Dark Horse CPAs
Education
California State University, Bakersfield BS, Accounting, 2011 
Vanguard University of Southern California Accounting, 2008 
Credentials
Your Billings CPA for Tax & Accounting Advisory
Billings is Montana’s largest business hub, with a strong economy built on energy, healthcare, agriculture, and small business growth. Whether you’re managing a family-owned business, investing in real estate, or planning for your financial future, your dedicated Billings CPA, Sarah Schiewe , is here to help.
As a Principal at Dark Horse CPAs, Sarah provides more than tax compliance. She delivers proactive tax planning, personalized accounting advisory, and business solutions tailored to Billings entrepreneurs, professionals, and families. From navigating IRS requirements to creating long-term strategies for growth, Sarah is a trusted partner committed to helping you achieve clarity and confidence in your finances.
Tax Strategy & Accounting Solutions for Montana Businesses
The Problem: Too many Montana business owners operate without timely, accurate financial data, or without the tax planning strategies that protect profits. Montana’s corporate income tax, property tax rules, and federal compliance requirements make tax planning essential for businesses in agriculture, healthcare, and energy. Without proactive guidance, businesses risk overpaying and underperforming.
At Dark Horse CPAs, we combine bookkeeping, tax compliance, and forward-looking tax strategy for Montana businesses. From managing Montana business tax filings and IRS requirements to providing cash flow planning, tax-smart growth strategies, and Fractional CFO-level advisory, we deliver the insight you need to make informed decisions. With our Advisory-First approach, you gain a trusted partner committed to your business success in Montana’s competitive market.
Sarah Schiewe, CPA, Principal
Running a business without accurate financial data is like driving blindfolded. You need a CPA who connects financial performance with tax strategy and acts as a trusted partner, handling accounting so you can focus on growth.
Tax Strategy & Compliance for Montana Locals
The Problem: Many Billings residents wait until tax time to uncover surprises, whether it’s owing more than expected, receiving a smaller refund, or realizing they missed opportunities to save. And while Montana has no sales tax, individuals must still navigate state income tax, property taxes, and federal filings, which can be complex without the right advisor.
At Dark Horse CPAs, we believe in No Surprises. We work year-round with Billings individuals and families to reduce tax liability, ensure compliance, and plan ahead. From Montana state income tax filings to real estate, retirement, and investment planning, every engagement includes personalized tax strategy so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Sarah Schiewe, CPA, Principal
Simply preparing tax returns is a disservice to those seeking our help as CPAs. I understand the trust my clients place in me and strive to provide actionable, understandable advice to achieve their financial goals. You are more than just a name on a form and deserve to be treated as such.
I’m very satisfied with the service provided by Mark Kuca. I don’t usually leave business reviews (I’m basically a review hermit), but their effort and professionalism were exceptional. If you’re a small business owner looking for honest, reliable, high-quality service, I highly recommend him.
After years of feeling underwhelmed by every tax professional I worked with, we finally found Chris Ries at Dark Horse. We did a wide search for a CPA who could handle both our business and personal needs. Chris stood out from the start. He's not just deeply knowledgeable about tax law - he's genuinely thoughtful and strategic in how he applies it to your specific situation. What truly sets Chris apart is how responsive and engaged he is throughout the entire year. Our strategy sessions allowed us to get ahead of issues long before tax season, which made the whole process significantly smoother and less stressful.
You won’t find a more reliable, honest, or trustworthy CPA to work with than Mark. I would give this company more than five stars if I could. Highly recommend him and his services.
Chris is exceptional. He is far more professional, clear in his communication, and knowledgeable than any CPA I’ve worked with. He has expertly managed both my personal and business tax needs and consistently goes above and beyond—helping me make informed, strategic decisions well in advance of future tax filings. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Earlier this year, I was presented with the opportunity to purchase a company in San Francisco and needed a highly qualified business and tax accountant to guide me through the process. After many interviews, I was introduced to Chris and the Dark Horse team—and I’m extremely glad I was. Chris has been consistently responsive, deeply knowledgeable in corporate taxes, and generous with his expertise. He’s taught me a great deal, always looks out for my best interests, and approaches his work with both professionalism and integrity. I am 1000% satisfied with his services—and on top of that, he’s genuinely a great human to work with. My experience with Dark Horse was so positive that I also hired a fractional CFO through them, Susan Snowden, who has been equally impressive. I highly recommend Chris and the Dark Horse team. If you’re looking for smart, trustworthy professionals who truly know their stuff and care about their clients, you won’t go wrong with Chris or Susan.
Provides great service. Very professional. Very responsive to questions and inquiries. Very punctual, I would highly recommend their services.
I’m very satisfied with the service provided by Mark Kuca. I don’t usually leave business reviews (I’m basically a review hermit), but their effort and professionalism were exceptional. If you’re a small business owner looking for honest, reliable, high-quality service, I highly recommend him.
After years of feeling underwhelmed by every tax professional I worked with, we finally found Chris Ries at Dark Horse. We did a wide search for a CPA who could handle both our business and personal needs. Chris stood out from the start. He's not just deeply knowledgeable about tax law - he's genuinely thoughtful and strategic in how he applies it to your specific situation. What truly sets Chris apart is how responsive and engaged he is throughout the entire year. Our strategy sessions allowed us to get ahead of issues long before tax season, which made the whole process significantly smoother and less stressful.
You won’t find a more reliable, honest, or trustworthy CPA to work with than Mark. I would give this company more than five stars if I could. Highly recommend him and his services.
Chris is exceptional. He is far more professional, clear in his communication, and knowledgeable than any CPA I’ve worked with. He has expertly managed both my personal and business tax needs and consistently goes above and beyond—helping me make informed, strategic decisions well in advance of future tax filings. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Earlier this year, I was presented with the opportunity to purchase a company in San Francisco and needed a highly qualified business and tax accountant to guide me through the process. After many interviews, I was introduced to Chris and the Dark Horse team—and I’m extremely glad I was. Chris has been consistently responsive, deeply knowledgeable in corporate taxes, and generous with his expertise. He’s taught me a great deal, always looks out for my best interests, and approaches his work with both professionalism and integrity. I am 1000% satisfied with his services—and on top of that, he’s genuinely a great human to work with. My experience with Dark Horse was so positive that I also hired a fractional CFO through them, Susan Snowden, who has been equally impressive. I highly recommend Chris and the Dark Horse team. If you’re looking for smart, trustworthy professionals who truly know their stuff and care about their clients, you won’t go wrong with Chris or Susan.
Provides great service. Very professional. Very responsive to questions and inquiries. Very punctual, I would highly recommend their services.
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