SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization - Tidelands Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated on January 31, 2002 to serve as a bank holding company for its subsidiary, Tidelands Bank (the “Bank”). The Company operated as a development stage company from January 31, 2002 to October 5, 2003. Tidelands Bank commenced business on October 6, 2003. The principal business activity of the Bank is to provide banking services to domestic markets, principally in Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley, Horry, Georgetown, Beaufort and Jasper counties in South Carolina. The Bank is a state-chartered commercial bank, and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its wholly-owned subsidiary after elimination of all significant intercompany balances and transactions. The Company formed Tidelands Statutory Trust I and Tidelands Statutory Trust II on February 22, 2006 and June 20, 2008, respectively, for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. In accordance with current accounting guidance, the Trusts are not consolidated in these financial statements. As further discussed in Note 18, on December 19, 2008, as part of the Capital Purchase Program established by the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, the Company issued 14,448 preferred shares and a common stock warrant to purchase 571,821 shares in return for $14.4 million in cash, to the U.S. Department of Treasury. Management’s Estimates - The preparation of consolidated 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 income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for losses on loans, including valuation allowances for impaired loans, and the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans. In connection with the determination of the allowances for losses on loans and foreclosed real estate, management obtains independent appraisals for significant properties. Management must also make estimates in determining the estimated useful lives and methods for depreciating premises and equipment. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans and foreclosed real estate, future additions to the allowances may be necessary based on changes in local economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowance for losses on loans and valuation of foreclosed real estate. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additions to the allowances based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. Because of these factors, it is reasonably possible that the allowance for losses on loans and valuation of foreclosed real estate may change materially in the near term. Concentrations of Credit Risk - Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of loans receivable, investment securities, federal funds sold and amounts due from banks. The Company makes loans to individuals and small businesses for various personal and commercial purposes primarily in the Charleston metropolitan area (which includes Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley counties), Horry, Georgetown, Jasper and Beaufort counties, and additional markets along the South Carolina coast. The Company’s loan portfolio is not concentrated in loans to any single borrower or a relatively small number of borrowers. Additionally, management is not aware of any concentrations of loans to classes of borrowers or industries that would be similarly affected by economic conditions. In addition to monitoring potential concentrations of loans to particular borrowers or groups of borrowers, industries and geographic regions, management monitors exposure to credit risk from concentrations of lending products and practices such as loans that subject borrowers to substantial payment increases (e.g., principal deferral periods, loans with initial interest-only periods, etc.), and loans with high loan-to-value ratios. Additionally, there are industry practices that could subject the Company to increased credit risk should economic conditions change over the course of a loan’s life. For example, the Company makes variable rate loans and fixed rate principal-amortizing loans with maturities prior to the loan being fully paid (i.e., balloon payment loans). These loans are underwritten and monitored to manage the associated risks. Therefore, management believes that these particular practices do not subject the Company to unusual credit risk. The Company’s investment portfolio consists principally of obligations of the United States and its agencies or its corporations. In the opinion of management, there is no concentration of credit risk in its investment portfolio. The Company places its deposits and correspondent accounts with and sells its federal funds to high quality institutions. Management believes credit risk associated with correspondent accounts is not significant. Securities Available-for-Sale - Securities available-for-sale are carried at amortized cost and adjusted to estimated market value by recognizing the aggregate unrealized gains or losses in a valuation account. Aggregate market valuation adjustments are recorded in shareholders’ equity net of deferred income taxes. Reductions in market value considered by management to be other than temporary are reported as a realized loss and a reduction in the cost basis of the security. The adjusted cost basis of investments available-for-sale is determined by specific identification and is used in computing the gain or loss upon sale. Nonmarketable Equity Securities - Nonmarketable equity securities include the cost of the Company’s investment in the stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank and stock in community bank holding companies. The Federal Home Loan Bank stock has no quoted market value and no ready market exists. Investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank is a condition of borrowing from the Federal Home Loan Bank, and the stock is pledged to collateralize such borrowings. Dividends received on this stock are included as interest income on securities available-for-sale. Loans Receivable - Loans are stated at their unpaid principal balance. Interest income on loans is computed based upon the unpaid principal balance. Interest income is recorded in the period earned. The accrual of interest income is generally discontinued when a loan becomes contractually 90 days past due as to principal or interest. Management may elect to continue the accrual of interest when the estimated net realizable value of collateral exceeds the principal balance and accrued interest. A payment of interest on a loan that is classified as nonaccrual is applied against the principal balance. Nonaccrual loans may be restored to performing status when all principal and interest has been kept current for six months and full repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest is expected. Loan origination and commitment fees are deferred and amortized to income over the contractual life of the related loans or commitments, adjusted for prepayments, using the straight-line method, which approximates the interest method. Loans are defined as impaired when it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. All loans are subject to these criteria except for smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and loans measured at fair value or at the lower of cost or fair value. The Company considers its consumer installment portfolio, credit card loans, and home equity lines as such exceptions. Impairment of a loan is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. When management determines that a loan is impaired, the difference between the Company’s investment in the related loan and the present value of the expected future cash flows, or the fair value of the collateral, is generally charged off with a corresponding entry to the allowance for loan losses. The accrual of interest is discontinued on an impaired loan when management determines the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due. Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”)— The Company designates loan modifications as TDRs when, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, it grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. Loans on nonaccrual status at the date of modification are initially classified as nonaccrual TDRs. Loans on accruing status at the date of modification are initially classified as accruing TDRs at the date of modification, if the note is reasonably assured of repayment and performance is in accordance with its modified terms. Such loans may be designated as nonaccrual loans subsequent to the modification date if reasonable doubt exists as to the collection of interest or principal under the restructuring agreement. Nonaccrual TDRS are returned to accruing status when there is economic substance to the restructuring, there is well documented credit evaluation of the borrower’s financial condition, the remaining balance is reasonably assured of repayment in accordance with its modified terms, and the borrower has demonstrated repayment performance in accordance with the modified terms for a reasonable period of time (generally a minimum of six months). Allowance for Loan Losses - An allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level deemed appropriate by management to provide adequately for known and inherent losses in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses represents an amount which the Company believes will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible in the future. The Company’s judgment as to the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on a number of assumptions about future events, which the Company believes to be reasonable, but which may or may not prove to be accurate. The Company’s determination of the allowance for loan losses is based on evaluations of the collectability of loans, including consideration of factors such as the balance of impaired loans, the quality, mix, and size of the Company’s overall loan portfolio, economic conditions that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the amount and quality of collateral securing the loans, the Company’s historical loan loss experience, and a review of specific problem loans. The Company also considers subjective issues such as changes in the lending policies and procedures, changes in the local/national economy, changes in volume or type of credits, changes in volume/severity of problem loans, quality of loan review and board of director oversight, concentrations of credit, and peer group comparisons. Loans which are deemed to be uncollectible are charged off and deducted from the allowance. The provision for loan losses and recoveries of loans previously charged off are added to the allowance. Our analysis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) indicates that the level of the allowance for loan losses is appropriate to cover estimated credit losses on individually evaluated loans as well as estimated credit losses inherent in the remainder of the portfolio. Residential Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale - The Company’s residential mortgage lending activities for sale in the secondary market are comprised of accepting residential mortgage loan applications, qualifying borrowers to standards established by investors, funding residential mortgage loans and selling mortgage loans to investors under pre-existing commitments. Funded residential mortgages held temporarily for sale to investors are recorded at the lower of cost or market value. Application and origination fees collected by the Company are recognized as income upon sale to the investor. The Company issues rate lock commitments to borrowers based on prices quoted by secondary market investors. When rates are locked with borrowers, a sales commitment is immediately entered (on a best efforts basis) at a specified price with a secondary market investor. Accordingly, any potential liabilities associated with rate lock commitments are offset by sales commitments to investors. Premises, Furniture and Equipment - Premises, furniture and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. The provision for depreciation is computed by the straight-line method, based on the estimated useful lives for furniture and equipment of five to 10 years and buildings of 40 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the leases, which range up to 40 years. The cost of assets sold or otherwise disposed of and the related allowance for depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and the resulting gains or losses are reflected in the income statement when incurred. Maintenance and repairs are charged to current expense. The costs of major renewals and improvements are capitalized. Other Real Estate Owned - Other real estate is acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure and is held for sale. It is initially recorded at fair value less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Revenue and expenses from operations are included within noninterest expense as part of other operating expense. Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase - The Bank enters into sales of securities under agreements to repurchase. Fixed-coupon repurchase agreements are treated as financing, with the obligation to repurchase securities sold being reflected as a liability and the securities underlying the agreements remaining as assets. Income Taxes - Income taxes are the sum of amounts currently payable to taxing authorities and the net changes in income taxes payable or refundable in future years. Income taxes deferred to future years are determined utilizing a liability approach. This method gives consideration to the future tax consequences associated with differences between financial accounting and tax bases of certain assets and liabilities which are principally the allowance for loan losses, depreciable premises and equipment, and the net operating loss carry forward. