How Much Does an LLC Cost in Montana

Think starting an LLC has to break the bank? Montana might just change your mind. Form an LLC in Montana for as little as $35.

Montana, Big Sky Country, is quietly becoming an entrepreneur's paradise.

With thriving hotels, restaurants, and outdoor recreation for its growing number of visitors, now could be the best time to form an LLC in Montana.

But before you take the leap, find out how much a Montana LLC costs in this in-depth guide.

You can also use the calculator below to get a clear picture of your minimum startup expenses.

Articles of Organization

One-Time Fee: $35^[1]

To form an LLC in Montana, you must file the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. Once the documents are approved, your LLC will be recognized as a separate legal entity.

A Montana LLC's Articles of Organization contains the following information, among other details:

• Limited liability company name
  
• Registered agent name and address
  
• Business address
  
• Management structure

You can file the Articles of Organization online, then wait 5 to 6 days for the Secretary of State to process your filing. You can get it faster if you pay for expedited services.

Certificate of Authority

One-Time Fee: $70^[1]

If you already have an LLC in another state and want to expand your business to Montana, register it as a foreign LLC.

To create a foreign LLC in Montana, file a Certificate of Authority with the Secretary of State. Don't forget to attach a Certificate of Existence from your domestic state.

Annual Report

Annual Fee: $0 or $35 after April 15th^[1]

All LLCs in Montana must file annual reports with the Secretary of State. It lets the government, banks, and anyone who can access public records know that your business is still active.

In Montana, annual reports are due between January 1st and April 15th.^[2] Filing is free but if you miss the deadline, you'll have to pay $35 along with the annual report.

Business Permits and Licenses

Cost: Typically at least $75/yr

Montana doesn't have a state-level general business license. Instead, the state prefers to leave business licensing requirements to local jurisdictions and specific industries.

For example, in Missoula, businesses earning more than $6,000 yearly must have a business license.^[3] A general business license for a commercial location in the city costs at least $184.^[4]

Meanwhile, in Bozeman, commercial businesses typically pay $75 yearly.^[5]

The number of permits and licenses your LLC needs depends on its business purpose. Some businesses may be regulated by various governmental offices simultaneously and could renew yearly.

Business Taxes

Cost: 4.7% to 5.9% of taxable income^[6]

LLCs are generally considered "pass-through" entities for tax purposes. This means the LLC's profits and losses pass through to the owners and are reported on individual tax returns.

Montana's current income tax rate is up to 5.9% of taxable income.^[6] However, because the state has no fixed tax, tax rates may vary yearly.

Montana's Pass-Through Entity Tax
The new PET allows the LLC itself to pay tax instead of income passing through to individual owners. This is an optional tax method as it may not benefit all LLCs.

On top of that, you must also pay federal income taxes.

2025 Federal Income Tax Rates:^[7]

Don't forget the 15.3% federal self-employment tax.^[8]

Optional Fees

While the fees below are generally optional, some are unavoidable depending on your business needs.

For example, obtaining a Certificate of Existence is often necessary when opening an LLC bank account.

Expedited Services

Cost: $20 or $100^[1]

It typically takes 5 to 6 days for the Montana Secretary of State to process the Articles of Organization. If you need it faster, you can pay for expedited services:

• $20: 24-hour processing fee
  
• $100: 1-hour processing fee

Expedited services are also available for other document requests like Certificate of Existence and Certified Copy of Documents.

Registered Agent Services

Annual Cost: $0, or $100-$300/yr

In Montana, you must have a registered agent to receive business and legal documents for your LLC. This includes government notices, tax forms, and annual reporting forms.

You can technically be your LLC's registered agent—as long as you're at least 18 and have a physical street address in Montana. You must also be available to receive documents during business hours.

However, your address will be public record. So many LLCs like to hire a registered agent service to keep their personal details private. These services usually charge $100-$300 per year to be your registered agent.

Operating Agreement

Cost: $0, or up to $500+

LLCs in Montana are not required to have an operating agreement. However, it's recommended because it defines important rules and regulations that all members must follow.

An LLC operating agreement contains the following:

• The roles and responsibilities of each member
  
• How new or departing members will be treated
  
• How business profits and losses will be divided

Ideally, you should already have a signed Operating Agreement before forming an LLC in Montana. But if your LLC is already formed, you can always draft it yourself after.

