# I. E. INVESTMENTS, INC. X-17A-5 (2022-02-08) — Broker-dealer annual report - Company: I. E. INVESTMENTS, INC. - Form: X-17A-5 - Filed: 2022-02-08 - Period: 2021-12-31 - Accession: 0000854143-22-000003 - CIK: 854143 - File #: 8-41598 - Type: Broker-dealer - Material weakness: No - Auditor: BRIAN W. ANSON, CPA - Auditor location: TARZANA, CA - Contact: KELLIE CHASE - Phone: 8187359860 - Email: steve@starkmb.com - Website: starkmb.com - Signed by: STEPHEN STARK (PRESIDENT/CEO) Original filing: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/854143/000085414322000003/audit.pdf --- {0}------------------------------------------------ #### **UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549** OMB APPROVAL OMB Number: 3235-0123 Expires: Oct. 31, 2023 Estimated average burden hours per response: 12 # **ANNUAL REPORTS FORM X-17A-5 PART III** **FACING PAGE** SEC FILE NUMBER 8-41598 **Information Required Pursuant to Rules 17a-5, 17a-12, and 18a-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934** FILING FOR THE PERIOD BEGINNING \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ AND ENDING \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ MM/DD/YY MM/DD/YY **A. REGISTRANT IDENTIFICATION** NAME OF FIRM: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ TYPE OF REGISTRANT (check all applicable boxes): ☐ Broker-dealer ☐ Security-based swap dealer ☐ Major security-based swap participant ☐ Check here if respondent is also an OTC derivatives dealer ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: (Do not use a P.O. box no.) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ (No. and Street) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ (City) (State) (Zip Code) PERSON TO CONTACT WITH REGARD TO THIS FILING \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ (Name) (Area Code – Telephone Number) (Email Address) **B. ACCOUNTANT IDENTIFICATION** INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT whose reports are contained in this filing\* \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ (Name – if individual, state last, first, and middle name) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ (Address) (City) (State) (Zip Code) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ (Date of Registration with PCAOB)(if applicable) (PCAOB Registration Number, if applicable) **FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY** \* Claims for exemption from the requirement that the annual reports be covered by the reports of an independent public 01/01/21 12/31/21 I.E. INVESTMENTS, INC. DBA STARK MUNICIPAL BROKERS 515 MARIN STREET SUITE 416 THOUSAND OAKS CA 91360 STEPHEN STARK 818-735-9860 steve@starkmb.com BRIAN W. ANSON, CPA 18455 BURBANK BLVD., SUITE 404 TARZANA CA 91356 09/15/2005 2370 accountant must be supported by a statement of facts and circumstances relied on as the basis of the exemption. See 17 CFR 240.17a-5(e)(1)(ii), if applicable. **Persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number.** {1}------------------------------------------------ #### OATH OR AFFIRMATION STEPHEN STARK , swear (or affirm) that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the I.E. INVESTMENTS, INC. DBA STARK MUNICIPAL BROKERS financial report pertaining to the firm of DECEMBER 31 \_\_ 2 021 , is true and correct. I further swear (or affirm) that neither the company nor any partner, officer, director, or equivalent person, as the case may be, has any proprietary interest in any account classified solely as that of a customer. ![](_page_1_Picture_4.jpeg) | Signature: | | |------------|--| | T:Llo | | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER ![](_page_1_Picture_7.jpeg) #### This filing\*\* contains (check all applicable boxes): - 2 (a) Statement of financial condition. - □ (b) Notes to consolidated statement of financial condition. - 2 (c) Statement of income (loss) or, if there is other comprehensive income in the period(s) presented, a statement of comprehensive income (as defined in § 210.1-02 of Regulation S-X). - 2 (d) Statement of cash flows. - 2 (e) Statement of changes in stockholders' or partners' or sole proprietor's equity. - [ (f) Statement of changes in liabilities subordinated to claims of creditors. - 2 (g) Notes to consolidated financial statements. - 2 (h) Computation of net capital under 17 CFR 240.15c3-1 or 17 CFR 240.18a-1, as applicable. - [ {i) Computation of tangible net worth under 17 CFR 240.18a-2. - 2 (j) Computation for determination of customer reserve requirements pursuant to Exhibit A to 17 CFR 240.15c3-3. - | (k) Computation for determination of security-based swap reserve requirements pursuant to Exhibit B to 17 CFR 240.15c3-3 or Exhibit A to 17 CFR 240.18a-4, as applicable. - [ (I) Computation for Determination of PAB Requirements under Exhibit A to § 240.15c3-3. - 2 (m) Information relating to possession or control requirements for customers under 17 CFR 240.15c3-3. - □ (n) Information relating to possession or control requirements for security-based swap customers under 17 CFR 240.15c3-3(p)(2) or 17 CFR 240.18a-4, as applicable. - Z (o) Reconciliations, including appropriate explanations, of the FOCUS Report with computation of net capible net worth under 17 CFR 240.15c3-1, 17 CFR 240.18a-2, as applicable, and the reserve requirements under 17 CFR 240.15c3-3 