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance, if based on the weight of evidence available, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company believes that its income tax filing positions taken or expected to be taken in its tax returns will more likely than not be sustained upon audit by the taxing authorities and does not anticipate any adjustments that will result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded. Retirement Plan - The Company has a 401(k) profit sharing plan, which provides retirement benefits to substantially all officers and employees who meet certain age and service requirements. The plan includes a “salary reduction” feature pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, the Company maintains supplemental retirement plans for certain highly compensated employees designed to offset the impact of regulatory limits on benefits under qualified pension plans. There are supplemental retirement plans in place for certain current employees. Effective June 30, 2010, the executive officers agreed to cease further benefit accrual under the contracts and will only be entitled to receive benefits accrued through June 30, 2010. Bank Owned Life Insurance - Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) represents life insurance on the lives of certain current and former employees who have provided positive consent allowing the Bank to be the beneficiary of such policies. The Bank purchases BOLI in order to use its earnings to help offset the costs of the Bank’s benefit expenses including pre- and post-retirement employee benefits. Increases in the cash surrender value (“CSV”) of the policies, as well as death benefits received net of any CSV, are recorded in other non-interest income, and are not subject to income taxes. The CSV of the policies are recorded as assets of the Bank. Any amounts owed to employees from policy benefits are recorded as liabilities of the Bank. The Company reviews the financial strength of the insurance carriers prior to the purchase of BOLI and annually thereafter. BOLI with any individual carrier is limited to 15% of tier one capital and BOLI in total is limited to 25% of tier one capital based on Company policy. The Bank is currently not in compliance with this policy. Stock Option Plan - On May 10, 2004, the Company established the 2004 Tidelands Bancshares, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (“Stock Plan”) that provides for the granting of options to purchase 20% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock to directors, officers, or employees of the Company. The per-share exercise price of incentive stock options granted under the Stock Plan may not be less than the fair market value of a share on the date of grant and vest based on continued service with the Company for a specified period, generally two to five years following the date of grant. The per-share exercise price of stock options granted is determined by a committee appointed by the Board of Directors. The expiration date of any option may not be greater than 10 years from the date of grant. Options that expire unexercised or are forfeited become available for reissuance. Employee Stock Ownership Plan - The Company established the Tidelands Bancshares, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) for the exclusive benefit of all eligible employees and their beneficiaries subject to authority to amend, from time to time, or terminate, the ESOP. The ESOP is primarily designed to invest in common stock of the Company and is permitted to purchase Company common stock with contributions to the ESOP made by the Company. Also, the ESOP is permitted to borrow money and use the loan proceeds to purchase Company common stock. The money and Company common stock in the ESOP is intended to grow tax free until retirement, death, permanent disability or other severance of employment with the Company. When an employee retires, he/she will receive the value of the accounts that have been set up for the contributions to the ESOP. An employee may also be eligible for benefits in the event of death, permanent disability or other severance from employment with the Company. The employee must pay taxes when the money is paid following one of these events or any other distributable event described in the ESOP unless it is transferred to another tax-qualified retirement plan or an IRA. Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic earnings (loss) per share represent income (loss) available to common shareholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive earnings (loss) per share reflect additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate solely to outstanding stock options and warrants and are determined using the treasury stock method. Weighted average shares outstanding are reduced for shares encumbered by the ESOP borrowings. Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Accounting principles generally require that recognized income, expenses, gains, and losses be included in net income (loss). Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet, such items, along with net income (loss), are components of comprehensive income (loss). Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments - In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit. These financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they become payable by the customer. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements - The following is a summary of recent authoritative pronouncements that could impact the accounting, reporting, and / or disclosure of financial information by the Company. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended the Comprehensive Income topic of the ASC in February 2013. The amendment addresses reporting of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income. Specifically the amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, the amendments do require an entity to provide information about the accounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, in certain circumstances an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. The amendments will be effective for the Company on a prospective basis for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements. Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Risks and Uncertainties - In the normal course of its business, the Company encounters two significant types of risks: economic and regulatory. There are three main components of economic risk: interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. The Company is subject to interest rate risk to the degree that its interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice at different speeds, or on different basis, than its interest-earning assets. Credit risk is the risk of default on the loan portfolio that results from borrower’s inability or unwillingness to make contractually required payments. Market risk reflects changes in the value of collateral underlying loans receivable and the valuation of real estate held by the Company. The Company is subject to the regulations of various governmental agencies. These regulations can and do change significantly from period to period. Periodic examinations by the regulatory agencies may subject the Company to further changes with respect to asset valuations, amounts of required loss allowances and operating restrictions from the regulators’ judgments based on information available to them at the time of their examination. Reclassifications - Certain captions and amounts in the 2012 financial statements were reclassified to conform to the 2013 presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on shareholders’ equity or results of operations as previously presented.

