

Sip & Savor: 🍷 Huffman Vineyards wines available by the glass.

🍴 Dinner from Mama’s Kitchen food truck—BBQ, seafood, and more. 🧀 A variety of snacks available inside the tasting room.

 Costumes encouraged. Spooky Shenanigans expected. Bring your friends, grab a glass, and let’s toast to another hauntingly good Halloween at Huffman Vineyard

Oct 25, 2025·Sat, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (EDT)

221 Haw Branch Rd, Richlands, NC 28574

Mike’s Farm Pumpkin Patch Hayrides

Plus,  come join us for our fun fall Saturdays on the farm during the month of October. Every Saturday throughout the month (weather permitting) we will have hayrides around the farm, pumpkin picking, live music, and more! Stay tuned for our fall music lineup and more details, we can’t be more excited!

Crystal Coast Ghost

DATES: Starts at 7 pm, check booking site for available dates – Book Here

LOCATION: 502 W Church St, Swansboro, NC 28584

Haunted History Sunset Cruise

Pirates, murder, mayhem…..Oh, the good ole days in Swansboro!! Come out and ride on our Haunted History Cruise. Our Guest speaker will be one of Ward Cemetery’s longest residents, who will fill us in on all the details of our town’s spooky past!!

DATE: October  18, 24, 26 and 30
TIME: 4:45pm – 6:30pm
LOCATION:  301 S Water St, Swansboro, NC
ADMISSION:  Adults $35, Kids $30

💼 Tax Season Is Coming - Be Ready Before It Hits!

At Shipley Bookkeeping Solutions, we make tax season simple.

Whether you’re a contractor, small business owner, or service professional, our virtual tax prep and advisory services help you:

✅ Avoid surprises and missed deductions
✅ Keep your books clean and compliant
✅ Get personalized tax-saving strategies that actually work

Our secure, confidential services include:
• Complete tax prep & filing (individual + business)
• Advisory planning to lower next year’s tax bill
• QuickBooks cleanup & year-end reports

📅 Now accepting new clients for the 2025 tax season!
We only take a limited number of clients each month - 3 to 4 spots are open now.

💻 Visit shipleybookkeeping.com
📧 Email: office@shipleybookkeeping.com
📞 Call/Text: 252-369-8380

Flat-rate fees. Tax-deductible. 100% secure and confidential.

CLASSIFIEDS

A SHORT, INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO

“At the end of the day, it’s not what we have, but who we have, that matters most.”
— Unknown

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See you next Thursday!