or 17 CFR 240.18a-4, as applicable, if material differences exist, or a statement that no material differences exist. - □ (p) Summary of financial data for subsidiaries not consolidated in the statement of financial condition. - 2 (q) Oath or affirmation in accordance with 17 CFR 240.17a-5, 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable. - [] {r) Compliance report in accordance with 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable. - ☑ (s) Exemption report in accordance with 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable. - □ (t) Independent public accountant's report based on an examination of the statement of financial condition. - 2 (u) Independent public accountant's report based on an examination of the financial statements under 17 CFR 240.17a-5, 17 CFR 240.18a-7, or 17 CFR 240.17a-12, as applicable. - | (v) Independent public accountant's report based on an examination of certain statements in the compliance report under 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable. - 2 (w) Independent public accountant's report based on a review of the exemption report under 17 CFR 240.17a-5 or 17 CFR 240.18a-7, as applicable. - [] (x) Supplemental reports on applying agreed-upon procedures, in accordance with 17 CFR 240.17a-12, as applicable. - □ (y) Report describing any material inadequacies found to have existed since the date of the previous audit, or a statement that no material inadequacies exist, under 17 CFR 240.17a-12(k). - [] (z) Other: - \*\*To request confidential treatment of certain portions of this filing, see 17 CFR 240.17a-5(d)(2), as applicable. {2}------------------------------------------------ ### REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers #### Opinion on the Financial Statements I have audited the accompanying statement of financial condition of I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers as of December 31, 2021, the related statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In my opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers as of December 31, 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. #### Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers' management. My responsibility is to express an opinion on I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers' financial statements based on my audit. I am a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and am required to be independent with respect to I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. I conducted my audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that I plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. My audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. My audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. I believe that my audit provides a reasonable basis for my opinion. #### Auditor's Report on Supplemental Information The information contained in Schedules I, II, and III ("Supplemental Information") has been subjected to audit procedures performed in conjunction with the audit of I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers' financial statements. The Supplemental Information is the responsibility of I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers' management. My audit procedures included determining whether the Supplemental Information reconciles to the financial statements or the underlying accounting and other records, as applicable, and performing procedures to test the completeness and accuracy of the information presented in the Supplemental Information. In forming my opinion on the Supplemental Information, I evaluated whether the Supplemental Information, including its form and content, is presented in conformity with 17 C.F.R. §240.17a-5. In my opinion, the Supplemental Information is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole. Brian W. Anson Certified Public Accountant I have served as I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers' auditor since 2021. Tarzana, California January 31, 2022 {3}------------------------------------------------ ### REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers I have reviewed management's statements, included in the accompanying Exemption Report, in which (1) I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers identified the following provisions of 17 C.F.R. §15c3-3(k) under which I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers claimed an exemption from 17 C.F.R. §240.15c3-3: (k)(2)(ii) (the "exemption provisions") and (2) I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers stated that I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers met the identified exemption throughout the year ended December 31, 2021, without exception. I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers' management is responsible for compliance with the exemption provisions and its statements. My review was conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and, accordingly, included inquiries and other required procedures to obtain evidence about I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers' compliance with the exemption provisions. A review is substantially less in scope than an examination, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion on management's statements. Accordingly, I