Dear Clients,

Not a lot of changes are happening with the 2023 tax year.  I hope you received your state income tax rebate and property tax rebate if you were due them.  Those payments do not need to be reported to the government.

There will be a major change to Montana’s tax return in 2024, if you don’t itemize on Federal return you won’t itemize on Montana because Montana will be starting with the Federal taxable income amount.  Montana filing status will also match the Federal status.  The first thing most will see is that the tax withheld on wages and retirements will be generally lower (unless you are using a fixed amount or a %).  I hope that this change does not adversely affect the 2024 tax returns.  We’ll have to see what else the Department of Revenue comes up with later this year. 

We will continue to offer various ways for you to give us your tax documents.  Please feel free to include any notes, comments, or questions you may have, and I will call you or enclose a written answer with your tax return.  You may give us your data via:

1. Drop it off, inside the office, at the front counter.
2. We are recommending that you no longer email us documents, but you can upload them through ShareFile. Please contact us and we will provide you with our private link.
3. Mail.
4. Drop it into the locked cabinet just inside the front doors. Folders are available if needed.
5. Drop it into the new larger locked mailbox located at the back door.

I will call you if I have any questions about your documents.  If you feel it necessary to talk to me in person, please call for an appointment.    

We will endeavor to complete your tax return within 14-21 business days.  It is vital that we receive ONLY the required documents listed on the enclosed Questionnaire, so we don’t have a lot of papers to mail back to you or to sort through.  

Here are options, for picking up and signing your tax return:

1. Pick up inside the office at the front counter.
2. Mailed to you, with enclosed instructions for returning the required signature form.
3. Electronically sent to you, with enclosed instructions.

Please use the enclosed Questionnaire to provide us the information for your personal deductions. 

Be aware that any tax information brought in after March 20th could result in an extension.  The extension is only an extension of time to file, NOT an extension of time to pay your taxes.  The IRS and the State of Montana will charge interest and penalties if payments do not accompany the extension form if you owe.  I can create the accompanying payment form, if you so desire.

I want to thank you all for helping me complete another successful year in business.  All of us look forward to seeing you in 2024.

Sincerely,

Terry L. Atwood, CPA

Privacy Statement

Protecting your privacy is at the core of our business. We have a Code of Ethics and Conduct designed to prevent misuse of this information. Your personal information from your tax organizers, worksheets, questionnaires, applications, financial documentation, interview and telephone conversations are not disclosed to anyone, except as required by law or to facilitate filing your tax return. We value your trust and handle your information with care. We update and test our security and electronic security safeguards. We educate our employees about the importance of confidentiality and customer privacy through standard operating procedures. We encourage you to call, write or email us if you have any questions about your privacy.

Terry L. Atwood
Certified Public Accountant