Billings, MT CPA alternative
A local, federally-licensed IRS Enrolled Agent firm handling tax planning, tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and IRS representation for Billings small businesses — at a fraction of the cost of a traditional CPA firm.
1643 24th St W Ste 102, Billings, MT 59102
Why searchers looking for a Billings CPA end up here
When most Billings small business owners search for a CPA firm, what they actually need is a good tax pro — someone who keeps the books clean, files the returns right, and lowers the tax bill through year-round planning. All of that is exactly what an IRS Enrolled Agent does.
Enrolled Agents (EAs) are licensed directly by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Unlike a CPA license (which is issued by a state board and covers a broad accounting scope including financial statement audits), the EA credential is federal and specialized in taxation. On tax matters, EAs and CPAs have identical unlimited representation rights before the IRS.
For a Montana small business, that usually means the same quality of tax and accounting work at a lower price point — because a specialized EA firm doesn't carry the overhead of a full-service CPA practice.
What a Billings small business actually needs
Most Billings owners need four things done well: monthly bookkeeping, timely payroll, year-round tax planning, and accurate business + personal returns. Marlow Accounting handles all four under one roof, coordinated so nothing slips through the cracks between different providers.
You get one point of contact — Cory Marlow, EA — direct access by call, text, or email, and clear monthly reports written for a business owner, not another accountant.
When you genuinely need a CPA firm
There are a few real cases where a CPA firm is the right call: a bank or investor requires audited or reviewed financial statements, you have SEC filings, or a government contract mandates CPA-signed reports. If that's you, we'll refer you to a trusted Billings CPA firm — and we can still handle your bookkeeping, tax planning, and returns alongside them at a lower monthly cost.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a CPA firm in Billings, MT for my small business?
- For most small businesses in Billings, no. You need clean bookkeeping, proactive tax planning, and accurate tax returns — all of which an IRS Enrolled Agent handles. A CPA firm is typically only required when a bank, investor, or regulator specifically demands audited or reviewed financial statements.
- Is an Enrolled Agent as good as a CPA firm for taxes in Montana?
- For tax preparation, tax planning, and IRS representation, yes. Enrolled Agents are licensed federally by the U.S. Treasury and hold the same unlimited IRS representation rights as CPAs.
- How much do Billings CPA firms typically charge vs Marlow Accounting?
- Local Billings CPA firms typically bill hourly and often run $200–$400/hr for partner time. Marlow Accounting bills a fixed monthly price — bookkeeping starts at $300/month, payroll at $300/month, complete plans at $500/month. You know what you'll pay before the month starts.
- Where is your office in Billings?
- 1643 24th St W, Ste 102, Billings MT 59102 — on the West End, minutes from downtown and I-90.
- Can you represent me before the IRS if I get audited?
- Yes. Enrolled Agents have unlimited representation rights before the IRS in all 50 states — audits, collections, appeals, and any office or examination matter.
Ready to talk?
Call, schedule online, or drop by the office. No pressure, no cost for the first conversation.