Form an LLC in Montana
How to start an LLC in Montana.
What the state asks for, what it charges, and what to file after you form. Fees checked against official Montana sources in .
Low cost to form, a small annual report, and no general state sales tax.
Montana at a glance
- State filing fee
- $35
- Articles of Organization
- Annual Report
- $0 by April 15, then $35
- Every year
- Filed with
- Montana Secretary of State, Business Services Division
- Operating agreement
- Not required
$20. Waived for annual reports filed January 1 to April 15, 2026. These are the state's own fees, separate from ours, and they can change. Confirm with the Montana Secretary of State, Business Services Division before you file.
Forming an LLC in Montana, step by step.
- 1
Choose a name and check it
Your name needs "LLC" or a similar designator and must be distinguishable from names on record. Search the Montana business database first.
- 2
Appoint a registered agent
Someone with a street address in Montana who accepts legal papers and official notices for the LLC. You can serve yourself or use a registered agent service.
- 3
File the Articles of Organization
File with the Montana Secretary of State, Business Services Division. The state fee is $35. The standard online Articles of Organization filing fee is $35.
- 4
Write an operating agreement
Not required. Either way it sets ownership, money, and decisions in writing. See the operating agreement guide.
- 5
Get an EIN
The business's federal tax ID, free from the IRS. Our EIN assistance can prepare it.
- 6
Check local taxes and licenses
Montana has no statewide sales tax, but local licenses and taxes can still apply. See licenses and permits.
- 7
File your Annual Report
Every year: free if filed January 1 to April 15; final deadline December 1. The fee is $0 by April 15, then $35.
General information, not legal or tax advice. State rules and fees change; this page was last checked in October 2026. YaH Brands is not a law firm or an accounting firm.
Forming in Montana? We prepare and file it, keep track of the follow-ups, and a real person answers when you call.
Services for this step
Every service is available on its own. Add only what your business needs.
- LLC filingPrepare the LLC filing you choose.
- Registered agentKnow who receives official notices for your business.
- EIN application assistanceGet oriented to your business tax ID application.
- Business AddressGive your business an address that fits how it works.
- Business license & permit researchFind out which permissions your business may need.
- Sales tax permit assistanceGet clear on sales tax registration steps.
Keep reading
All LLC guides- Start here8 min read
How to start an LLC
The steps to form an LLC in any state: choose a state and name, appoint a registered agent, file, write an operating agreement, get an EIN, and handle what comes after.
Read the guide - Keep it running5 min read
Annual report
What an LLC annual report is, what it asks for, how often it is due, and what happens if you miss it, including late fees and administrative dissolution.
Read the guide - Set it up6 min read
Foreign vs. domestic LLC
What domestic and foreign LLCs are, when you need to register in another state, how foreign qualification works, and whether to form out of state.
Read the guide
Montana LLC questions
The state filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $35. The standard online Articles of Organization filing fee is $35. Plan for ongoing costs too, including the Annual Report fee of $0 by April 15, then $35. $20. Waived for annual reports filed January 1 to April 15, 2026.
Yes. Montana requires a Annual Report every year. The fee is $0 by April 15, then $35, due free if filed January 1 to April 15; final deadline December 1.
Not required. Having one is still a good idea for any LLC, and banks often ask for it.
Yes. Every Montana LLC must keep a registered agent with a physical address in the state to accept legal papers and official notices.