Montana Tax Simplification Changes Now in Effect For 2024 Returns
Helena — Montana taxpayers preparing their 2024 tax returns will notice the impact of Senate Bill 399 which was passed by the 2021 Legislature. The bill simplifies the state’s tax system by aligning it more closely with the federal system meaning Montana taxable income now begins with federal taxable income. These tax changes could affect your overall tax liability even if your income remains the same. To help taxpayers adjust the Montana Department of Revenue updated its wage withholding tables which are used by employers and payroll providers to determine state income tax withholdings. (More)
Fired Montana Forest Service Workers Return
Washington D.C. — President Donald trumps’ Elon Musk led DOGE fired 360-Montana U.S. Forest Service workers last month but now it looks like they’re going back to work–at least temporarily. The Federal Merit Systems Protection Board has directed the USDA which is the largest federal employer in Montana to reinstate them immediately. Many of them serve as “fire militia” who are pressed into service when wildfires threaten their areas of operations.
Federal Funding Cuts Lead FEMA to Cancel National Fire Academy Courses
Helena — The country’s main federal fire training academy has canceled classes because of funding freezes and staffing cuts by the Trump administration. According to a notice from FEMA sent to instructors students and fire departments including those affected in Montana all future travel is also canceled.
Montana Gas Prices Have Risen 10 Weeks in a Row
Statewide — Montana gasoline prices have increased 10 weeks in a row going up 6.1 cents per gallon of regular in the last week alone. Gas prices in Montana are now 13.9 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. Montana is currently ranked 11th in the country when it comes to the average price of gas which is three spots higher than last week. According to Gas Buddy dot com the typical seasonal rise in gas prices has yet to materialize and if and when it does it may be considerably smaller than expected.
More Montana Headlines:
Helena — Carroll College women’s basketball players are delivering 250 Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors in the Helena community daily. In addition 5,600 meals are served to seniors in Lewis and Clark Jefferson and Broadwater counties combined through the tri-county distribution program.
Billings — Billings officially celebrated the opening of a new Amazon delivery station Monday. The $23 million investment in the 40,000-square-foot building has already employed around 80 people and provided work for over 90 drivers. The facility known as MT3 is only the second of its kind in Montana.
Statewide — The Worthy Ranch which focuses on providing a safe space for human trafficking and domestic abuse victims to recover is looking for ranch land in Montana to expand into the Treasure State. The nonprofit has been run in Montana as a pilot program the past few years offering different options for healing which include self-worth tests and equine therapy.
Helena — Renewing your driver’s license in Montana is essential to maintain your legal driving status and the Montana Motor Vehicle Division has updated its requirements for 2025 to streamline the renewal process. Montana driver’s licenses are typically valid for eight years for adults aged 21 to 67. For individuals 68 and older licenses are valid for four years.
Helena — The city of Helena and Helena Public Schools are mulling changes to the route of the historic Vigilante Parade which brings thousands downtown. Establishing a permanent parade route is a topic the city has been soliciting feedback on as they work to improve their special events application process. It’s been suggested a permanent one would help make the application process more efficient.
