Montana LLC cost
Ranked #1 of 51 on total first-year cost.
First year
$166
then $150/yr
Cost breakdown
- $37Montana state feeState
- $129Registered agent (1 year)Service
All state charges included
Estimates only, based on published state fees. Optional service prices are our standard rates.
The facts
- State fee (as charged)
- $37
- Annual report
- $20 / yr
- Minimum state tax
- None
- Standard processing
- 7-10 days
- Expedited
- $20 · 1 day
- Publication
- Not required
Forms & deadlines
- Formation document
- Articles of Organization
- Recurring filing
- Annual Report
- Report due
- Annual report due April 15
- Tax deadline
- April 15 (state income tax)
Tax treatment
Low fees and no sales tax.
Step by step
How to form an LLC in Montana
Every cost below matches the breakdown above, including the card processing the state adds at checkout. See the full done-for-you Montana formation flow →
- 1
Pick and check your Montana LLC name
FreeSearch the Montana business registry for your exact name, make sure it ends with "LLC" or "L.L.C.", and avoid restricted words like bank or insurance. Name reservation is optional in most states.
- 2
Appoint a registered agent
$0 yourself · ~$129/yr commercialEvery Montana LLC needs a registered agent with a physical in-state street address available during business hours. You can act as your own agent if you live in the state; otherwise use a commercial agent.
- 3
File the Articles of Organization
Montana state fee — $37File the Articles of Organization online with the Montana Secretary of State at https://biz.sosmt.gov. Standard approval takes 7-10 days. The state fee is charged as $37 at checkout.
- 4
Optional: pay for expedited processing
$20Montana will move your filing to the front of the queue and approve it in 1 day instead of 7-10 days.
- 5
Get your EIN from the IRS
Free direct · $80 with our EIN serviceApply online at IRS.gov once your LLC is approved. It is free and issued immediately for US residents; non-residents file Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or use our EIN service.
- 6
Write an operating agreement
Free template · ~$50 draftedNot filed with the state, but banks ask for it and it settles ownership, profit splits and what happens if a member leaves.
- 7
File your BOI report with FinCEN
Free direct · $50 with our BOI serviceReport your beneficial owners to FinCEN within the deadline that applies to your formation date. Filing directly is free.
- 8
Open a US business bank account
Varies by providerUse your approved Articles, EIN letter and operating agreement. Non-residents typically use Wise, Payoneer, Airwallex or Mercury-style accounts.
- 9
Calendar your Annual Report
$20Montana requires the annual report every year (Annual report due April 15), starting the year after formation. Missing it risks penalties and administrative dissolution.