Alternatively, an LLC attorney might charge you a $500 flat fee for a standard operating agreement. If you have more complex details, the cost could be higher.

Employer Identification Number

Cost: $0, or $50 to $99

Any LLC with more than one member or with employees must have an EIN, regardless of how it's taxed. This is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify a business entity for tax-related purposes.

You can just apply for an EIN for free on the IRS website. But if you'd like an LLC service to process it for you, you can do so for a small fee. Here are some providers that do this and their pricing:

• Northwest Registered Agent: $50
  
• Bizee: $70
  
• ZenBusiness: $99

Single-member LLCs in Montana don't require an EIN, but it's almost essential in practice. For instance, you'll need one if you hire employees or want to open a business bank account.

Beneficial Ownership Information Report

One-Time Cost: $0, or up to $149

The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) is a one-time report that must be submitted to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) within 30 calendar days of your LLC's formation.^[9]

It includes information about the LLC's beneficial owners, including name, birth date, and address.

FinCEN doesn't charge a fee to submit your BOI report. But you can pay an LLC service to process it for you and save yourself the hassle:

• Northwest Registered Agent: $25
  
• LegalZoom: $149
  
• ZenBusiness: $149

You're considered a beneficial owner if you own 25% or more of the ownership interests in your LLC. Or if you exercise substantial control over the LLC.

Name Reservation

Cost: $10^[1]

If you already have a business name but aren't ready to form an LLC, you can reserve your desired name first. This will prevent others from using that name for 120 days.^[10]

Remember to review Montana's naming regulations. For example, an LLC name must include LLC, Ltd., or similar.

Assumed Business Name

Cost: $20^[1]

An assumed business name (also known as "Doing Business As" or DBA) allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name registered with the state. Some LLCs use a DBA for branding purposes, like using a name without "LLC" at the end.

Assumed business names in Montana must be renewed every five years for the same fee. You must file a renewal within 90 days before it expires.^[11]

Articles of Correction

Cost: $15^[1]

After your Montana LLC application is approved, review all the details of the Articles of Organization carefully.

If there are errors, like a misspelled business name or incorrect address, correct them as soon as possible by filing the Articles of Correction.

Articles of Amendment

Cost: $15^[1]

Your Montana LLC's Articles of Organization contains specific details about your business. Should these details change, you must file an amendment to the Secretary of State.

File an amendment if you:

• Change the LLC name
  
• Move to a new location
  
• Appoint a new registered agent

Certificate of Existence

Cost: $5^[1]

A Certificate of Existence is an official document by the Secretary of State. It verifies that your LLC is updated with all state filings and has paid all its fees and taxes.

You might need a Certificate of Existence to:

• Open a bank account
  
• Apply for business loans
  
• Qualify for business insurance
  
• Conduct business as a foreign LLC

Certified Copies

Cost: $10 per page^[1]

Certified copies of documents verify that your LLC is legitimate and that its details are accurate.

You might need these for circumstances like opening a business bank account or expanding your LLC in another state.

Additionally, some LLCs keep certified copies of their initial Articles of Organization and amendments (if any) for recordkeeping purposes.

Business Website Domain

Annual Fee: $10 to $20

A website domain and social media presence provide dedicated online spaces for your business. It's essential for marketing, customer engagement, and brand visibility in today's digital world.

Even if you aren't planning to build a business website now, you could still buy the domain name. This will prevent others from using your LLC's name as a web address.

Business Insurance Premiums

Cost: Varies

Montana law requires businesses with at least one employee to have workers' compensation insurance.^[12]

You can shop from a private insurance carrier authorized to do business in the state, self-insurance, or join the state fund.

Additionally, consider protecting your LLC's assets with other types of insurance:

• General liability insurance
  
• Commercial property insurance
  
• Professional liability insurance
  
• Cyber liability insurance

The cost depends on factors like the number of employees, the risk level of your industry, and your past insurance claims.

Curious to know how much it costs to maintain an LLC in Montana? Use the calculator below to get a clear picture of your ongoing expenses.

Bottom Line

You need at least $35 to form an LLC in Montana. But you may have to spend more for filings like:

• Business name reservation: $10
  
• Assumed business name: $20
  
• Certificate of Existence: $5

That said, the total cost of forming an LLC in Montana will increase depending on the additional services, documents, and licenses you need. Ultimately, it's never a bad idea to set aside an extra budget for unexpected fees.

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