do not express such an opinion. Based on my review, I am not aware of any material modifications that should be made to management's statements referred to above for them to be fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the provisions set forth in paragraph (k)(2)(ii) of Rule 15c3-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Brian W. Anson Certified Public Accountant Tarzana, California January 31, 2022 {4}------------------------------------------------ ### REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON APPLYING AGREED-UPON PROCEDURES To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers I have performed the procedures included in Rule 17a-5(e)(4) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and in the Securities Investor Protection ("SIPC") Series 600 Rules, which are enumerated below and were agreed to by I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers and SIPC, solely to assist you and SIPC in evaluating I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers' compliance with the applicable instructions of the General Assessment Reconciliation (Form SIPC-7) for the year ended December 31, 2021. I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers' management is responsible for its Form SIPC-7 and for its compliance with those requirements. This agreed-upon procedures engagement was conducted in accordance with attestation standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The sufficiency of these procedures is solely the responsibility of those parties specified in this report. Consequently, I make no representation regarding the sufficiency of the procedures described below either for the purpose for which this report has been requested or for any other purpose. The procedures I performed and my findings are as follows: - 1) Compared the listed assessment payments in Form SIPC-7 with respective cash disbursement records entries, noting no differences; - 2) Compared the Total Revenue amounts reported on the Annual Audited Report Form X-17A-5 Part III for the year ended December 31, 2021, with the Total Revenue amount reported in Form SIPC-7 for the year ended December 31, 2021, noting no differences; - 3) Compared any adjustments reported in Form SIPC-7 with supporting schedules and working papers, noting no differences: - 4) Recalculated the arithmetical accuracy of the calculations reflected in Form SIPC-7 and in the related schedules and working papers supporting the adjustments, noting no differences; and - 5) Compared the amount of any overpayment applied to the current with the Form SIPC-7 on which it was originally computed, noting no differences. I was not engaged to, and did not conduct an examination, the objective of which would be the expression of an opinion on compliance with the applicable instructions of the Form SIPC-7 for the year ended December 31, 2021. Accordingly, I do not express such an opinion. Had I performed additional procedures, other matters might have come to my attention that would have been reported to you. This report is intended solely for the information and use of the specified parties listed above and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties. Raran W . Anson Certified Public Accountant Tarzana, California January 31, 2022 {5}------------------------------------------------ ### **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** **YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021** {6}------------------------------------------------ ### **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION** ### **DECEMBER 31, 2021** #### **Assets** | Assets | | |----------------------------------------|---------------| | Cash and cash equivalents | \$
255,439 | | Deposits with clearing organization | 56,483 | | Receivables, clearing organization | 8,217 | | Receivables, officers | 1,390 | | Prepaid expenses and other assets | 107,065 | | Prepaid income taxes | 17,020 | | Right of use assets - operating leases | 114,796 | | Deferred taxes | 21,810 | | Total Assets | \$
582,220 | #### **Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity** | Liabilities | | |--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------| | Payables, clearing organization | \$
112 | | Accounts payable | 37,279 | | Operating lease liabilities | 125,405 | | Total Liabilities | 162,796 | | Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, \$100 stated value, 100,000 shares authorized, | | | 1,700 shares issued and outstanding | 170,000 | | Retained earnings | 249,424 | | Total Stockholders' Equity | 419,424 | | | | | Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | \$
582,220 | {7}------------------------------------------------ ### **STATEMENT OF INCOME** #### **YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021** | Revenues | | |-------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Commissions | \$
1,220,354 | | Total Revenues | 1,220,354 | | Operating Expenses | | | Employee costs and benefits | 881,097 | | Information, technology and communication | 164,651 | | Travel and promotion | 92,482 | | Occupancy | 50,210 | | Clearing, trading and exchange fees | 41,377 | | Professional fees | 13,939 | | Other expenses | 74,649 | | Total Operating Expenses | 1,318,405 | | Loss from Operations | (98,051) | | Other Income | | | Loan forgiveness | 247,645 | | Grants | 25,000 | | Interest income | 46 | | Total Other Income | 272,691 | | Net Income Before Income Taxes | 174,640 | | Provision for (Recovery of) Income Taxes | (18,055) | | Net Income | \$
