Decide on the legal structure of your business. See our business tax structure page. Common options include:

• Sole Proprietorship
• Partnership
• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• C-Corporation (C-Corp)
• S-Corporation (S-Corp)
• Nonprofit

For more information, see our Tax Structure Guide!

Montana does not require you to reserve a business name before registration, but it’s recommended to ensure your desired name is available:

• Check Name Availability: Montana Business Entity Search
• Reserve a Business Name: Fee: $10.
  • File Online

Submit the necessary formation documents based on your business structure to the Montana Secretary of State:

• LLC: File Articles of Organization.

  • Fee: $70.
  • File Online 
  • Download Forms 

• Corporation: File Articles of Incorporation.

  • Fee: $70.
  • File Online 
  • Download Forms 

If operating under a name different from your legal business name, register an Assumed Business Name (DBA) with the Montana Secretary of State:

• Fee: $20.
• File Online 

Montana does not have a state sales tax, but businesses hiring employees or involved in certain activities may need to register for other state taxes:

• Employer Taxes: Register for withholding and unemployment taxes if you have employees.
  • Employer Registration

Certain businesses may require additional permits or licenses depending on their industry or location:

• Use Montana’s Business Checklist Tool to identify required licenses:
  • https://business.mt.gov/

Separate your personal and business finances by opening a business bank account using:

• Your EIN (Employer Identification Number).
• Formation documents or operating agreement.

• Annual Reports: LLCs and Corporations must file an Annual Report with the Montana Secretary of State to maintain good standing:
  • Fee: $20.
  • File Online

• Montana Secretary of State – Business Services: https://sosmt.gov/business/
• Montana Department of Labor and Industry – Unemployment Insurance Division: https://uid.dli.mt.gov/
• Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC): https://sbdc.mt.gov/