The 2023 Legislature passed House Bill 212, changing how business equipment is taxed in Montana. The new law increases the business equipment tax exemption from $300,000 to $1 million for tax year 2024.

Businesses whose statewide market value of equipment is $1 million or less are exempt from the business equipment tax. These businesses do not have a reporting requirement in 2024 unless: (1) they have acquired new personal property that would increase their equipment’s aggregate market value above the exemption amount; or (2) the department requests a personal property reporting form be completed.

Individuals and businesses owning business equipment (as of January 1, 2024) with an aggregate market value of more than $1 million statewide must report the equipment owned by March 1, 2024, to avoid a 20 percent penalty.

The department recently mailed letters to business owners with a known reporting requirement in 2024, letting them know it is time to report their business equipment online using the department’s TransAction Portal (TAP) at https://tap. dor.mt.gov. Online reporting forms are pre-populated with the business equipment reported in 2023. Owners will review the previously reported assets and make any needed additions and deletions. An immediate confirmation receipt will be sent after the report is submitted.

For more information, visit MTRevenue.gov or contact them at (406) 4446900 or email DORCustomerAssistance@ mt.gov.

The New Year is all about creating a new you. One of the best ways to be a “new you” is to become tobacco or nicotine-free. Quitting the use of commercial tobacco or nicotine products in any form is the best thing you can do for your health.

If you’re considering quitting, now is a great time to take that step. If you’ve already stopped even for one day, congratulate yourself and take a moment to appreciate what you have done!

“Quitting tobacco or nicotine can be the single most important step one can take to enhance the length and quality of their life. Regardless of the nicotine product or how long you’ve been using it, the Montana Tobacco Quit Line can help you quit,” stated A.J. Allen, Local Tobacco Education Specialist.

An effective way to quit any tobacco or nicotine product is to have a plan.

You do not have to do this alone! Having a support system in place will help you on your journey. Whether you prefer a group setting, online services, or to speak with someone over the phone, there is a cessation support program that’s right for you.

Once you join you will have free access to special tools, a supportive team of quit coaches, and a community of others trying to become tobacco-free. Expert coaches help you overcome common barriers such as dealing with stress, fighting cravings, coping with irritability, and controlling weight gain.

Montanans who use the Quit Line are 7 to 10 times more likely to successfully quit than those who try quitting on their own without the help of medications. The Quit Line offers free counseling with a certified quit coach, free nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, or lozenges) or quit medications to those who enroll and complete their first coaching session, and a personalized quit plan.

Are you a Montana teen who wants to quit? According to the 2021 Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey, among Montana high school students who had used tobacco in the last 12 months, 60% tried to quit.

My Life, My Quit, a specialized Quit Line program for Montanans under the age of 18, offers access to confidential coaching over chat, text, or phone to help quit all forms of commercial tobacco, including e-cigarettes.

The Quit Line also offers individualized programs for pregnant women who want to quit for their own health and the health of their baby, an American Indian program that connects callers with American Indian coaches, and a program specifically designed to support those with behavioral health conditions.

For more information, call or visit the following websites: Montana Tobacco Quit Line: 1-800-QUITNOW or QuitNowMontana. com, American Indian Commercial Tobacco Quit Line: 1-855-5AI-QUIT or MTAmercianIndianQuitLine. com, My Life, My Quit (Under 18): 1-855-891-9989 or MyLifeMyQuit.com.

Bob and Sharon Anderson of rural Scobey, have three grandchildren on college honor lists. At the University of Montana in Missoula, fall semester 2023, Jade Olson made the President’s List (4.0) and Jerrick Olson the Dean’s List (3.5 or higher). Their parents are Greg and Wendy Olson of Whitetail.

Taylor Christensen had a 4.0 at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, AZ. She is the daughter of Shelly and Kyle Christensen of Glen Ullin, ND.

Jan 15 – breakfast – bagels, cheese, fruit; lunch – tater tot casserole, bread sticks, corn, fruit Jan 16 – breakfast – pancake/ sausage wrap, fruit;

lunch – chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, buns, fruit Jan 17 – breakfast – cereal, pop tarts, yogurt; lunch – BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, fries, broccoli, fruit

Jan 18 – breakfast – breakfast burritos, juice; lunch – chicken wraps, chips, carrots, fruit

Sherie Anderberg, coordinator

Activities at the Senior Center on Main Street in Scobey (ph. 2434) include: Jan 11 – 50’s Music 1:30 2:30 p.m.

Jan 12 – cards 1-4 p.m Jan 15 – Martin Luther King Holiday – Closed

Jan 16 – bingo 12 noon Jan 17 – cards 1-4 p.m.; coffee hour 2 p.m.

Jan 18 – 50’s Music 1:30 2:30 p.m.

Jan 19 – cards 1-4 p.m. Jan 22 – SAIL (Staying Active in Life)10 a.m.; cards 1-4 p.m. Jan 23 – bingo 12 noon Jan 24 – cards 1-4 p.m.; coffee hour 2 p.m.

Menu

Jan 11 – fried chicken, potatoes, corn, roll, dessert

Jan 12 – chef’s choice Jan 15 – crunchy fish filet, twice baked potato casserole, carrots, cornbread, dessert Jan 16 – not available Jan 17 – meal provided by Rose and Marie’s Coffee Shop