192,695 | {8}------------------------------------------------ ### **STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY** #### **YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021** | | Common
Stock | Retained
Earnings | | Total
Stockholders'
Equity | | |---------------------|-----------------|----------------------|---------|----------------------------------|---------| | Balance - Beginning | \$
170,000 | \$ | 56,729 | \$ | 226,729 | | Net Income | -- | | 192,695 | | 192,695 | | Balance - Ending | \$
170,000 | \$ | 249,424 | \$ | 419,424 | *The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements* {9}------------------------------------------------ ## **STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS** ### **YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021** #### **Cash Flow from Operating Activities:** | Net income | \$
192,695 | |----------------------------------------------------|---------------| | Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash | | | provided by (used in) operating activities: | | | PPP loan forgiveness | (247,645) | | Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | Receivables, clearing organization | (1,217) | | Receivables, officers | 2,027 | | Prepaid expenses and other assets | (78,544) | | Prepaid income taxes | (12,380) | | Right of use assets - operating leases | 59,169 | | Deferred taxes | (834) | | Accounts payable | 121 | | Income taxes payable | (2,171) | | Operating lease liabilities | (61,594) | | Net Cash used in Operating Activities | (150,373) | | Cash Flows from Investing Activities | -- | | Cash Flows from Financing Activities | | | SBA PPP loan proceeds received | 130,145 | | Net Cash from Financing Activities | 130,145 | | Net Decrease in Cash | (20,228) | | Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Year | 275,667 | | Cash and Cash Equivalemts - End of Year | \$
255,439 | | Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information: | | | Income taxes paid (refunded) | \$
(2,670) | | Interest expense paid | \$
812 | {10}------------------------------------------------ ### **NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ### **YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021** # **Note 1- General and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies** #### *General* I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers (the "Company") was incorporated in the state of California on June 7, 1989. The Company is a registered broker-dealer in securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"), and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation ("SIPC"). The Company is engaged in business as a securities broker-dealer. The majority of its income comes as an agent for principals in the buying and selling of municipal bonds. Under its membership agreement with FINRA and pursuant to SEC Rule 15c3-3(k)(2)(ii), the Company conducts business on a fully disclosed basis and does not execute or clear securities transactions for customers. Accordingly, the Company is exempt from the requirement of SEC Rule 15c3-3 pertaining to the possession or control of customer assets and reserve requirements. #### *Summary of Significant Accounting Policies* #### Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company has defined cash and cash equivalents as currency, demand deposits, and highly liquid investments, with original maturity of less than three months that are not held for sale in the ordinary course of business. #### Property, Plant and Equipment Expenditures for equipment and furniture and for renewals and betterments which extend the originally estimated economic life of assets are capitalized. Depreciation is provided on a straightline basis using estimated lives of five to ten years. Depreciation for federal income tax purpose on straight-line basis using the modified accelerated depreciation system. For the year ended December 31, 2021, no depreciation has been recorded as the Company's property, plant, and equipment have been fully depreciated. #### Right of Use Assets – Operating Leases The Company follows the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets as a right-of-use asset with a corresponding lease liability. The Company does not recognize right of use assets and liabilities for leases with a term of 12 months or less. {11}------------------------------------------------ ### **NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ### **YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021** ## **Note 1 - General and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)** *Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)* #### Income Taxes The Company is a C Corporation for Federal income and states of California and New Jersey franchise tax purposes. The amount of current and deferred taxes payable or refundable is recognized as of the date of the financial statements, utilizing the currently enacted tax laws and rates. The Company uses the asset and liability method as identified in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC")740, *Income Taxes.