Do you file both business and personal taxes?

We handle all major business filings (Schedule C, 1120-S, 1065, 990) and your individual 1040. Everything stays in sync, and you don’t have to manage multiple vendors or repeat your numbers.

What makes your tax filing different from other firms or TurboTax?

Most preparers just enter numbers. We use the MERNA™ Method to analyze your entity, structure your deductions, and ensure every filing decision is proactive—not reactive. You’re not just getting a return. You’re getting a strategic document built to reduce your taxes long term.

Can you help if I’m behind on taxes?

Yes—we specialize in helping clients catch up. Whether it’s one year or five, we’ll build a clean-up plan, file accurate returns, and help you avoid penalties or reduce what you owe.

Do I need to clean my books before working with you?

No. We’ll clean up your bookkeeping as part of the filing process if needed. Messy books, missing 1099s, or past filing errors? We’ve got it covered.

How long does it take to file?

Once we receive all documents, most returns are completed and ready for your review in 7–10 business days. Rush filing is available during peak season.

Do you offer audit protection?

Yes. We document every deduction, reference IRS code where needed, and keep internal records that can support your return if the IRS ever asks questions. Our goal is not just filing—it’s filing with protection.

What’s the investment?

Each return is priced based on complexity. Basic business returns start around $750, while more advanced filings (S-Corp, multi-year cleanup, or strategy implementation) are quoted after a free assessment. Most clients see 3x–6x ROI in tax savings.

Montana 2026 Tax Changes — What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA ) and State Tax Cuts Mean for Residents

On January 1, 2026, the tax landscape for Montanans will undergo a historic and positive transformation. At the federal level, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has made the popular 2017 TCJA tax cuts permanent and introduced new beneﬁts, avoiding the feared “tax cliﬀ.”

This federal relief is ampliﬁed by Montana’s own recent tax cuts, which simpliﬁed the state’s brackets and lowered the top income tax rate to 5.9% starting in 2024. This creates a powerful “one-two punch” of tax savings for residents, ranchers, and business owners across Big Sky Country.

This guide provides a clear, localized breakdown of how these permanent federal and state tax laws will impact your income, business, and ﬁnancial strategy in 2026 and beyond.

Get a 2026 Montana Tax Strategy

The Double Win: Federal and State Tax Relief

Permanent Federal Relief from OBBBA

OBBBA has made the federal tax picture much brighter for all Americans, including Montanans.

Lower Federal Tax Brackets are PERMANENT: The lower individual income tax rates from the TCJA are here to stay. This is a crucial win for Montana’s working families, tourism professionals, and skilled trades.
The Federal Standard Deduction is PERMANENT: The higher federal standard deduction is also permanent, simplifying ﬁling and lowering federal taxable income for the majority of households.
The QBI Deduction is PERMANENT and ENHANCED (Federal Level): The 20% Qualiﬁed Business Income (QBI) Deduction is a permanent part of the federal tax code. While Montana does not have a state-level QBI, this remains a massive federal beneﬁt for the state's many small businesses, contractors, ranchers, and tourism operators.

Montana’s New, Lower State Tax Rates

While not new for 2026, Montana’s recent tax reform is a critical piece of the puzzle. The state replaced its old, multi-bracket system with a simpler two-bracket system and lowered the top rate from 6.75% to 5.9%.

👉 Montana Impact: This state-level tax cut provides signiﬁcant, permanent relief. When combined with the permanent federal cuts from OBBBA, it means Montanans will keep more of their hard-earned money at both the state and federal level.

New Federal Tax Breaks for Montana Residents

OBBBA also introduced several new federal deductions that will directly beneﬁt many in Montana:

Overtime Deduction: Deduct up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint ﬁlers) of qualiﬁed overtime pay—a great beneﬁt for workers in Montana’s construction, trades, and energy sectors.
Senior Deduction: An additional $6,000 deduction for individuals 65 and older (subject to phase-out).
Auto Loan Interest Deduction: Deduct up to $10,000 in interest on new personal vehicle loans from 2025-2028.

Montana-Speciﬁc Tax Considerations for 2026

A Major Win for Ranching, Agriculture, and Tourism

The permanent 20% federal QBI deduction is a huge beneﬁt for Montana’s core industries. Ranchers, farmers, outﬁtters, guides, and other tourism-based businesses can continue to rely on this powerful federal deduction to lower their tax burden. This provides much- needed certainty for businesses that are the lifeblood of the Montana economy.

Real Estate and STRs in High-Growth Areas

For property owners in booming markets like Bozeman, Missoula, Kalispell, and Big Sky, OBBBA brings welcome news. The 100% bonus depreciation for qualiﬁed property is now permanent. This allows real estate investors and STR hosts to immediately write oﬀ the cost of certain assets on their federal return, making strategies like cost segregation incredibly powerful.

Retirement Income in Montana

Montana taxes most forms of retirement income, including IRA and 401(k) distributions. The good news is that the permanent lower federal tax rates under OBBBA, combined with Montana’s new lower state rates, reduce the overall tax burden on these withdrawals, leaving more money in your pocket during your retirement years.

What Montana Taxpayers Should Do Now

Update Your Tax Plan: Your old strategy is obsolete. It’s time to build a new plan based on the dual beneﬁts of permanent federal cuts and Montana's lower state tax rates.
Integrate Federal and State Planning: Work with a professional who understands how to maximize permanent federal beneﬁts while leveraging Montana’s unique state tax advantages.
Maximize the Federal QBI Deduction: If you own a ranch, farm, or tourism business, ensure your structure is optimized to claim the full 20% federal QBI deduction.
Leverage Real Estate Beneﬁts: Plan your real estate investments in markets like Bozeman or Whiteﬁsh to take full advantage of permanent 100% bonus depreciation on your federal return.

Montana 2026 Tax FAQ

Does Montana conform to QBI?

No — QBI is federal-only.

Will Montana taxes rise?

Rates are unchanged, but taxable income rises due to federal changes.

Are families affected?

Yes — child credit reductions and higher taxable income reduce refunds.

Are STR owners impacted?

Yes — depreciation and participation rules tighten.

Are retirees affected?

Yes — federal bracket increases increase taxes on withdrawals.

Get Your Personalized 2026 Montana Tax Plan

The tax landscape has permanently shifted in your favor. Don’t operate on outdated assumptions. A personalized strategy session will ensure you are structured to maximize every new and permanent beneﬁt under OBBBA and Montana’s new, lower state tax rates.

Because tax situations vary by individual and business, many Montana residents choose to work with a qualified tax professional. You can explore available Montana tax services here:

How LLC Owners Save on Taxes in 2026

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