Understanding Montana LLC Formation Costs: A Guide

To form a Montana LLC, you’ll need to pay a $35 filing fee for Articles of Organization, plus any additional fees like $50 per series member or $10 for name registration. Ongoing costs include $20-35 annual report filing fees, $100-300 for registered agent services, and various business licenses and permits. While basic formation can be done independently, professional services ranging from $39-1,000 can help guarantee proper setup and compliance. The complete cost breakdown reveals important considerations for your specific situation.

Key Takeaways

The basic Montana LLC formation cost is $35 for filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.
Series LLCs require an additional $50 fee per series member, making them more expensive than standard LLCs.
Ongoing annual costs include a $20 report filing fee if submitted before April 15, increasing to $35 afterward.
Professional registered agent services range from $100-$300 annually, though this service is optional for Montana LLCs.
Optional formation services cost between $39-$149, with expedited processing available for an additional $20-$100.

Essential Montana LLC Filing and Registration Fees

Establishing a Montana LLC involves several essential filing and registration fees that you’ll need to plan for. The primary cost is the $35 Articles of Organization filing fee, which was recently reduced from $70.

If you’re forming a Series LLC, you’ll pay an additional $50 for each series member. After formation, you’ll need to submit an annual report fee of $20.

Your registered agent selection won’t incur extra filing fees. You can serve as your own registered agent at no cost, or hire a professional service for $100-$300 annually. Montana doesn’t require a state franchise tax, making it cost-effective for businesses.

Additional registration fees include $5 for a Certificate of Existence, $15 for Articles of Amendment or Correction, and $10 for name registration. You’ll file these documents through the Montana Secretary of State’s website.

Annual Costs and Ongoing Obligations

Once your Montana LLC is officially formed, you’ll need to budget for several recurring expenses to maintain good standing with the state. Your annual report filing costs $20 if submitted before April 15, or $35 afterward. You’ll also need to account for registered agent services, which typically range from $100-$300 annually, though you can serve as your own agent. Montana’s streamlined compliance requirements make it a business-friendly state compared to others with much higher fees and complex regulations. If you’re operating under an Assumed Business Name, you’ll pay $20 for each ABN registration, with renewals required every five years. Don’t forget to factor in liability insurance premiums and tax planning considerations. While an EIN is free, you may need to budget for business insurance, industry-specific permits, and professional services to uphold ongoing compliance with state regulations.

Required Business Licenses and Permits

Beyond your initial formation costs and annual obligations, your Montana LLC must obtain appropriate business licenses and permits to operate legally. While Montana doesn’t require a general state business license, you’ll need specific permits based on your industry and location. Consider streamlining license applications through Montana’s eStop Business License Program for certain industries. Once obtained, properly display licenses at your business location.

License Level	Requirements	Key Resources
State	Industry-specific licenses	MT Dept of Revenue search tool
Local	Municipal business permits	City/county agencies
Federal	Cross-state operations	SBA guidance
Industry	Professional certifications	Regulatory boards
Special	Activity-specific permits	Relevant state departments

You’ll need to research requirements at all three government levels while leveraging local resources to guarantee compliance. Check with municipal authorities, as many cities require additional licenses beyond state and federal mandates.

Maintaining Your LLC’s Good Standing

To maintain good standing as a Montana LLC, you’ll need to fulfill several critical compliance requirements, including timely annual report filings, payment of state fees, and proper tax reporting.

You must file your annual report by April 15 and pay the $20 filing fee. Keep your business information current, including updating registered agent details when necessary. While Montana doesn’t have a state sales tax, you’ll need to register for applicable taxes like withholding and UI tax.

To verify your compliance status, you can obtain a Certificate of Existence for $5-$10 through the Secretary of State’s website. This certificate proves your good standing and helps you avoid dissolution penalties. Maintaining compliance preserves your right to conduct business and file lawsuits in Montana. The certificate may be required by banks and lenders when seeking business financing.

Professional Services and Optional Expenses

Business owners seeking to form an LLC in Montana should consider several optional professional services and expenses that can streamline the formation process. Professional LLC formation services range from $39 to $149, with providers like Northwest offering expedited processing and additional features at competitive rates compared to LegalZoom. EXPEDITED PROCESSING ranges from $20 to $100 for 24-hour or 1-hour filing services.

You’ll find registered agent services available for $100 to $300 annually, though you can serve as your own agent to save money. Other optional expenses include certified copies of formation documents ($10), name reservations ($10), and DBA registrations ($20).

While an operating agreement isn’t legally required, having one professionally drafted can cost up to $1,000. These services, while optional, can provide valuable protection, convenience, and professional oversight for your LLC.

Legal Requirements and Compliance Costs

Legal requirements and compliance costs represent essential components of forming a Montana LLC. You’ll need to pay a $35 filing fee for your Articles of Organization, plus $20 for your annual report.

When establishing your LLC, you must select a unique business name that includes “LLC” or approved variations, and appoint a registered agent with a physical Montana address to handle legal communications.

While not legally required, you should create an operating agreement detailing your member ownership structure and management procedures. You’ll also need to obtain necessary business licenses and permits, which vary by location and industry.

Consider that tax obligations will depend on your LLC’s activities, and you’ll need an EIN if you plan to hire employees or file certain tax returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Change My Llc’s Registered Agent Without Paying Additional Fees?

You can change your registered agent for free using Montana’s Statement of Change form online, or during your Annual Report filing in 2025 when fees are waived. Both options include address update requirements.

What Happens to My Llc’s Assets if I Move to Another State?

When push comes to shove, you’ve got three options: domesticate your LLC (keeping assets intact), register as foreign LLC (maintaining current assets), or merge/dissolve (requiring formal asset transfer process and new state tax implications).

How Long Does It Take for an LLC Name Reservation Refund?

You won’t receive a refund for your LLC name reservation fee in Montana, as the $10 fee is non-refundable once processed. There’s no established refund timeline or process for name reservations.

Are Home-Based LLCS Subject to Different Zoning Permit Requirements?

By jove, your home-based LLC must comply with standard zoning requirements, including business permits and occupancy regulations. You’ll need to follow either Minor or Major Home Occupation guidelines based on customer traffic.

Can Multiple LLCS Share the Same Business Address in Montana?

You can register multiple LLCs at the same physical address in Montana, provided it meets the state’s physical address requirements and you maintain proper registered agent availability during business hours.

Final Thoughts

You’ll find that forming an LLC in Montana remains one of the most cost-effective options nationwide, with initial filing fees 47% lower than the national average. When you factor in the state’s streamlined registration process, minimal annual report requirements ($20), and straightforward compliance standards, establishing your Montana LLC represents a strategic investment in your business’s legal foundation and long-term operational success.