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization - Tidelands Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated on January 31, 2002 to serve as a bank holding company for its subsidiary, Tidelands Bank (the “Bank”). The Company operated as a development stage company from January 31, 2002 to October 5, 2003. Tidelands Bank commenced business on October 6, 2003. The principal business activity of the Bank is to provide banking services to domestic markets, principally in Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley, Horry, Georgetown, Beaufort and Jasper counties in South Carolina. The Bank is a state-chartered commercial bank, and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its wholly-owned subsidiary after elimination of all significant intercompany balances and transactions. The Company formed Tidelands Statutory Trust I and Tidelands Statutory Trust II on February 22, 2006 and June 20, 2008, respectively, for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. In accordance with current accounting guidance, the Trusts are not consolidated in these financial statements. As further discussed in Note 18, on December 19, 2008, as part of the Capital Purchase Program established by the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, the Company issued 14,448 preferred shares and a common stock warrant to purchase 571,821 shares in return for $14.4 million in cash, to the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Management’s Estimates - The preparation of consolidated 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 income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for losses on loans, including valuation allowances for impaired loans, and the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans. In connection with the determination of the allowances for losses on loans and foreclosed real estate, management obtains independent appraisals for significant properties. Management must also make estimates in determining the estimated useful lives and methods for depreciating premises and equipment.

