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How to start an LLC in Montana: checklist (2026)
To start an LLC in Montana, file the Articles of Organization with the Montana Secretary of State for $35, name a registered agent, get a free EIN and check your local licenses. Mainstay Filing, our best overall pick, does the filing, the agent, the EIN application and the report for $199 a year.
- Official sources, checked October 20, 2026
Montana checklist
- File the formation document. Articles of Organization, Montana Secretary of State, $35.
- Name a registered agent. Required. A commercial registered agent listed with the Secretary of State, or a noncommercial agent: an individual, including an owner, or an entity in Montana.
- Get an EIN. Free from the IRS online.
- Check licenses. Montana Secretary of State help center says: “Depending on your business type and location, you may also need local or state licenses to operate legally.” (depends on the business).
- Keep it current. Annual Report, yearly: $20, due april 15.
Mainstay Filing
$199 / year, same at renewal
- LLC formation, prepared and filed
- Registered agent, all year
- EIN application (with an SSN or ITIN)
- Annual report filed every year it is due where the state requires one
- Compliance reminders and stored documents
Price from the Mainstay Filing pricing and FAQ pages, checked October 21, 2026. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before you pay.
Questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Montana?
The state filing fee is $35 for the Articles of Organization. The first Annual Report later costs $20.
Do I need a registered agent in Montana?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
Do I need a business license in Montana?
Montana Secretary of State help center says: “Depending on your business type and location, you may also need local or state licenses to operate legally.” (depends on the business).
Sources
- Mont. Code Ann. § 35-8-201 (Montana Limited Liability Company Act — Formation); see also § 35-8-202 (Articles of organization) (multira state research spine): mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0350/chapter_0080/part_0020/section_0010/0350-0080-0020-0010.html, checked August 12, 2026
- Montana formation fee: Filing fee, official source read 2026-10-01: sosmt.gov/business/fees/, checked October 1, 2026
- Montana formation fee: Filing fee, official source read 2026-10-01: sosmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/business_filing_fees.pdf, checked October 1, 2026
- Montana yearly filing: Annual report: fee, official source read 2026-10-01: sosmt.gov/secretary-christi-jacobsen-continues-montana-business-support-by-waiving-fees-once-again/, checked October 1, 2026
- Montana yearly filing: Annual report: fee, official source read 2026-10-01: sosmt.gov/secretary-christi-jacobsen-warns-montana-businesses-of-misleading-2027-annual-report-solicitation, checked October 1, 2026
- Montana report due date (multira state research spine, due dates verified 714/714): mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0350/chapter_0080/part_0020/section_0080/0350-0080-0020-0080.html, checked August 12, 2026
- Montana registered agent statute (Mont. Code Ann. § 35-7-105): mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0350/chapter_0070/part_0010/sections_index.html, checked October 20, 2026
- Montana Secretary of State: sosmt.gov/, checked October 20, 2026
- IRS: Get an employer identification number: www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number, checked October 21, 2026
- Montana Secretary of State help center (business license statement): help.sosmt.gov/en-us/article/i-have-registered-with-the-state-do-i-also-need-a-business-license-1v8v8mj/, checked October 21, 2026