Rebranding at Gardner & Billing CPAs!

We're in the process of rebranding, so watch for more changes coming your way, like this sharp new letterhead logo!

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Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) – Frequently Asked Questions

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Montana Workers’ Compensation Laws for Independent Contractors from the Department of Labor & Industry What are Montana’s workers’ compensation laws for independent contractors? The law requires independent contractors to obtain either an independent contractor exemption certificate or self-elected coverage under a Montana workers’ compensation insurance policy. Refer to MCA, 39-71-417 . What is the purpose of an independent contractor exemption certificate? It allows an independent contractor to waive all their rights and benefits that would otherwise be provided by a workers’ compensation insurance policy. If an independent contractor were to suffer a work-related injury or occupational disease while performing the occupations specified on the certificate, they would not be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. The certificate concludes the person’s status is conclusively presumed to be that of an independent contractor. Refer to MCA, 39-71-417(7) . What is the purpos...
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IRS Announces Extension on Replacement of Livestock Due to Drought Declarations

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IRS: Drought-stricken farmers, ranchers have more time to replace livestock WASHINGTON − Farmers and ranchers who were forced to sell livestock due to drought may have an additional year to replace the livestock and defer tax on any gains from the forced sales, according to the Internal Revenue Service. To qualify for relief, the farm or ranch must be in an applicable region. This is a county or other jurisdiction designated as eligible for federal assistance plus counties contiguous to it. Notice 2020-74 , posted today on IRS.gov, lists applicable regions in 46 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories.  For Montana, the designated counties are Beaverhead, Broadwater, Gallatin, Jefferson, Madison and Powder River. The relief generally applies to capital gains realized by eligible farmers and ranchers on sales of livestock held for draft, dairy or breeding purposes. Sales of other livestock, such as those raised for slaughter or held for sporting purposes, ...
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Get Ready for Taxes: What to do before the tax year ends Dec. 31

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WASHINGTON –The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers there are things they should do now to get ready for the tax-filing season ahead. Charitable Contributions For most taxpayers, Dec. 31 is the last day to take actions that will impact their 2019 tax return. For example, those who plan to itemize deductions should know that charitable contributions are deductible in the year made. Donations charged to a credit card before the end of 2019 count for the 2019 tax year, even if the bill isn’t paid until 2020. Checks to a charity count for 2019 if they are mailed by the last day of the year. Retirement Plans and Contributions Taxpayers who are over age 70 ½ are generally required to take distributions from their individual retirement accounts and workplace retirement plans by the end of 2019. However, a special rule allows those who reached 70 ½ in 2019 to wait until April 1, 2020, to receive them. Most workplace retirement account contributions should be made by the end of the ...
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