While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans and foreclosed real estate, future additions to the allowances may be necessary based on changes in local economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowance for losses on loans and valuation of foreclosed real estate. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additions to the allowances based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. Because of these factors, it is reasonably possible that the allowance for losses on loans and valuation of foreclosed real estate may change materially in the near term.

Concentrations of Credit Risk - Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of loans receivable, investment securities, federal funds sold and amounts due from banks.

The Company makes loans to individuals and small businesses for various personal and commercial purposes primarily in the Charleston metropolitan area (which includes Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley counties), Horry, Georgetown, Jasper and Beaufort counties, and additional markets along the South Carolina coast. The Company’s loan portfolio is not concentrated in loans to any single borrower or a relatively small number of borrowers. Additionally, management is not aware of any concentrations of loans to classes of borrowers or industries that would be similarly affected by economic conditions.

In addition to monitoring potential concentrations of loans to particular borrowers or groups of borrowers, industries and geographic regions, management monitors exposure to credit risk from concentrations of lending products and practices such as loans that subject borrowers to substantial payment increases (e.g., principal deferral periods, loans with initial interest-only periods, etc.), and loans with high loan-to-value ratios. Additionally, there are industry practices that could subject the Company to increased credit risk should economic conditions change over the course of a loan’s life. For example, the Company makes variable rate loans and fixed rate principal-amortizing loans with maturities prior to the loan being fully paid (i.e., balloon payment loans). These loans are underwritten and monitored to manage the associated risks. Therefore, management believes that these particular practices do not subject the Company to unusual credit risk.

The Company’s investment portfolio consists principally of obligations of the United States and its agencies or its corporations. In the opinion of management, there is no concentration of credit risk in its investment portfolio. The Company places its deposits and correspondent accounts with and sells its federal funds to high quality institutions. Management believes credit risk associated with correspondent accounts is not significant.

Securities Available-for-Sale - Securities available-for-sale are carried at amortized cost and adjusted to estimated market value by recognizing the aggregate unrealized gains or losses in a valuation account. Aggregate market valuation adjustments are recorded in shareholders’ equity net of deferred income taxes. Reductions in market value considered by management to be other than temporary are reported as a realized loss and a reduction in the cost basis of the security. The adjusted cost basis of investments available-for-sale is determined by specific identification and is used in computing the gain or loss upon sale.

Nonmarketable Equity Securities - Nonmarketable equity securities include the cost of the Company’s investment in the stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank and stock in community bank holding companies. The Federal Home Loan Bank stock has no quoted market value and no ready market exists. Investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank is a condition of borrowing from the Federal Home Loan Bank, and the stock is pledged to collateralize such borrowings. Dividends received on this stock are included as interest income on securities available-for-sale.

Loans Receivable - Loans are stated at their unpaid principal balance. Interest income on loans is computed based upon the unpaid principal balance. Interest income is recorded in the period earned.

The accrual of interest income is generally discontinued when a loan becomes contractually 90 days past due as to principal or interest. Management may elect to continue the accrual of interest when the estimated net realizable value of collateral exceeds the principal balance and accrued interest. A payment of interest on a loan that is classified as nonaccrual is applied against the principal balance. Nonaccrual loans may be restored to performing status when all principal and interest has been kept current for six months and full repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest is expected.

Loan origination and commitment fees are deferred and amortized to income over the contractual life of the related loans or commitments, adjusted for prepayments, using the straight-line method, which approximates the interest method.

Loans are defined as impaired when it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. All loans are subject to these criteria except for smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and loans measured at fair value or at the lower of cost or fair value. The Company considers its consumer installment portfolio, credit card loans, and home equity lines as such exceptions.

Impairment of a loan is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. When management determines that a loan is impaired, the difference between the Company’s investment in the related loan and the present value of the expected future cash flows, or the fair value of the collateral, is generally charged off with a corresponding entry to the allowance for loan losses. The accrual of interest is discontinued on an impaired loan when management determines the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due.

Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”)— The Company designates loan modifications as TDRs when, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, it grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. Loans on nonaccrual status at the date of modification are initially classified as nonaccrual TDRs. Loans on accruing status at the date of modification are initially classified as accruing TDRs at the date of modification, if the note is reasonably assured of repayment and performance is in accordance with its modified terms. Such loans may be designated as nonaccrual loans subsequent to the modification date if reasonable doubt exists as to the collection of interest or principal under the restructuring agreement. Nonaccrual TDRS are returned to accruing status when there is economic substance to the restructuring, there is well documented credit evaluation of the borrower’s financial condition, the remaining balance is reasonably assured of repayment in accordance with its modified terms, and the borrower has demonstrated repayment performance in accordance with the modified terms for a reasonable period of time (generally a minimum of six months).