* #### Revenue Recognition The Company follows a five-step model to (a) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (b) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (c) determine the transaction price, (d) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (e) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies the performance obligation. #### Commissions The Company buys and sells municipal securities on behalf of its customers. Each time a customer enters into a buy or sell transaction, the Company charges a commission. Commissions and related clearing expenses are recorded on the trade date (the date that the Company fills the trade order by finding and contracting with a counterparty and confirms the trade with the customer). The Company believes that the performance obligation is satisfied on the trade date because that is when the underlying financial instrument or purchaser is identified, the pricing is agreed upon and the risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to/from the customer. The Company's only commission revenue is from buying and selling municipal securities; therefore, no disaggregation of revenue has been provided. #### Investments Marketable securities held by the Company are classified as trading securities and stated at their fair market value based on quoted market prices. Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest is recognized on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are reported on a first-in, first-out basis. Unrealized gains or losses on marketable securities are computed based on specific identification of recorded cost, with the change in fair value during the period included in income. {12}------------------------------------------------ ### **NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** #### **YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021** # **Note 1 - General and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)** *Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)* #### Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimated. #### Subsequent Events The Company has evaluated events subsequent to the balance sheet date for items requiring recording or disclosure in the financial statements. The evaluation was performed through the date of this report which is the date the financial statements were issued. Based upon this review, the Company has determined that there were no events which took place that would have impact on its financial statement. The Company entered into a thirty-six-month vehicle lease agreement on January 11, 2022 (see Note 7). ## **Note 2 - Deposit with Clearing Organization** The Company, under SEC Rule 15c3-3(k)(2)(ii), is exempt from the reserve and possession or control requirements of SEC Rule 15c3-3. The Company does not carry or clear customer accounts. Accordingly, all customer transactions are executed and cleared on behalf of the Company by its clearing broker on a fully disclosed basis. The Company's agreement with its clearing broker provides that as a clearing broker, the firm will make and keep such records of the transactions effected and cleared in the customer accounts as are customarily made and kept by a clearing broker pursuant to the requirements of Rule 17a-3 and 17a-4 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. The clearing Broker has custody of the certain cash balance maintained by the Company, which serve as collateral for any amounts due to the clearing broker. The balance at December 31, 2021 was \$56,483. {13}------------------------------------------------ ### **NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ### **YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021** ## **Note 3 - Receivables from and Payables to Clearing Organization** The Company recognizes revenue at trade date. This complies with the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board. In accordance with FASB ASC 940-20-45-3, the Company recorded the net Receivables for unsettles trades in the amount of \$8,217 as of December 31, 2021. The Company confirmed that all the unsettled trades cleared at the recorded amounts. No allowance for uncollectable is warranted. ## **Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements** The framework for measuring fair value provides a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). The three levels of fair value hierarchy under FASB ASC 820 are as follows: - Level 1 Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access. - Level 2 Inputs to the valuation methodology include: - quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; - quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in active markets; - input other than quoted prices that are observable for asset or liability; - inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 3 Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. The asset or liability's fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The preceding methods described may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, although the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. {14}------------------------------------------------ ### **NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** #### **YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021** ## **Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements (Continued)** Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value: Investment in limited liability company: Non-marketable investment in a limited liability partnership valued at fair value under FASB ASU 2016-01 which is expected to be zero. The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Company's assets at fair value as of December 31, 2021: | Assets | Fair Value | Level 1 Inputs | Level 2 Inputs | Level 3 Inputs | | |---------------------------|------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|--| | Investment in LLC | \$
