A Montana CPA You Can Actually Talk To
Sarah Schiewe, CPA
TITLE
Principal
HOMETOWN
Pine Mountain Club, CA
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
16
EDUCATION
Life is like accounting; everything must be balanced.
— Unknown
Sarah Schiewe has been an accountant since the age of eight. And no, this wasn't forced child labor, but rather a natural inclination and interest that started with tracking her allowance, which turned into reading personal finance books which turned into an accounting degree, a CPA license and a fulfilling career.
The aspect of her career she finds most fulfilling is working with small business owners to help them understand their finances, taxes and business performance. She then empowers them to use that knowledge to make more money and keep more from Uncle Sam. Seeing these business owners go from a state of fear and overwhelm to one of confident sophistication is what makes her day.
When she's not balancing the books, you might find her referencing a cookbook (not to be confused with "cooking the books") while fixin' up something tasty. Or, you might find her on a hike with the hubby and their dog (an 8-year-old Borador) in tow, dutifully herding squirrels along the way.
Specialties
Strategic Tax Planning
Business Tax Strategy
1031 Exchange
Multi-State Filings
Cryptocurrency
Financial Statement Compilations
Industries
Real Estate
Professional Services
Health & Fitness
Franchises
Technology
Your Missoula CPA for Tax & Accounting Advisory
Missoula’s diverse economy—rooted in education, healthcare, outdoor recreation, and a growing small business community—requires more than basic tax prep. Whether you’re a business owner, professional, or family seeking proactive financial guidance, your dedicated Missoula CPA, Sarah Schiewe, is here to help.
As a Principal at Dark Horse CPAs, Sarah specializes in tax planning and accounting advisory tailored to Missoula’s entrepreneurs and families. From minimizing tax liability and navigating IRS compliance to improving financial reporting and building long-term strategies, she delivers modern, hands-on solutions that go beyond compliance.
With Sarah, you gain a trusted financial partner who combines proactive tax expertise with accounting insight—helping you achieve clarity, confidence, and long-term success in Western Montana.
SARAH SCHIEWE, PRINCIPAL
"As a CPA that values quality work and the customer experience above all else, the last thing I want is to spend my time on the admin tasks of running a firm. Collaborating with Dark Horse takes that distraction off of my plate, and gives me the autonomy to focus on my true mission: providing a top notch experience and personalized touch to meet every clients needs."
80%
Net Promoter Score
The average NPS for accounting firms is 38%. At Dark Horse, 80% of our clients would recommend us to a friend.
Net Promoter Score
Companies use this metric to gauge how happy their customers are with their services. It's calculated by taking the percentage of "promoters" minus the % of "detractors. "The average NPS score for the accounting industry is 39%, less than the DMV! We believe it's important to share that we have successfully fulfilled our promise to WOW clients and consistently monitor this metric to ensure we continue to deliver on the highest level.
550+
5-Star Reviews
Our Google and Yelp reviews speak for themselves. Our goal is to provide 5-star service to every client, every time.
5-Star Reviews
When someone shares their experience with us online, we find it extremely valuable to know where we've exceeded expectations and where we can improve. Many of our clients decide to engage with us as a result of reading about other Dark Horse clients’ experiences. Even when things do not go as planned, we do everything we can to make it right.
90%
Retention Rate
We're all about creating long-lasting, value-added relationships.
Retention Rate
This is the frequency of repeat business from our clients that work with us. This means that 9 out of 10 clients use us for subsequent years. That shows us that people enjoy working with our CPAs, are pleased with the work, and want to continue with Dark Horse over the long term.
Tax Strategy & Accounting Solutions for Missoula Businesses
The Problem: Too many Missoula business owners operate without timely, accurate financials—or without the tax strategy they need to grow. Montana businesses face unique challenges, including state corporate income tax, property tax obligations, payroll compliance, and federal requirements. Without the right guidance, owners risk overpaying and missing opportunities for growth.
The Solution: At Dark Horse CPAs, we combine outsourced accounting, tax compliance, and CFO-level advisory for Missoula businesses. From handling state and federal filings, property tax reporting, and payroll to providing cash flow forecasting, KPI analysis, and growth strategies, we deliver the clarity you need to make informed, tax-smart decisions. With our Advisory-First approach, you gain a trusted CPA partner invested in your long-term success in Western Montana.
Tax Strategy & Compliance for Missoula Locals
The Problem: Many Missoula residents discover the full weight of their tax situation only at filing time—whether it’s owing more than expected, missing deductions, or realizing they overlooked opportunities to save. While Montana has no sales tax, individuals must still navigate state income tax, property taxes, and federal filings, which can create unnecessary stress and complexity without proactive planning.
The Solution: At Dark Horse CPAs, we believe in No Surprises. We work year-round with Missoula individuals and families to minimize tax liability, ensure compliance, and create forward-looking strategies. From Montana state income tax planning to retirement, real estate, and investment strategies, every engagement includes personalized tax planning that gives you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
SARAH SCHIEWE, PRINCIPAL
"On top of having high quality standards for compliance work, I believe clients today need more than a teammate: they need an advocate! I bring peace of mind to business owners navigating changing tax legislation to keep money in their pocket."
Nancy R.
I have used James Larsen as my CPA for many years and am confident in his work ethic and tax knowledge.
The Dark Horse Blog
The Dark Horse Blog, where we share expert insights on tax strategy, compliance updates, outsourced accounting, fractional CFO services, and more. Our content is tailored to small and medium-sized businesses as well as high-net-worth individuals.
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