Catherine Laubercpa

Catherine has been a dedicated professional in the accounting industry since graduating with a bachelor’s in economics and accounting from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2012. Initially serving local businesses and individuals in the Santa Barbara, California area, she expanded her practice to include Missoula, Montana in 2021. With a strong background in bookkeeping prior to becoming a CPA, she brings a wealth of hands-on experience advising business owners on accounting matters.

Her passion for tax and financial analysis drives her to provide exceptional service to her clients, ensuring they make informed financial and tax-effective decisions year-round. Catherine works closely with investment advisors, business managers, and individuals, bringing teams together to make efficient and strategic tax planning decisions.

Catherine specializes in advising clients on the Real Estate Professional status, 1031 exchange tax deferral, and accelerated depreciation strategies. Her expertise in these areas enables clients to optimize tax benefits, differentiate between passive and nonpassive losses, and with designing tailored tax optimization plans.

Beyond her professional achievements, Catherine is an active community member, serving on the boards of three local nonprofits. When she’s not in the office, you can find Catherine rafting on the Clark Fork River, mountain biking trails across the United States, or throwing pottery on her ceramics wheel.

EXPERTISE: Flow-through Taxation, 1031 Exchange Transactions and Real Estate Professional Elections, Individual and Business Tax Compliance and Planning, and Strategic Tax Planning for Stock Options.

• Favorite thing about my job: I am passionate about demystifying difficult tax concepts for individuals and business owners, allowing them to focus on what they do best while I handle the intricate details of tax strategy.
• Favorite vacation you’ve taken: My favorite vacation was a trip to Bali and Thailand. I loved snorkeling over shipwrecks, meeting the locals, and making lifelong friends. Scooter rides through the jungle were exhilarating, and the long-tail boat rides through the southern Thai islands were unforgettable. The people were so sweet and welcoming, which made the experience even more special.
• What is your side gig/passion project/hobby? Ceramics is a passion project of mine, and it all started when I took an intro class and got hooked. Who knew playing with mud could be so therapeutic? I fell in love with the challenge, the creative outlet, and the endless opportunities to get my hands dirty (literally) while creating something beautiful. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of turning a lump of clay into a piece of art—or at least a slightly lopsided mug. It’s my way of staying grounded and constantly learning.
• Favorite way to celebrate your birthday: I love celebrating my birthday by paintballing with friends. The adrenaline rush is exhilarating, and I’ve found out that I’m pretty talented at hiding behind hay bales and sneaking up on the other team. It’s always a fun and memorable way to spend the day.
• Favorite concert you’ve attended: My favorite concert experience was finding Daft Punk at the Trash Fence. The surreal desert setting, combined with their electrifying beats and mesmerizing light show, made it an unforgettable adventure.