Allowance for Loan Losses - An allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level deemed appropriate by management to provide adequately for known and inherent losses in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses represents an amount which the Company believes will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible in the future. The Company’s judgment as to the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on a number of assumptions about future events, which the Company believes to be reasonable, but which may or may not prove to be accurate. The Company’s determination of the allowance for loan losses is based on evaluations of the collectability of loans, including consideration of factors such as the balance of impaired loans, the quality, mix, and size of the Company’s overall loan portfolio, economic conditions that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the amount and quality of collateral securing the loans, the Company’s historical loan loss experience, and a review of specific problem loans. The Company also considers subjective issues such as changes in the lending policies and procedures, changes in the local/national economy, changes in volume or type of credits, changes in volume/severity of problem loans, quality of loan review and board of director oversight, concentrations of credit, and peer group comparisons. Loans which are deemed to be uncollectible are charged off and deducted from the allowance. The provision for loan losses and recoveries of loans previously charged off are added to the allowance. Our analysis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) indicates that the level of the allowance for loan losses is appropriate to cover estimated credit losses on individually evaluated loans as well as estimated credit losses inherent in the remainder of the portfolio.

Residential Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale - The Company’s residential mortgage lending activities for sale in the secondary market are comprised of accepting residential mortgage loan applications, qualifying borrowers to standards established by investors, funding residential mortgage loans and selling mortgage loans to investors under pre-existing commitments. Funded residential mortgages held temporarily for sale to investors are recorded at the lower of cost or market value. Application and origination fees collected by the Company are recognized as income upon sale to the investor.

The Company issues rate lock commitments to borrowers based on prices quoted by secondary market investors. When rates are locked with borrowers, a sales commitment is immediately entered (on a best efforts basis) at a specified price with a secondary market investor. Accordingly, any potential liabilities associated with rate lock commitments are offset by sales commitments to investors.

Premises, Furniture and Equipment - Premises, furniture and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. The provision for depreciation is computed by the straight-line method, based on the estimated useful lives for furniture and equipment of five to 10 years and buildings of 40 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the leases, which range up to 40 years. The cost of assets sold or otherwise disposed of and the related allowance for depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and the resulting gains or losses are reflected in the income statement when incurred. Maintenance and repairs are charged to current expense. The costs of major renewals and improvements are capitalized.

Other Real Estate Owned - Other real estate is acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure and is held for sale. It is initially recorded at fair value less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Revenue and expenses from operations are included within noninterest expense as part of other operating expense.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase - The Bank enters into sales of securities under agreements to repurchase. Fixed-coupon repurchase agreements are treated as financing, with the obligation to repurchase securities sold being reflected as a liability and the securities underlying the agreements remaining as assets.

Income Taxes - Income taxes are the sum of amounts currently payable to taxing authorities and the net changes in income taxes payable or refundable in future years. Income taxes deferred to future years are determined utilizing a liability approach. This method gives consideration to the future tax consequences associated with differences between financial accounting and tax bases of certain assets and liabilities which are principally the allowance for loan losses, depreciable premises and equipment, and the net operating loss carry forward. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance, if based on the weight of evidence available, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company believes that its income tax filing positions taken or expected to be taken in its tax returns will more likely than not be sustained upon audit by the taxing authorities and does not anticipate any adjustments that will result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded.

Retirement Plan - The Company has a 401(k) profit sharing plan, which provides retirement benefits to substantially all officers and employees who meet certain age and service requirements. The plan includes a “salary reduction” feature pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Additionally, the Company maintains supplemental retirement plans for certain highly compensated employees designed to offset the impact of regulatory limits on benefits under qualified pension plans. There are supplemental retirement plans in place for certain current employees. Effective June 30, 2010, the executive officers agreed to cease further benefit accrual under the contracts and will only be entitled to receive benefits accrued through June 30, 2010.

