The Firm of Gardner & Billing, CPAs PLLC

IR-2019-01, January 7, 2019 WASHINGTON ― Despite the government shutdown, the Internal Revenue Service today confirmed that it will process tax returns beginning January 28, 2019 and provide refunds to taxpayers as scheduled. “We are committed to ensuring that taxpayers receive their refunds notwithstanding the government shutdown. I appreciate the hard work of the employees and their commitment to the taxpayers during this period,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. Congress directed the payment of all tax refunds through a permanent, indefinite appropriation (31 U.S.C. 1324), and the IRS has consistently been of the view that it has authority to pay refunds despite a lapse in annual appropriations. Although in 2011 the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directed the IRS not to pay refunds during a lapse, OMB has reviewed the relevant law at Treasury’s request and concluded that IRS may pay tax refunds during a lapse. The IRS will be recalling a significant port...

The Federal Motor Carrier Administration announced the opening of the 2019 UCR registration program as of December 27, 2018.   The UCR Program requires individuals and companies that operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce to register their business and pay an annual fee based on the size of their fleet. This includes motor carriers of property, both for hire and private, whether or not they are considered exempt carriers for purposes of federal regulation.   Commercial vehicles engaged only in travel within the state of Montana are not required to register.   Due to late opening of 2019 registration, the registration enforcement date has been extended to April 1, 2019. The new UCR National Registration System ( www.ucr.gov ) makes online registration and payment quick and easy.   For support or questions, call 1-833-UCR-PLAN or send an email to helpdesk@ucr.gov .    If you need any assistance or have questions as to filing...

The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act has brought changes in tax law, many of which may have impacted your withholding calculations.   The IRS is still perfecting the Form W4 which helps you and your employer withhold the correct amount from your paycheck.  If you discover at tax time that your income tax is now significantly under or over withheld, you may wish to complete a new Form W-4 to adjust your withholding. Forms W4 completed before 2018 may no longer be accurate to your tax situation, so if it's been a while since you completed one, it's a good idea to get it updated now.   In addition, MT Dept of Revenue has released a separate Form MW-4 to calculate state income tax withholding and warns that the federal Form W-4 should no longer be used for this purpose.  This means you must now complete two separate withholding forms when you start a new job.  Please advise your employer if you wish to adjust your federal or state income tax withholding for 20...

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit with us during the Christmas Stroll. Including our $50 match on the winning bid and some generous public donations, our Christmas Wreath Silent Auction raised over $150 to benefit the Kid's Food Bag Foundation! We hope you enjoyed your stroll!

Bidding is open on our Christmas Wreath Silent Auction! Proceeds from this beautiful fresh wreath will benefit the local Kid's Food Bag Foundation, which provides a little extra sustenance to kids in our community. Plus, Gardner & Billing CPAs will match the final bid up to $50! You can bid by commenting on the original Facebook post, or stop by in person until 6:30pm on the night of the stroll! We hope you'll help us support a great local charity

Gardner & Billing CPAs wish you  a lovely Thanksgiving holiday.   Our office will be closed Thursday, November 22nd and Friday, November 23rd so that we can all enjoy time with family.   Reopen Monday, November 26th with regular hours.   Enjoy the long weekend~