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!

It’s easy to focus on the excitement of a big win. But before you spend lottery, gambling or other winnings, be sure you...
08/14/2026

It’s easy to focus on the excitement of a big win. But before you spend lottery, gambling or other winnings, be sure you understand the tax impact. Federal tax law generally treats such winnings as taxable income. Knowing the basic rules can help you avoid surprises when you file your 2026 return next year. For example, if you win more than $5,000, generally the payer (lottery agency, casino, etc.) will withhold 24% for federal tax purposes — which may or may not be enough to cover your tax liability — and send you and the IRS a Form W-2G showing the winnings paid and tax withheld. There also might be state tax consequences. Call us at (406) 248-1040 to learn more.

Effective job costing can help business owners make smarter pricing and budgeting decisions. By tracking the direct labo...
08/12/2026

Effective job costing can help business owners make smarter pricing and budgeting decisions. By tracking the direct labor, materials and overhead tied to specific jobs or projects, you gain a clearer picture of profitability and operational efficiency. Without accurate data, it’s easy to underprice work, overlook cost overruns or misjudge your most profitable services. We can help you set up practical costing methods that improve financial insight and support better decision-making. Call us at (406) 248-1040 for more information.

Your tax, retirement and estate planning shouldn’t be done separately. Decisions in one area can affect the others, espe...
08/11/2026

Your tax, retirement and estate planning shouldn’t be done separately. Decisions in one area can affect the others, especially as tax laws, financial circumstances and long-term goals evolve. We can help keep these important drivers of financial security in sync by providing coordinated strategies for managing taxes, supporting retirement objectives and preserving wealth for future generations. Contact us at (406) 248-1040 to get started.

Business owners: Are you or your employees planning to go “back to school” soon? Two types of work-related education cos...
08/10/2026

Business owners: Are you or your employees planning to go “back to school” soon? Two types of work-related education costs may qualify for business tax breaks: 1) those required to retain an existing job, license or professional status, and 2) those directly tied to maintaining or improving skills for a current trade or business. Deductible expenses can include tuition, books, supplies and possibly travel if the primary purpose of the trip is business-related education. However, you can’t deduct costs for education that help meet the minimum qualifications for a position or to qualify for a new trade or business. Contact us at (406) 248-1040 to learn the ABCs of work-related education expense deductions.

If you and your spouse operate a profitable, unincorporated small business, you face some unique tax issues. The IRS wil...
08/07/2026

If you and your spouse operate a profitable, unincorporated small business, you face some unique tax issues. The IRS will generally classify your business as a partnership for federal tax purposes. So, you’ll have to file an annual partnership return and both you and your spouse must receive Schedules K-1, which allocate taxable income, deductions and credits between the two of you. You must also pay self-employment (SE) tax on your share of the net SE income passed through to you by the spousal partnership. Your spouse must do the same. The bottom line: Turn to us to keep your business in compliance with the IRS while you and your spouse keep the business running smoothly. Contact us at (406) 248-1040.

Tax returns and financial statements are important. But you know we can do so much more, right? Think of us as your year...
08/05/2026

Tax returns and financial statements are important. But you know we can do so much more, right? Think of us as your year-round, human source of practical guidance. We can help you better understand the ups and downs of your cash flow, spot opportunities to cut costs or improve profitability, and plan for growth with greater confidence. Call us at (406) 248-1040 to learn more and get the strategic support you need to achieve your business goals.

If you have a traditional pension and are approaching retirement, get ready to make some decisions! Pension plans usuall...
08/04/2026

If you have a traditional pension and are approaching retirement, get ready to make some decisions! Pension plans usually give retirees a choice between receiving payouts as a lump sum or an annuity. A lump-sum distribution allows you to invest the money as you see fit. Annuity payments can provide guaranteed income for life. Call us at (406) 248-1040 to discuss the costs, risks and advantages of each option.

Accurate bookkeeping and timely accounting records provide the foundation for informed decisions throughout the year. Wh...
08/03/2026

Accurate bookkeeping and timely accounting records provide the foundation for informed decisions throughout the year. When your books are current and reliable, it’s easier to manage cash flow, identify operational issues and jump on growth opportunities. Contact us at (406) 248-1040 for help streamlining your financial reporting processes and reducing year-end surprises.

Contributions to Section 530A accounts (also known as Trump Accounts) are now eligible for the gift tax annual exclusion...
07/31/2026

Contributions to Section 530A accounts (also known as Trump Accounts) are now eligible for the gift tax annual exclusion. If, for example, you contribute cash (including via check or EFT) to a child or grandchild’s account, that contribution won’t be subject to the federal gift tax or related reporting requirements, as long as your total gifts to the child for the year don’t exceed $19,000. Note that contributions from most sources are limited to $5,000 per year (not including the initial federal government contribution of $1,000 if the child qualifies), per Section 530A account. Also, the recipient must be under age 18 at the end of the tax year. Have questions? Call us at (406) 248-1040.

Did you know that if you have seriously delinquent tax debt, you could lose your passport? The IRS can “certify” unpaid ...
07/29/2026

Did you know that if you have seriously delinquent tax debt, you could lose your passport? The IRS can “certify” unpaid federal tax debts over $66,000 (adjusted annually for inflation) to the U.S. State Department, which may deny a passport application or renewal — or even revoke your current passport — until your tax issues are resolved. If you’re overseas, you might receive only a limited-validity passport to return to the United States. Unpaid federal tax debt includes individual income taxes, trust fund recovery penalties, business taxes for which taxpayers are personally liable and other civil penalties. Contact us at (406) 248-1040 for details.

Address

1925 Central Avenue
Billings, MT
59102

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+14062481040

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