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Register a business in Montana
The filing office, forms, steps and next stops for registering a business in Montana. Every line shows the official page it came from, and the day we read it.
The order to do it in
Choose a business type and get your EIN first. Then file with the state filing office below, and check your city and county before you start work.
Filing office
- Montana entities are registered with the Secretary of State, Business Services, through the online Business Filing Portal. Montana Secretary of State, as of
Forming an LLC
- A Montana LLC is formed by filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State through the online portal. Montana Secretary of State, as of
- Articles of Organization filing fee: $35 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Montana Secretary of State, as of
- For a series LLC, added for each series member named: $50 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Montana Secretary of State, as of
- Optional 24-hour processing, added: $20 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Montana Secretary of State, as of
- Optional 1-hour processing, added: $100 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Montana Secretary of State, as of
Forming a corporation
- A Montana corporation is formed by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State. Montana Secretary of State, as of
- Articles of Incorporation filing fee, profit corporation: $35 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Montana Secretary of State, as of
- Optional 24-hour processing, added: $20 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Montana Secretary of State, as of
- Optional 1-hour processing, added: $100 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Montana Secretary of State, as of
Annual or biennial report
- Every Montana LLC and corporation files annual reports, due by April 15. The Secretary of State currently waives the fee for a report filed by April 15. Montana Secretary of State, as of
- Annual report filed by April 15 (currently waived): $0 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Montana Secretary of State, as of
- Annual report filed after April 15: $35 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Montana Secretary of State, as of
Assumed name (DBA)
- Montana assumed business names are registered with the Secretary of State. Registration, renewal and amendment each carry the same fee. Montana Secretary of State, as of
- Assumed business name registration, renewal or amendment: $20 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Montana Secretary of State, as of
State tax registration
- An employer registers for a Montana withholding account online through the TransAction Portal (TAP), or by mail on the Business Registration form (GenReg). Montana Department of Revenue, as of
Statewide business licence
- Registering with the Secretary of State is one step. Many Montana cities and counties require a local business licence, and some trades need a state licence from the Department of Labor and Industry or the eStop program. Montana Secretary of State, as of
State rules for pool, lifeguard and contractor work
These lines point to the state’s own rules. Whether one applies to your work is for the state to say, so confirm with the agency named in each line.
- DPHHS regulates public pools and spas. New construction and remodels need review by both DPHHS and DLI Building Codes. DPHHS points operators to Certified Pool Operator courses. Montana DPHHS, as of
City and county licences
City and county licences vary by place. Check with your city hall or county clerk before you start work.
Sources
- Business Services Montana Secretary of State. As of .
- Business Structures Montana Secretary of State. As of .
- Business Services Filing Fees Montana Secretary of State. As of .
- Withholding Tax Accounts Montana Department of Revenue. As of .
- I have registered with the state; do I also need a business license? Montana Secretary of State. As of .
- Swimming Pools, Spas and other Water Features Montana DPHHS. As of .
Official pages change. Each line shows the day we last read it.
Last checked