How to Form an LLC in Montana (2026): Real Costs, Real Steps

Montana LLCs cost $70 to file Articles of Organization with the Montana Secretary of State, plus $20 annually for the filing fee. Montana has no general sales tax and no annual LLC license fee beyond the $20 annual report. The state requires a registered agent with a Montana street address—Northwest Registered Agent charges $125/year for this service. You'll file annual reports by April 15 each year. Total first-year cost runs approximately $215 when using a commercial registered agent. Montana law allows single-member and multi-member LLCs with flexible management structures.

Year-1 Cost Table

Montana LLC year-1 cost breakdown (2026)
Item Cost Source
Articles of Organization (state filing fee) $70 cite
Annual Report Fee $20 cite
Registered Agent (Northwest, annual) $125 cite
Same-Day Processing (optional) $100 cite
Total Year 1 (standard processing) $215 cite

The 6 Steps

  1. Step 1: File Articles of Organization

    Submit the formation document to the Montana Secretary of State. See the cost table above for the current filing fee.

  2. Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent

    Every Montana LLC needs a registered agent with a Montana street address. You can serve yourself, but most founders use a commercial RA — Northwest is our default pick.

  3. Step 3: Get an EIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)

    Apply with the IRS using your stamped Articles of Organization. Free, takes 5 minutes online.

  4. Step 4: Adopt an Operating Agreement

    Required by best practice — banks routinely request it before opening business accounts.

  5. Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account

    Mercury for software/online businesses; a local credit union for cash-heavy retail. Keep personal and business finances separate from day one.

  6. Step 6: File State Tax Registrations

    Register for Montana state taxes (sales tax permit, payroll registration if you have employees, etc.) before you transact.

Recommended Tools

Northwest vs ZenBusiness for Montana LLCs

Verdict (as of 2026): Northwest Registered Agent is our default pick for Montana LLCs. They publish a Montana-specific registered-agent page (linked in the cost table) and do not upsell add-ons at checkout. ZenBusiness wins only if you want bundled formation in a single flow.

Criterion Northwest ZenBusiness
Registered-agent only price (Montana)$125/yr$199/yr
Bundled formationOptional add-onIncluded in formation plans
Privacy (address shielding)StrongStrong
Upsells at checkoutNoneSeveral
Annual-report filing service$100/yr add-on$199/yr add-on

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Montana have a state income tax on LLCs?

Yes, Montana has a state income tax. LLCs are pass-through entities by default, so members report their share of profits on personal Montana tax returns at rates ranging from 4.7% to 5.9% for 2026. Montana does not have a general sales tax.

What is Montana's annual report requirement?

Montana requires all LLCs to file an annual report by April 15 each year. The filing fee is $20. You file online through the Montana Secretary of State's business portal. Failure to file can result in administrative dissolution of your LLC.

Can I be my own registered agent in Montana?

Yes, if you have a physical street address in Montana (not a P.O. box) and are available during business hours. Most owners use a commercial service like Northwest Registered Agent ($125/year) to ensure reliable service of process and privacy.

How long does Montana LLC formation take?

Standard processing takes approximately 5-10 business days. Montana offers expedited same-day processing for an additional $100 fee, and 24-hour processing for $50. You can track your filing status online through the Montana Secretary of State portal.

What bank should I use for my Montana LLC?

Mercury offers business banking designed for LLCs with no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and instant account opening online. Local Montana banks and credit unions are also viable options if you prefer in-person banking relationships.

Annual Filing Deadline

Montana LLCs must file an annual report by April 15 each year with a $20 filing fee payable to the Montana Secretary of State.

Authoritative Sources

Other States

Skip the research — let AthenAI form your Montana LLC