Cost and Filing Requirements for Montana LLC
To form a Montana LLC, you must pay a $35 filing fee to file your Articles of Organization online. You may also need to pay fees for:
- Name reservation ($10)
- Registered agent services ($80-$300 per year)
- Annual report ($20)
- Taxes (federal and Montana state taxes from 1% to 6.9%)
Additional costs may include:
- Accounting services ($300+ per year)
- Business licenses ($50-$500 depending on location and business type)
Using an online service can simplify the filing process. Costs are lowest if you file the Articles of Organization online by the April 15th deadline. Failing to file on time carries a $15 penalty.
Before You Begin
Prior to the LLC, launch your web domain. A site helps customers research. Appoint a registered agent to receive legal documents. Comply with naming rules, including distinguishability and no government implication. Check name availability.
An out-of-state LLC must register as foreign by the Application for Certificate. Select perpetual duration as no close date. If selling goods or services, register for a sales tax permit with the Revenue Department to collect and remit taxes. If hiring, register with Labor and Industry for employment taxes.
Some cities and counties require business licenses. File an annual $15 report to renew registration yearly. Can change the name with Amended Articles.
The LLC Formation Process
Follow six steps to form an LLC:
- Check name availability following requirements.
- Use a professional service.
- Establish liability protection and tax advantages.
- Pay federal taxes on the owner’s return. No state franchise tax.
- File a $15 annual report each April 15th, or $30 if late.
LLC Approval Time
All online LLC orders take 5-6 business days to get approved. To register online, visit the Montana Secretary of State online filing portal and create a user profile. Once you verify and submit all LLC’s information, the document is sent electronically to the Secretary of State’s office for final processing and approval.
It can take a few days to a couple of weeks to get an LLC in Montana. The processing time can be reduced when filings are made online as it then largely depends on how quickly the Montana Secretary of State’s office can process the application.
The general filing time for Montana LLCs is 7 – 10 business days unless you pay an additional $20 (24 hours) or $100 (1 hour) for expedited processing.
While there is no state income tax or personal income tax in Montana, there are several other taxes that your LLC may encounter. We recommend speaking with a licensed tax professional to ensure you are filing and paying the proper taxes.