-- | \$
-- | -- | -- | | | Total Value of Securities | \$
-- | \$
-- | \$
-- | \$
-- | | | Liabilities | Fair Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | | | Total | \$
-- | \$
-- | \$
-- | \$
-- | | There were no investment losses from securities owned, at market value, for the year ended December 31, 2021. ## **Note 5 - Investments, Other** The Company invested in a limited liability company, Municipal Bond Information Services, LLC ("MBIS"). As of December 31, 2021, the Company has contributed a total of \$122,000. The Company is a limited partner in this investment and is not exposed to losses in excess of their investment. The investment is valued at fair value which is expected to be zero. The investment was valued at zero for the previous year ended December 31, 2020 and there were no profit distributions for the year-ended December 31, 2021. {15}------------------------------------------------ ### **NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** #### **YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021** ## **Note 6** - **Income Taxes** The amount of current and deferred taxes payable or refundable is recognized as of the date of the financial statements, utilizing currently enacted tax laws and rates. Deferred tax expenses or benefits are recognized in the financial statements for the changes in deferred tax liabilities or assets between years. The current and deferred portion of the income tax expense included in the statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2021 is as follows: | | Current | Deferred | Total | |-------------------------------------|----------------|-------------|----------------| | Federal tax expense (recovery) | \$
(16,020) | \$
(669) | \$
(16,689) | | State tax expense (recovery) | (1,201) | (165) | (1,366) | | Total income tax expense (recovery) | \$
(17,221) | \$
(834) | \$
(18,055) | Deferred income taxes are the result of timing differences between book and taxable income. The significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2021 are: Deferred tax assets: | Operating loss carryover | \$
16,021 | |------------------------------|--------------| | Operating lease amortization | 3,119 | | Donations carryover | 2,260 | | Unrealized gains and losses | 410 | | Total | \$
21,810 | Management regularly evaluates the likelihood of realizing the benefit for income tax position taken by the Company in various federal and state filings by considering all relevant facts, circumstances, and information available. If management believes it is more likely than not that a position will be sustained, the Company will recognize a benefit at the largest amount which is cumulatively greater than fifty percent (50%) likely to be realized. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, as a component of the provision for income taxes. The Company has not recognized any contingencies for uncertain tax positions for the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company files Federal and state income tax returns. The statute of limitations for these jurisdictions is generally three to six years. The Company had no returns under examination as of December 31, 2021. {16}------------------------------------------------ ### **NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** #### **YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021** ## **Note 7 – Commitments** #### Operating Leases Operating leases are included in the right-of-use lease assets – operating leases and operating lease liabilities on the statement of financial condition. These assets and liabilities are recognized on the commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease terms using the implicit rate as the discount rate if it is readily determinable, otherwise the Company will use its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. Short-term operating leases, which have an initial term of 12 months or less, are not recorded on the Statement of Financial Condition. The Company is obligated under a sixty-four-month agreement dated August 10, 2018 that commenced on November 1, 2018 for its office space in Thousand Oaks, CA. Lease expense for the Thousand Oaks office space was \$50,210 for year ended December 31, 2021 and is reported on the Statement of Income, under Operating Expenses, Occupancy. The discount rate used to compute the lease liability and ROU asset at the commencement date of the lease is 10.42%, which is the implicit rate. The implicit rate was computed using current estimated market value data readily available to determine the current asset value, lease costs, and estimates the Company made of the residual asset value, based on historical average market value data