Montana LLC: How to Start an LLC in Montana

• Formation filing: Articles of Organization with the Montana Secretary of State (online).
• State filing fee: $35.
• Registered agent: Required with a Montana street address.
• Annual report: Due each year by April 15; $20 filing fee. Late filings can incur penalties and risk administrative dissolution.
• Processing time: Typically fast for online filings.
• Taxes: Pass-through by default; Montana has state income tax and no general state sales tax.
• Federal BOI: Most LLCs must file a Beneficial Ownership Information report with federal regulators on a deadline after formation (and update when details change).

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1. Name your LLC. Choose a name that includes “LLC” or “L.L.C.” and is distinguishable from existing businesses. Check availability and avoid restricted terms. If you’ll brand differently, plan an assumed business name (DBA) later.
2. Appoint a Montana registered agent. This can be you or a service with a Montana street address, available during business hours to receive legal mail.
3. File Articles of Organization online. Submit your LLC’s name, principal office, registered agent, and management structure to the Montana Secretary of State. Pay the $35 filing fee.
4. Create an Operating Agreement. Not filed with the state, but crucial. It sets ownership, voting, profit splits, and manager roles. See our template at /operating-agreement.
5. Get an EIN. Most LLCs need an Employer Identification Number for banking, hiring, and taxes. It’s free from the IRS.
6. Open a business bank account. Keep business and personal finances separate to preserve liability protection. Bring your approved Articles, EIN, and Operating Agreement.
7. Register for state/local taxes and licenses. Depending on your industry and location, you may need professional or local permits, employer accounts, or withholding registrations.
8. File your federal BOI report. Many new LLCs must report beneficial owners to federal regulators shortly after formation and update changes on time.
9. Calendar ongoing compliance. File the annual report by April 15 and maintain a registered agent.

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Your registered agent is your official point of contact for legal notices and state mail. Requirements:

• Physical Montana address: P.O. boxes aren’t enough.
• Availability: Regular business hours are mandatory.
• Public record: The agent’s address appears on state records, so consider privacy.

You can serve as your own agent, but many owners prefer a professional to ensure availability and privacy. Learn more at /registered-agent.

• Articles of Organization: $35 state filing fee.
• Annual report: $20 each year, due by April 15.
• Registered agent: $0 if you serve as your own; paid services vary by provider and features.
• Operating Agreement: Free to draft yourself; paid templates/services vary.
• EIN: Free from the IRS.
• Optional: Assumed business name (DBA), certified copies, and other filings—fees vary.

Bundle filings and stay organized with an all-in-one setup through Tailor Brands.

By default, a Montana LLC is a pass-through entity: profits flow to members’ personal returns. Single-member LLCs are typically disregarded entities; multi-member LLCs are treated as partnerships. You can elect S corporation or C corporation status if it fits your tax strategy.

• State income tax: Montana taxes income; rates depend on your bracket.
• No general state sales tax: Montana doesn’t impose a statewide sales tax, though industry- or locality-specific taxes may apply.
• Employees: If you hire, register for employer accounts and handle withholding and unemployment taxes.
• EIN: Most banks and payroll providers require it—get one before operating.

Work with a tax pro to evaluate S corp elections, reasonable compensation, and quarterly estimates.

An Operating Agreement proves your LLC is real and separate from you. It’s vital for banks, investors, and dispute prevention. Include ownership percentages, capital contributions, management authority, voting, distributions, and buyout terms.

• Banking: Open a dedicated business account and use it exclusively for company income/expenses.
• Accounting: Choose bookkeeping software, track receipts, and reconcile monthly.
• Records: Keep formation documents, meeting notes, and tax filings organized.

Grab a starter template at /operating-agreement and learn banking steps at /business-banking.

Montana’s lack of a general sales tax draws attention for vehicle ownership. Important: you must follow the laws where the vehicle is principally garaged and used. Forming a Montana LLC does not override other states’ registration, tax, or insurance requirements. Work with counsel to avoid penalties and structure ownership correctly.

• Annual report: File by April 15 each year and pay the $20 fee.
• Registered agent: Keep a valid Montana agent on record; update promptly if it changes.
• BOI reporting: File your Beneficial Ownership Information report on time and update it when ownership or key details change.
• Licenses and permits: Renew professional and local licenses as required.
• Taxes: Track estimated payments and payroll filings if you have employees.

Set calendar reminders and consider a managed compliance dashboard via Tailor Brands.