Bank Owned Life Insurance - Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) represents life insurance on the lives of certain current and former employees who have provided positive consent allowing the Bank to be the beneficiary of such policies. The Bank purchases BOLI in order to use its earnings to help offset the costs of the Bank’s benefit expenses including pre- and post-retirement employee benefits. Increases in the cash surrender value (“CSV”) of the policies, as well as death benefits received net of any CSV, are recorded in other non-interest income, and are not subject to income taxes. The CSV of the policies are recorded as assets of the Bank. Any amounts owed to employees from policy benefits are recorded as liabilities of the Bank. The Company reviews the financial strength of the insurance carriers prior to the purchase of BOLI and annually thereafter. BOLI with any individual carrier is limited to 15% of tier one capital and BOLI in total is limited to 25% of tier one capital based on Company policy. The Bank is currently not in compliance with this policy.

Stock Option Plan - On May 10, 2004, the Company established the 2004 Tidelands Bancshares, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (“Stock Plan”) that provides for the granting of options to purchase 20% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock to directors, officers, or employees of the Company. The per-share exercise price of incentive stock options granted under the Stock Plan may not be less than the fair market value of a share on the date of grant and vest based on continued service with the Company for a specified period, generally two to five years following the date of grant. The per-share exercise price of stock options granted is determined by a committee appointed by the Board of Directors. The expiration date of any option may not be greater than 10 years from the date of grant. Options that expire unexercised or are forfeited become available for reissuance.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan - The Company established the Tidelands Bancshares, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) for the exclusive benefit of all eligible employees and their beneficiaries subject to authority to amend, from time to time, or terminate, the ESOP. The ESOP is primarily designed to invest in common stock of the Company and is permitted to purchase Company common stock with contributions to the ESOP made by the Company. Also, the ESOP is permitted to borrow money and use the loan proceeds to purchase Company common stock. The money and Company common stock in the ESOP is intended to grow tax free until retirement, death, permanent disability or other severance of employment with the Company. When an employee retires, he/she will receive the value of the accounts that have been set up for the contributions to the ESOP. An employee may also be eligible for benefits in the event of death, permanent disability or other severance from employment with the Company. The employee must pay taxes when the money is paid following one of these events or any other distributable event described in the ESOP unless it is transferred to another tax-qualified retirement plan or an IRA.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic earnings (loss) per share represent income (loss) available to common shareholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive earnings (loss) per share reflect additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate solely to outstanding stock options and warrants and are determined using the treasury stock method. Weighted average shares outstanding are reduced for shares encumbered by the ESOP borrowings.

Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Accounting principles generally require that recognized income, expenses, gains, and losses be included in net income (loss). Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet, such items, along with net income (loss), are components of comprehensive income (loss).

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments - In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit. These financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they become payable by the customer.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements - The following is a summary of recent authoritative pronouncements that could impact the accounting, reporting, and / or disclosure of financial information by the Company.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended the Comprehensive Income topic of the ASC in February 2013. The amendment addresses reporting of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income. Specifically the amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, the amendments do require an entity to provide information about the accounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, in certain circumstances an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. The amendments will be effective for the Company on a prospective basis for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Risks and Uncertainties - In the normal course of its business, the Company encounters two significant types of risks: economic and regulatory. There are three main components of economic risk: interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. The Company is subject to interest rate risk to the degree that its interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice at different speeds, or on different basis, than its interest-earning assets. Credit risk is the risk of default on the loan portfolio that results from borrower’s inability or unwillingness to make contractually required payments. Market risk reflects changes in the value of collateral underlying loans receivable and the valuation of real estate held by the Company.

The Company is subject to the regulations of various governmental agencies. These regulations can and do change significantly from period to period. Periodic examinations by the regulatory agencies may subject the Company to further changes with respect to asset valuations, amounts of required loss allowances and operating restrictions from the regulators’ judgments based on information available to them at the time of their examination.

Reclassifications - Certain captions and amounts in the 2012 financial statements were reclassified to conform to the 2013 presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on shareholders’ equity or results of operations as previously presented.