readily available. The lease contains a renewal option for five years. Because the Company is not reasonably certain to exercise the renewal option, the optional period is not included in determining the lease term, and associated payments under the renewal option are excluded from lease payments. The Company is obligated under the terms of two non-concealable operating leases of automobiles. Lease expense for automobiles for the year ended December 31, 2021 was \$22,276 and is reported on the Statement of Income, under Operating Expenses, Travel and promotion. The discount rate used to compute the lease liabilities and ROU assets at the commencement date of the leases is the implicit rate in the leases, computed using current and residual asset values stated in the leases and the lease costs to compute the implicit rate. The implicit rates in the two automobile leases are 1.36% and 0.07%. The total of the commitments over the remaining non-concealable terms as follows: | Year ending December 31, | | |-----------------------------------|---------------| | 2022 | \$
66,231 | | 2023 | 61,855 | | 2024 | 9,646 | | Total undiscounted lease payments | 137,732 | | Less: imputed interest | 12,327 | | Total operating lease liabilities | \$
125,405 | {17}------------------------------------------------ ### **NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** #### **YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021** ## **Note 7 – Commitments (Continued)** Operating Leases (Continued) Other information related to leases as of December 31, 2021 is as follows: Supplemental cash flow information: Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flow from operating leases \$74,911 Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities information: Weighted average remaining operating lease term: 2 years Weighted average discount rate for operating leases:9.19% The Company leases various software under short term and month-to-month leases. Lease expense for short-term and month-to-month commitments was \$141,396 for the year ended December 31, 2021 and is reported on the Statement of Income, under Operating Expenses, Information, technology and communication. Short term and month-to-month leases are not included in the weighted averages listed above. #### SBA PPP Loans On April 24, 2020 the Company received loan proceeds in the amount of \$117,500 from City National Bank. pursuant to the Small Business Administration ("SBA") Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") under Division A, Title I of the CARES Act, which was enacted March 27, 2020. The loan was forgiven in its entirety on April 8, 2021. The Company also received a second PPP loan in the amount of \$130,145 on February 8, 2021 which was forgiven in its entirety on November 24, 2021. Income of \$247,645 from forgiveness of the two loans is reported on the Statement of Income, Other Income, Loan forgiveness for the year ended December 31, 2021. #### Grants On June 16, 2021 the Company received a grant in the amount of \$25,000 from the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. There are no repayment requirements. Income of \$25,000 from the grant is reported on the Statement of Income, Other Income, Grants for the year ended December 31, 2021. ## **Note 8 - Concentrations - Revenue** The Company received twenty four percent of its revenue from two customers. Twelve percent of revenue was generated from each customer. This concentration of revenue is material to the Company operations as a whole. {18}------------------------------------------------ ### **NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** #### **YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021** ## **Note 9 - Risk and Uncertainties** The Company's future operating results may be affected by a number of factors. The Company's operations are in part dependent on "mission critical systems" that ensure prompt and accurate processing of securities transactions, including order taking, entry, execution, comparison, allocation, clearance, and settlement of securities transactions. In the event of a significant disruption of electronic data exchange with customers and the Company's clearing firm, operations could be adversely affected. The worldwide outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) may lead to an adverse impact on the financial markets and the overall economy. In the event such an impact was to occur and last for a sustained period of time, the operations and financial performance of the Company may be adversely affected. At this point, however, the severity of such an event is highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. ## **Note 10 - Related Parties** The related parties to the Company are stockholders Stephen Stark and Mary Ann Stark. Transactions with related parties are limited to the use of the Company credit card. Throughout the year certain officer's personal expenses are paid by the Company. The advances are due on demand and do not bear interest and are repaid annually. There was a balance due of \$1,390 from the related parties for the year ended December 31, 2021 and is reported on the Statement of Financial Condition under Assets, Receivables, officers. ## **Note 11 - Guarantees** FASB ASC 460, Guarantees, requires the Company to disclose