Colleen Black & Co CPA

06/16/2026

Has administrative complexity discouraged your business from offering a 401(k) plan? Take a look at the safe harbor 401(k). The employer contribution obligation generally exempts the plan from nondiscrimination testing and other onerous administrative duties. Plus, this plan enables highly compensated employees to max out their contributions and can help attract and retain workers. Typically, employees are eligible to participate if they're age 21 or older and have at least one year of service. Call us (406) 248-1040 for details.

06/15/2026

While the thresholds for the 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT) have remained unchanged since the NIIT went into effect in 2013, taxpayer incomes have generally grown significantly. So more taxpayers are getting hit with this additional tax. The NIIT applies to the lesser of your net investment income or the amount by which your modified adjusted gross income exceeds the applicable threshold. And it kicks in long before the top short- and long-term capital gains rates apply. We can help you manage potential NIIT exposure. Contact us at (406) 248-1040.

06/12/2026

Boat owners may qualify for federal income tax breaks — but only if the boat meets specific requirements. For example, a vessel with sleeping, cooking and toilet facilities could qualify as a home for the mortgage interest itemized deduction. Itemizers may also be able to deduct eligible state and local sales tax paid on a boat, subject to applicable limits. Vessels used in bona fide businesses, such as charter fishing or sightseeing, can generate deductible business expenses. Before assuming your boat delivers tax savings, contact us at (406) 248-1040 to learn more. We can help determine your vessel’s eligibility and provide guidance on substantiating any write-offs.

06/11/2026

Serving our clients is a privilege, and we're proud to help individuals and businesses navigate their tax and accounting needs.

If you believe we've earned it, we'd be grateful for your nomination in the Readers Choice Awards. You may nominate us under 'services' Best Tax Prep and for Connor Larson, CPA under 'people' Best Accountant.

Thank you

🏆 Readers’ Choice 2026 Nominations Are OPEN!
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Make your voice count and nominate today!
👉 Submit your nominations here: go.billingsgazette.com/RC26?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_Billings_Gazette

06/10/2026

If you’d like to arrange for a transfer of wealth through multiple generations, consider a dynasty trust. Assets are taxed just once, when they’re initially transferred to the trust. There’s no estate or generation-skipping transfer tax due on any subsequent appreciation in value. A drawback is that the trust is irrevocable. This means it generally can never be revised. Call us at (406) 248-1040 for more details.

06/09/2026

An IRS levy is a legal action that allows the agency to seize your property to pay a tax debt. This can include taking funds from your bank accounts, garnishing your wages or claiming other assets, such as your car or house, to cover your tax balance. Levies don’t happen without warning. They generally happen after multiple notices and missed deadlines. Additionally, the IRS must send you a Final Notice of Intent to Levy and give you the right to request a hearing. If you receive notice of a levy, don’t ignore it! Acting quickly may help you prevent or release a levy. We’re here to help. Call us at (406) 248-1040.

06/08/2026

If you rent out your primary residence or vacation home for no more than 14 days, you don’t have to report the income. (But you can’t deduct related expenses, such as advertising and cleaning.) If you rent it out for more than 14 days, the income is taxable. And you may be able to deduct expenses such as utilities, repairs, insurance and depreciation. Exactly what you can deduct depends on personal vs. rental use. The rules are complex, but tax savings opportunities are available. Call us at (406) 248-1040 to learn more.

06/05/2026

Are rental real estate activities eligible for the qualified business income (QBI) deduction? The answer is a distinct “maybe.” This tax break allows eligible sole proprietors and owners of “pass-through” entities to deduct up to 20% of QBI. Pass-through entities include partnerships, S corporations and most limited liability companies. However, income from a rental real estate activity is QBI only if the activity rises to the level of a trade or business or meets an IRS safe harbor, which generally requires separate records, sufficient rental services and specific documentation. Various limits and other restrictions also apply. Call us at (406) 248-1040 to learn more.

06/03/2026

In strategic planning, it can be hard for business owners to step back and evaluate opportunities objectively. An external advisory board can offer fresh, independent perspectives and seasoned guidance, especially when handling high-stakes, complex transactions. A board’s involvement can elevate professionalism, strengthen credibility with stakeholders and support smarter long-term decisions. Contact us at (406) 248-1040 to explore how creating an advisory board, or optimizing your current one, can help your business grow.

06/02/2026

Trying to catch up? Employees age 50 and older are allowed to make extra, “catch-up” contributions to their 401(k) and similar plans. In 2026, you can generally contribute an additional $8,000, for an annual maximum of $32,500. And, if you turn age 60, 61, 62 or 63 this year, you can contribute up to $35,750! However, there’s a catch. Recent tax law changes require certain high earners to invest catch-up contributions in a post-tax Roth account, such as a Roth 401(k). This may require additional planning. Call us at (406) 248-1040 to discuss how to reach your retirement savings goals.