Skip to content
LLCPros

How to form an LLC in Montana

File an Articles of Organization with the Montana Secretary of State, Business Services. State filing fee $35.

Start my Montana LLC → Search names on the state site ↗

Due to form

$35

State filing fee

How to file

Online only

Processed in order received; paid 24-hour and 1-hour options.

Keeping it active

Annual Report

January 1 to April 15 each year after formation · $20

The steps in Montana

  1. 1

    Choose a name

    It must be distinguishable from other businesses on file and end with “Limited Liability Company”, “Limited Company”, “LLC”, “L.L.C.”, “LC”, “L.C.”. Name must meet MCA 35-8-103 and be distinguishable. Reservation $10. You can reserve a name first for $10 (optional).

  2. 2

    Appoint a registered agent

    Commercial registered agent or noncommercial agent with Montana address (may be yourself); information per MCA 35-7-105.

  3. 3

    File the Articles of Organization

    File with the Montana Secretary of State, Business Services. Filing is online only. Montana requires its own form or online system: LLCPros gives you a worksheet with every answer to copy in. Fee: $35.

  4. 4

    Sign an operating agreement

    Not filed with the state, and not required by Montana law, but banks and partners often ask for one. LLCPros prepares one from your answers.

  5. 5

    Get an EIN and keep up with reports

    Get a free Employer Identification Number from the IRS, open a business bank account, then file the Annual Report (january 1 to April 15 each year after formation).

Fees

Filing fee — Articles of Organization$35
Optional: 24-hour priority expedite+$20
Optional: 1-hour expedite+$100
Optional: name reservation$10
Later: Annual Report$20

Series LLC: +$50 per series named. Card or e-check payment.

State taxes to know about

No LLC-level franchise tax; LLC taxed per federal classification.

Questions about Montana LLCs

›How much does it cost to form an LLC in Montana?

The Montana filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $35. Optional expedited processing costs more.

›What document forms an LLC in Montana?

You file an Articles of Organization with the Montana Secretary of State, Business Services, online only.

›Does Montana require a registered agent?

Yes. Commercial registered agent or noncommercial agent with Montana address (may be yourself); information per MCA 35-7-105.

›Does a Montana LLC file an annual report?

Yes: the Annual Report, january 1 to April 15 each year after formation, fee $20.

Double-check with the state

We could not confirm these on an official Montana page when we last checked (November 12, 2026). Your filing plan lists them too.

  • The registered agent rules, including whether the agent must sign a consent
  • Which name endings and words the state allows
  • The current filing fee and any service charge
  • Exactly what the state’s form or online filing asks for
Self-help, not legal or tax advice. LLCPros is not a law firm, does not give legal or tax advice, and is not affiliated with any state or federal agency. We prepare documents from your answers and your state’s published rules; you file them and pay the state’s fees directly. Rules and fees change — check the official state links before filing, and talk to a lawyer or accountant about your situation.