Colleen Black & Co CPA

Colleen Black & Co CPA Voted Billings Best Accounting Firm 2024! 7th time in the last 12! Thank you Billings. Voted Billings Best Accounting Firm 4 years in a row!

Cryptocurrency holders: Be alert for a new IRS impersonation scam. Fraudsters are mailing fake IRS letters directing rec...
10/09/2026

Cryptocurrency holders: Be alert for a new IRS impersonation scam. Fraudsters are mailing fake IRS letters directing recipients to a bogus “Digital Asset Compliance Portal.” The letters instruct recipients to scan a QR code that leads to a fraudulent website designed to look like IRS.gov. The site may ask for personal information, cryptocurrency wallet details, or exchange account credentials that criminals can use to steal identities or digital assets. If you receive one of these letters, don’t respond. Report any suspicious communication to the IRS immediately. If you have questions about an IRS notice or digital asset reporting, we’re here to help. Contact us at (406) 248-1040.

Do you donate thousands of dollars to charity each year? Do you miss out on the itemized charitable deduction because yo...
10/07/2026

Do you donate thousands of dollars to charity each year? Do you miss out on the itemized charitable deduction because you don’t have enough total itemized deductions to exceed your standard deduction? Consider “bunching” most of your donations into alternating years. By combining two years of gifts into one year, you may push your itemized deductions above your standard deduction and get a greater tax benefit from your charitable giving — even with the new deduction for nonitemizers starting in 2026. Contact us at (406) 248-1040 for help determining if you can benefit from this strategy.

The IRS says you’re deceased, but you’re very much alive. It sounds unbelievable, but this unusual situation can happen ...
10/06/2026

The IRS says you’re deceased, but you’re very much alive. It sounds unbelievable, but this unusual situation can happen when an incorrect Social Security number (SSN) is entered on your tax return or when Social Security Administration (SSA) records mistakenly indicate that you or your spouse have died. If you receive IRS Notice CP01H, verify that the SSN on the return in question matches your Social Security card. If it does, contact the SSA to see whether its records need to be corrected. Then follow the notice instructions to unlock your IRS account. Call us at (406) 248-1040 for help resolving this issue promptly.

Giving away assets during your life can reduce the size of your taxable estate. One option is to pay someone’s tuition o...
10/05/2026

Giving away assets during your life can reduce the size of your taxable estate. One option is to pay someone’s tuition or medical expenses. Such payments can be gift-tax-free — but only if you make them directly to a qualifying educational institution or medical provider. (Advancing the funds to a loved one or reimbursing previously paid expenses doesn’t count.) Unlike making gifts under the gift tax annual exclusion ($19,000 per recipient for 2026), there’s no limit on the amount of tuition or medical expenses you can pay tax-free. Call us at (406) 248-1040 to learn more about lifetime gifts.

Employers: The IRS recently updated its FAQs on the qualified overtime pay tax deduction for employees created in 2025. ...
10/02/2026

Employers: The IRS recently updated its FAQs on the qualified overtime pay tax deduction for employees created in 2025. The guidance provides new details on how you must identify, calculate and report qualified overtime income. For example, it clarifies that only FLSA-mandated overtime premiums qualify, notifies employers that separate reporting on Forms W-2 is required beginning in 2026, and confirms that overtime pay remains subject to federal income tax withholding. These changes may call for payroll system updates and a closer review of employee classifications and overtime practices. Call us for help preparing for the new requirements.

You probably have retirement questions: How much should I save before I quit working? When should I start taking Social ...
09/30/2026

You probably have retirement questions: How much should I save before I quit working? When should I start taking Social Security benefits? Can I retire before Medicare coverage kicks in? What about taxes in retirement? We can provide you with answers based on your individual financial circumstances and retirement goals. Contact us at (406) 248-1040.

Avoid underpayment penalties by staying on top of estimated tax payments and paycheck withholding. If you expect to owe ...
09/29/2026

Avoid underpayment penalties by staying on top of estimated tax payments and paycheck withholding. If you expect to owe at least $1,000 in taxes after subtracting credits and withholding, quarterly estimated payments may be required. Withholding and estimated payments must generally cover 90% of this year’s tax or 100% of last year’s tax (or 110%, depending on your income). Unsure if you’re on track? Let’s review your situation now to help avoid surprises when you file your 2026 return next year. Call us at (406) 248-1040.

As a small business owner, it’s easy to think of a succession plan as involving only two people: you and your successor....
09/28/2026

As a small business owner, it’s easy to think of a succession plan as involving only two people: you and your successor. But a smooth transition may also require support from managers and other key employees. Communicating thoughtfully about your intentions and progress can help build confidence, reduce uncertainty and keep the business moving forward. Contact us at (406) 248-1040 for help addressing the tax, financial and strategic aspects of your plan.

Wondering how Sec. 530A accounts (also known as Trump Accounts) may be invested? The IRS has issued proposed regulations...
09/25/2026

Wondering how Sec. 530A accounts (also known as Trump Accounts) may be invested? The IRS has issued proposed regulations clarifying the investment options allowed during the “growth period.” This period begins when the beneficiary’s initial account is established and ends on Dec. 31 of the year the child turns 17. During this time, eligible investments generally include mutual funds or exchange-traded funds that track an equity index of mainly U.S. companies, don’t use leverage, and have annual fees and expenses of no more than 0.1% of the fund’s balance. The proposed regulations would apply to tax years starting on or after Jan. 1, 2026. Call us at (406) 248-1040 with questions.

The IRS is more likely to audit certain types of businesses, such as those that are primarily cash-based. Although you p...
09/23/2026

The IRS is more likely to audit certain types of businesses, such as those that are primarily cash-based. Although you probably can’t change the nature of your transactions, you can control the accuracy of your tax returns. Minimize errors by maintaining meticulous documentation. Generally, you should keep tax records for at least three years — the normal statute of limitations for an IRS adjustment. And don’t try to go it alone: Call us at (406) 248-1040 for help reducing the likelihood of attracting IRS scrutiny, as well as for support if your tax return is ever questioned.

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1925 Central Avenue
Billings, MT
59102

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Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 12pm

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+14062481040

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