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Basic
$199
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
02 weeks processing
Agent fee
Registered Address
Document filing with the Secretary of State
Standard
$499
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
05 days processing
Includes everything in basic package
Comprehensive name check
Preparation of Articles of Incorporation
Lifetime customer support (phone & email)
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Obtainment Service
Premium
$599
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
01 day processing
Includes everything in standard package
2 hours of free tax consultation
Key Points for Montana LLCs
No Sales Tax Statewide
Montana does not impose a state sales tax, offering a cost-saving advantage for businesses selling goods or services locally.
Low Filing & Maintenance Costs
Montana offers affordable formation fees and a flat annual reporting fee, making it cost-effective for small business owners and startups.
Strong Asset Protection
Montana LLCs provide solid liability protection for owners, safeguarding personal assets from business debts and legal claims.
Understanding Montana LLCs
A Montana LLC combines the legal protection of a corporation with the simplicity of partnerships or sole proprietorships. It’s particularly attractive for entrepreneurs seeking affordability, privacy, and fewer ongoing filing requirements.
What is a Montana LLC?
A Montana LLC is a business entity formed under state law that limits owners’ personal liability for company debts and obligations. It must appoint a Montana registered agent with a physical address in the state and file Articles of Organization.
A Montana LLC offers several benefits, including:
Low formation fee. No state sales tax on goods/services. Limited public disclosure of members in filings. Pass-through tax treatment by default.
Why choose an LLC in Montana?
Business owners choose Montana for its cost efficiency, privacy protections, and absence of a statewide sales tax, making it especially favorable for small businesses and online sellers.
Key Benefits Include:
Privacy Protection
Predictable Taxes
No Double Taxation
Legal Environment
Business Credibility
Clear Guidelines
Pros and Cons of an LLC in Montana
Starting a Montana LLC: Benefits
Montana LLCs provide affordable formation, privacy in filings, no state sales tax, and straightforward compliance. They also shield personal assets from company debts and lawsuits.
Taxation of a Montana LLC
By default, Montana LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities, with profits/losses reported on members’ personal returns. Montana does not impose sales tax, but LLCs must comply with state income tax and industry-specific taxes.
Starting a Montana LLC: Drawbacks
Montana requires an Annual Report (due April 15). Missing deadlines incurs late fees and possible dissolution. Also, Montana’s corporate income tax may apply if the LLC elects corporate taxation.
Who Can Form an LLC in Montana?
Any individual or business entity (including non-residents and foreign LLCs) may form or register to operate an LLC in Montana.
Types of LLCs in Montana
Domestic LLC (Montana-based LLC)
A domestic LLC is formed in Montana under state law and operates within the state. It requires filing Articles of Organization and maintaining an in-state registered agent.
Foreign LLC (Out-of-state LLC registering in Montana)
A foreign LLC is formed outside Montana but registers with the Montana Secretary of State to conduct business within the state. It must appoint a Montana registered agent and comply with annual filings.
Professional LLC (PLLC)
Montana allows licensed professionals (such as doctors or lawyers) to form LLCs, though they may be subject to licensing board requirements. There is no separate PLLC statute, but professional compliance applies.
How to Start an LLC in Montana
Choose a Business Name
Select a unique name that includes "LLC" or "L.L.C." and ensure it’s distinguishable from existing entities in Montana. Use the Secretary of State’s name search tool to verify availability.
Appoint a Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent to accept legal documents. This can be an individual or a registered service company with a physical address in Montana.
File the Articles of Organization
Submit Form LLC to the Montana Secretary of State, providing LLC name, principal office address, and registered agent details.
Create an Operating Agreement
Though not required, it’s recommended to draft an Operating Agreement outlining ownership, governance, and profit distribution to reinforce liability protection and support tax compliance.
Montana LLC Requirements
Age and Residency
Number of Members
Management Structure
Registered Agent and Office
Name Compliance
Montana LLC Application
To start an LLC in Montana, the key step is filing the Articles of Organization with the Montana Secretary of State through the state’s online filing system.
Required Information
- LLC name (must include “LLC” or equivalent and be unique).
- Registered agent name and physical Montana address.
- Business mailing address.
- Whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed.
- Duration (perpetual or specific term).
Filing Options
- Online filing only via the Montana Secretary of State’s business portal.
- Low filing fee, payable online.
Post-Filing Requirements
- Annual Report due April 15 each year.
- Maintain a registered agent with a Montana address.
- Draft an Operating Agreement.
Montana LLC Taxation
Pass-Through Taxation
LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities by default. Members report their share of income or losses on personal returns, avoiding double taxation.
No Statewide Sales Tax
Montana does not impose a statewide sales tax, reducing tax costs on goods and services. However, specific industries may face excise or local taxes.
Excise & Industry Taxes
Certain business activities in Montana, such as fuel, tobacco, alcohol, and natural resource extraction, are subject to excise or industry-specific taxes in addition to standard obligations.
Other Taxes
Montana imposes state income tax on individuals and corporate income tax if the LLC elects corporate treatment. Payroll and withholding taxes apply if the LLC has employees.
Montana LLC Annual Filing (Annual Report)
What to File
The Annual Report must include: LLC name, registered agent name and address, principal office address, and updated member/manager information.
Filing Deadlines
Annual Reports are due by April 15 each year. Filing online costs. Late filings may incur additional fees.
Penalties & Consequences
If an LLC fails to file its Annual Report by the deadline, it risks late fees and potential administrative dissolution, losing its good standing and liability protections.
Expanding Your Montana LLC
Registering a Foreign LLC in Montana
An LLC formed in another state but doing business in Montana must register as a foreign LLC, appoint a Montana registered agent, and file the necessary paperwork with the Secretary of State.
Doing Business in Other States
To expand outside Montana, your Montana LLC must foreign-qualify in each state of operation, comply with their licensing, tax, and reporting obligations, and maintain good standing in both Montana and the other states.
Find The Right State To
Form An LLC
Every state has different rules, costs, and considerations for LLC formation.
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Doing Business in Montana
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most states require you to have a registered agent to handle legal documents and notices during business hours.
While not always required by law, having an operating agreement is a smart move to outline your LLC’s rules and avoid disputes down the road.
An EIN is a federal tax ID; most LLCs need one to open a business bank account, file taxes, or hire employees.