How to Start an LLC in Montana: Step-by-Step Instructions

Montana boasts a wealth of natural resources, from the stunning landscapes of Glacier National Park to its rich mining heritage.

Beyond its natural riches, Montana offers a good ground for business opportunities, thanks to its low costs and limited competition.

Establishing an LLC in Montana can significantly enhance your business's reputation.

Additionally, it offers vital legal protections and a favorable tax structure.

Ready to start your LLC? This guide will walk you through the process step by step, covering all associated costs.

Steps Needed to Get an LLC in Montana:

Step 1: Choose a name for your LLC
Step 2: Pick a registered agent
Step 3: File the Montana LLC Articles of Organization
Step 4: Create an LLC Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an Employer Identification Number from the IRS
Costs to set up an LLC in Montana
Final steps

Step 1: Choose a name for your LLC

Every business needs a brand name. It should be short, memorable, and indicative of what you do. LLCs also need to meet several Montana naming requirements.

The legal name you choose must:

Contain Limited Liability Company, Limited Company, or a similar abbreviation
Be different from the names used by other businesses
Not imply that the LLC is another business structure
Avoid using words like attorney, bank, or university, unless authorized

Once you have some LLC name ideas, you’ll need to check the availability. Use the business name database from the Montana Secretary of State (SOS).

business search Montana — Source: Montana Secretary of State (SOS)

Name reservation (optional)

If you’re not ready to file all the LLC documents yet, you can reserve your business name. This stops other companies from scooping it up.

In Montana, you can file a name reservation form online. The filing fee is $10 and the reservation is good for 120 days.

Trade name (optional)

You might struggle to come up with a brandable LLC name. But don’t worry about that. You can always file for an alternative name to operate under. This is called a trade name or doing-business-as (DBA) name.

A DBA establishes an association between your official business LLC registration and the new brand name. You can use multiple trade names under one LLC.

For example, you’ve launched a pet service business and named it Pat’s Pet Sitting LLC. Later, you’ve decided to expand your operations and offer grooming services or sell pet supplies. You could add a DBA to your LLC to operate as Pat’s Pet Grooming or Pat’s Pets.

You can egister a DBA with the Montana SOS online. There is a $20 fee.

Step 2: Choose a registered agent

Like with many other states, you must list a registered agent for your Montana LLC.

A registered agent acts as a point of contact for your business.

They receive service of process, important legal documents, and official correspondence. An individual or business entity can act as a registered agent if they:

Are over 18 years old and reside in Montana
Have a physical street address (not a P.O. Box)

You can serve as your own Montana registered agent. This means you must be present during regular business hours. Your business cannot serve as a registered agent. It must be an individual.

If you don't want to be your own registered agent, you can hire one for about $90-$249/year in Montana.

If you form an LLC with Northwest, they'll give you a free registered agent for the first year. After that, it's $125 per year.

Step 3: File the Montana LLC Articles of Organization

The next step is to register your Montana LLC with the state. This will create a legal entity.

To officially form an LLC in Montana, file an Articles of Organization form with the following details:

LLC name and mailing address
Registered agent’s name and address
Management structure
Names and addresses of all members or managers
Date and signature of the person filling out the paperwork

There is a relatively small, $35 fee.

If you have a business from another state and want to do business in Montana, register as a foreign LLC.

Foreign LLCs must file a “Certificate of Authority of Foreign Limited Liability Corporation” online with the Montana SOS. They also need a current certificate of good standing/existence from the origin state.

The filing fee is $70. Montana's average LLC registration processing time is 7-10 business days.

If you need your LLC formed faster, expedited processing is available at an extra cost:

24-hour priority handling: $20
1-hour expedited handling: $100

Once Montana approves your LLC, request a Certificate of Existence. This will cost $5 but is important to have on file. You’ll likely need it to open a business bank account or get financing for projects

Step 4: Create an LLC Operating Agreement

Operating agreements are like a guidebook for running the company. They lay out details for management operations, making decisions, and distributing profit.

Montana state law doesn’t require LLCs to have an operating agreement, but they strongly encourage you to have this document. Without one, Montana law steps in to resolve conflicts. This may not align with your interests.

Business owners can use operating agreements to make sure everything functions as they intend. They are essential for every multi-member LLC.

The operating agreement:

Shows members’ assets and debts are separate from the LLC’s
Prevents and resolves conflicts without relying on Montana law
Provides a clear picture of business operations to owners
Tracks ownership interests and lays out distribution methods
Includes procedures for adding/removing members or dissolving the LLC

You can draft your operating agreement using an online template. Or hire an attorney to help create a customized one.

Step 5: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS

Now it’s time to switch over to tax concerns.

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a Social Security number (SSN) for the business. The IRS uses it to identify the LLC and file taxes.

All multi-member LLCs must get an EIN. Some single-member LLCs without employees don’t need to apply for EIN immediately. But it’s best practice to get one anyway as they can be needed to open a bank account.

The IRS online application is the fastest way to get an EIN. But you can also request one by mail or fax. It’s free.
Starting an LLC in Montana is reasonably priced compared to other options. The minimum expense to establish a Montana LLC is just $35 to file your articles of organization.

This fee is paid to the state upon registering your LLC in Montana. However, if you are a foreign LLC, the minimum fee increases to $70.

There is a possibility of incurring extra optional expenses. These include a registered agent service (approximately $100/year) or registering a trade name ($20).

Final steps

Business bank account

The first is to create a business bank account. LLCs are not allowed to use a personal account for business finances. Doing so risks losing your personal liability protection.

Open a business bank account once all your formation documents are approved. Monthly fees can be waived if you meet certain requirements. They’re usually no more than $25 per month.

Local tax and licenses

Many businesses need to register with local authorities. This includes state, city, and county organizations. From taxes to activity-based licenses, check what your LLC needs before operating.

Start with the Montana Department of Revenue to see if you have any state tax needs. Then go to the Department of Labor & Industry to fulfill any employer needs. Business licenses are needed for things like alcohol sales and gambling. The Small Business Licensing Information page has a lot of information to get you started.

Insurance and connections (optional)

Getting insurance coverage can make a huge difference when things turn south. A general liability policy puts a lot of resources at your fingertips so you can continue forward even if major lawsuits arise.

You’ll also go far by connecting with the local business community. You’re going to face many new challenges as an owner. Use organizations like the Montana SBDC to learn from the best. This Montana Business Help list has many useful resources for advice and funding.