Tax Advisors in Montana

AE Tax Advisors' Montana practice is led by Mark Simonsen, CPA, Managing Partner of the Northwest Region. Based in Montana, Mark and his team serve business owners, ranchers, real estate investors, and entrepreneurs across the state with advanced tax strategy that goes beyond standard compliance.

Montana Tax Landscape

Montana offers a unique tax environment for business owners. The state has no sales tax, which simplifies compliance for retail and service businesses. Montana's income tax applies to individuals and C corporations, while pass-through entities flow income to their owners. Understanding how these state-level rules interact with federal tax strategy is essential for minimizing total tax liability.

Services for Montana Clients

• Cost segregation studies for ranch properties, commercial buildings, STRs in Big Sky, Whitefish, Glacier, and Flathead Lake areas
• Entity structuring including S-Corp elections, holding companies, and multi-entity frameworks
• STR tax strategy with material participation planning and the 7-day rule under IRC Section 469
• Agricultural tax planning for ranchers and agricultural operators with seasonal income
• Retirement plan design including solo 401(k), SEP IRA, and defined benefit plans
• Prior-year amendment recovery for missed deductions and overlooked credits

Ranch and Agricultural Tax Strategy

Montana ranchers and agricultural operators face unique tax considerations. Income timing around commodity sales, equipment depreciation under Section 179, land use deductions, and conservation easements all factor into the optimal strategy. Mark Simonsen works with these clients to build plans that account for the cyclical nature of agricultural income.

Short-Term Rental Tax Planning

Montana's growing STR market in resort and tourism areas creates significant tax planning opportunities. Cost segregation combined with material participation under the 7-day rule can produce substantial deductions that offset active income for qualifying property owners.

Meet Your Montana Tax Advisor

Mark Simonsen, CPA is a Certified Public Accountant with deep roots in the Montana business community. As Managing Partner of the Northwest Region at AE Tax Advisors, he leads the firm's Mountain West practice. Learn more about Mark Simonsen.