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How to Start a Business in Montana

How to register a business in Montana and everything else it takes to open legally, in order — sole proprietor vs. LLC, the state filing, your EIN, tax registration, and licenses, with the official Montana links for each step. Most people finish the core setup in one to three weeks.

LLC filing fee
~$35
Processing
7–10 business days online
Ongoing report
annual · ~$0
State sales tax
no
State income tax
yes

  1. How to register a business in Montana

    Sole proprietors under their own name file nothing with Montana to exist — a DBA if you use a trade name, plus local licenses. To register an LLC or corporation you file formation paperwork with the Montana business filing office (about $35, 7–10 business days online), then get a free EIN and register for state taxes.

    Montana business registration ↗

  2. Pick a structure (sole proprietor or LLC)

    Most Montana owners start as a sole proprietor (free, no filing) or form an LLC for liability protection. The LLC filing fee is about $35, and formation typically takes about 7–10 business days online. Confirm the current fee on the state site before you pay.

    Montana business filing office ↗

  3. Name a registered agent

    If you form an LLC or corporation, Montana needs a registered agent with a physical in-state address. You can be your own agent if you're available during business hours, or hire a service for about $100–$150/year.

  4. Get your EIN from the IRS

    An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and takes a few minutes online. You need it to open a business bank account and to hire.

    IRS — Apply for an EIN ↗

  5. Register for Montana taxes

    Montana has no state sales tax and has a state income tax. Montana has no general sales tax; the annual report is due April 15.

    Montana tax registration ↗

  6. Confirm local licenses and permits

    Montana rarely issues a single statewide "business license" — most licensing is by city or county, plus profession-specific licenses. Check your city and your trade.

    Montana professional licensing ↗

  7. Open a business bank account and get insurance

    Keep business and personal money separate from day one. General liability insurance is the baseline; some contracts also require a bond.

  8. Put the ongoing report on your calendar

    Montana requires an annual report (about $0). $20 standard, but the Secretary of State has waived the fee to $0 for reports filed on time (by April 15) through 2027; $35 if late

    Montana reports ↗

Start your business in Montana

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Frequently asked

How do I register a business in Montana?

Sole proprietors under their own name file nothing with Montana to exist — a DBA if you use a trade name, plus local licenses. To register an LLC or corporation you file formation paperwork with the Montana business filing office (about $35, 7–10 business days online), then get a free EIN and register for state taxes.

How much does it cost to register a business in Montana?

Registering as a sole proprietor is free (a DBA filing, if you use a trade name, is usually $10–$50 at the county or state). Registering an LLC costs about $35 in Montana, plus an annual report (~$0). An EIN from the IRS is free.

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Montana?

The state filing fee is about $35. Beyond that, budget for a registered agent if you hire one (~$100–$150/year), and any local license fees. An EIN is free.

Do I need an LLC to start a business in Montana?

No. You can operate as a sole proprietor in Montana with no state filing. An LLC adds a layer of personal liability protection and can make you look more established to customers and lenders — it's a judgment call based on your risk and goals, not a legal requirement.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Montana?

Standard processing is about 7–10 business days online. Many states offer paid expedited options.

Does Montana have a sales tax?

Montana has no state sales tax. Some localities may still levy their own — confirm locally.

What ongoing filings does a Montana LLC have?

Montana requires an annual report (about $0). $20 standard, but the Secretary of State has waived the fee to $0 for reports filed on time (by April 15) through 2027; $35 if late

Official sources

Fees and timelines are commonly-cited figures last reviewed September 2026 and can change — always confirm on the official site. This is educational information, not legal or tax advice.

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AI-generated guidance is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or investment advice. Disclosures · Trust center