information about its obligations under certain guarantee agreements. FASB ASC 460 defines guarantees as contracts and indemnification agreements that contingently require a guarantor to make payments to the guaranteed party based on changes in an underlying factor (such as an interest or foreign exchange rate, security or commodity price, an index or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of a specific specified event) related to an asset, liability or equity security of a guaranteed party. This guidance also defines guarantees as contracts that contingently require the guarantor to make payments to the guaranteed party based on another entity's failure to perform under an agreement as well as indirect guarantees of indebtedness of others. The Company has issued no guarantees at December 31, 2021 or during the year then ended. ## **Note 12 - Net Capital Requirements** The Company is subject to Uniform Net Capital Rule pursuant to SEC Rule 15c3-1(a)(2): wherein the Company is not to permit its aggregate indebtedness to all other persons to exceed eight hundred (800) percent of its net capital and shall maintain a minimum net capital requirement of not less than \$150,000. Also, in accordance with SEC Rule 17a-11, the firm must maintain one hundred twenty (120) percent of its minimum net capital. Net capital as of December 31, 2021 was \$264,341. This exceeded minimum net capital requirements by \$114,341. {19}------------------------------------------------ ### **SCHEDULE I – COMPUTATION OF NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS PURSUANT TO SEC RULE 15c3-1** ### **AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021** There is no difference between the net capital computation shown here and the net capital computation shown on the Company's unaudited Form X-17A-5 report dated December 31, 2021. | Computation of net capital | | | |----------------------------------------------------------|---------------|---------------| | Common stock | \$
170,000 | | | Retained earnings | 249,424 | | | Total stockholders' equity | | \$
419,424 | | Receivables, officers | 1,390 | | | Prepaid expenses and other assets | 107,065 | | | Prepaid income taxes | 17,020 | | | Right of use assets - operating leases | 1,544 | | | Deferred taxes | 21,810 | | | Total non-allowable assets | | 148,829 | | Net capital before haircuts | | 270,595 | | Less: Haircuts on securities | | | | Haircuts on marketable securities | 4,516 | | | Undue concentration | 1,738 | | | Total haircuts on securities | | 6,254 | | Net Capital | | 264,341 | | Aggregate indebtedness | | | | Total liabilities | \$
162,796 | | | Less: Operating lease liabilities to extent of ROU asset | 113,252 | | | Aggregate indebtedness | \$
49,544 | | | Computation of basic net capital requirement | | | | Minimum net capital requirement: | | | | 6 2/3 percent of net aggregate indebtedness | \$
3,303 | | | or minimum dollar net capital requirement | 150,000 | | | Net capital required (greater of above) | | 150,000 | | Excess net capital | | \$
114,341 | | Ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital | | .19:1 | {20}------------------------------------------------ ### **SCHEDULE II - COMPUTATION FOR DETERMINATION OF RESERVE REQUIREMENTS PURSUANT TO SEC RULE 15c3-3** ### **AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021** A computation of reserve requirements is not applicable to I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers as the Company qualifies for exemption under SEC Rule 15c3-3(k)(2)(ii). {21}------------------------------------------------ ### **SCHEDULE III-INFORMATION RELATING TO THE POSSESSION AND CONTROL REQUIREMENTS UNDER SEC RULE 15c3-3 AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021** Information relating to possession or control requirements is not applicable to I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers as the Company qualifies for exemption under SEC Rule 15c3-3(k)(2)(ii). {22}------------------------------------------------ ### **SCHEDULE OF SECURITIES INVESTOR PROTECTION CORPORATION ASSESSMENTS AND PAYMENTS** ### **FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021** | | | Amount | | | |------------------------------------------------------------|----|---------|--|--| | Total assessment | \$ | 2,177 | | | | SIPC-6 general assessment | | | | | | Payment made on July 28, 2021 | | (1,066) | | | | SIPC-7 general assessment payment made on February 1, 2022 | | (1,111) | | | | Total assessment balance | | | | | | (overpayment carried forward) | \$ | - | | | {23}------------------------------------------------ ![](_page_23_Picture_0.jpeg) ## EXEMPTION REPORT I.E. Investments, Inc. dba Stark Municipal Brokers claims exemption under SEC Rule 15c3-3(k)(2)(ii), which states that the provisions of this rule shall not be applicable to a broker or dealer "who, as an introducing broker or dealer, clears all transactions with and for customers on a fully disclosed basis with another clearing broker or dealer." The firm met the identified exemption provisions throughout the most recent fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, without exception. Stephen Stark President / QEO Date Source: SEC EDGAR via Adviser Search (https://search.stillhousedata.com). Agents: see https://search.stillhousedata.com/llms.txt.