Learning how to start an LLC in Montana costs as little as $35. That’s the state filing fee for the Articles of Organization, according to the Montana Secretary of State, Business Services fee schedule. You can file it yourself, and a formation service is optional.
After that, Montana requires an annual report from every LLC. It costs $20 if you file by April 15 and $35 after. The IRS says an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is free, and you never have to pay a fee for one.
Below is the do-it-yourself path, what a paid service adds, and how to keep your LLC in good standing. For the big-picture version, see our 7-step overview.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
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Key Takeaways
- The Montana state fee to form an LLC is $35 (Articles of Organization).
- The annual report is required every year and due April 15. It’s $20 on time and $35 after April 15.
- An EIN is free from the IRS at irs.gov. Never pay for one.
- A formation service is optional. If you use one, you pay its fee on top of the $35.
Montana LLC Costs at a Glance
| Item | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (formation) | $35 | Once, when you form |
| Annual report | $20 if filed by April 15; $35 after April 15 | Every year, due April 15 |
| EIN from the IRS | $0 | Once, after formation |
Sources: Montana Secretary of State, Business Services fee schedule; IRS.gov. Fees were current as of October 2026, so confirm them on the state’s site before you file.
“Free” here means no middleman fee. The $35 goes to the state, and you can’t avoid it.
How to Start an LLC in Montana in 7 Steps
1. Choose and check your business name
Start with the business name search on the Montana Secretary of State’s website. It shows whether your first choice is already registered. Try a few spelling variations too.
Say you’re forming a one-person LLC to run a fishing-guide business out of Bozeman. You’d search the exact name you want, then close variations, before putting anything on paper. Check the Secretary of State’s site for Montana’s naming rules, including any required designator such as “LLC.”
Also see whether the matching web domain and social handles are open. Those are separate from state registration, but it’s easier to find out before you print business cards.
2. Appoint a registered agent
A registered agent is the person or company designated to receive official legal and state mail for your LLC. You have three common options:
- Yourself, if you meet the state’s requirements.
- Someone you trust, such as a family member or business partner who meets those requirements.
- A commercial registered agent service, which charges a fee. It can make sense if you travel a lot or don’t want your home address on a public record.
Check the Montana Secretary of State’s website for the registered agent requirements, including address rules, before you choose.
3. File the Articles of Organization
The Articles of Organization is the document that legally creates your LLC. You file it with the Montana Secretary of State, Business Services, and the fee is $35.
Gather these first:
- Your LLC name
- Your registered agent’s name and address
- Your business address
- Information about who owns or manages the LLC
A member is an owner of an LLC. A manager is someone appointed to run it day to day. In a small LLC, the members often manage it themselves.
Find the current form and filing instructions on the Secretary of State’s website. Check there for current processing times, too.
4. Create an operating agreement
An operating agreement is an internal document that sets out how your LLC runs: who owns what share, who makes decisions, and how profits are handled. You typically don’t file it with the state. Keep it with your business records.
Even for a one-person LLC, a written operating agreement helps show that your business is separate from you personally, and banks sometimes ask for it. With more than one member, it matters even more, because it spells out what happens when owners disagree. Check the Secretary of State’s site, or ask an attorney, about what Montana law assumes when you don’t have one.
5. Get a free EIN from the IRS
An EIN is a nine-digit federal tax ID for your business. The IRS says you can get one directly from the IRS online in minutes for free, and you never have to pay a fee for one.
Sites that charge for an EIN are selling something the IRS gives away.
You’ll typically need an EIN to open a business bank account, hire employees, or file certain tax returns. Apply after your LLC is formed, so the name on the application matches your filed Articles of Organization.
6. Open a business bank account
Keep business money separate from personal money. A dedicated account makes bookkeeping and taxes much cleaner. Bring your Articles of Organization, EIN confirmation, and operating agreement.
Many traditional banks offer business checking. If you’d rather use an online option built for small businesses, Novo is one account worth comparing. Look at fees, features, and fit before you open any account.
7. Calendar your annual report
Montana requires an annual report from every LLC. The fee is $20 if filed by April 15 and $35 after April 15. Put April 15 on your calendar now.
How to Start an LLC in Montana: DIY vs. a Formation Service
The DIY route: You file the Articles of Organization yourself with the Montana Secretary of State. Your first-year formation cost is the $35 state fee. The EIN is $0.
The service route: You pay the $35 state fee plus the service’s own fee. For real, current prices, see our formation service comparison.
What a service typically adds:
- Guided forms and checks for missing information
- Optional bundled extras, such as registered agent service, an operating agreement template, or EIN help
- Reminders for ongoing filings
None of those are required to form the LLC. If you’re comfortable with a form and a checklist, you can skip them. If you want hand-holding or a bundle, Bizee is one service to compare. Read what’s included and what renews each year before you buy. You can also read our walkthrough of incorporating with Bizee.
Skip any “EIN service” add-on. The IRS charges nothing.
Keeping Your Montana LLC in Good Standing
Forming the LLC isn’t the end of the paperwork. The main ongoing obligation, per the Montana Secretary of State, is the annual report:
- Required for: all Montana LLCs
- Due: April 15 each year
- Fee: $20 if filed by April 15; $35 if filed after April 15
Miss the deadline and the fee goes up by $15. Check the Secretary of State’s website for how to file the report, when your first one is due after formation, and any other consequences of filing late.
A few habits help:
- Keep your registered agent information current.
- Keep your operating agreement and records in one place.
- Keep business and personal money separate.
Tax is a separate decision from formation. Our guide to LLC vs. S corp differences covers how to think about tax setup. If you also wonder about federal ownership reporting, read whether you still need to file a BOI report in 2026. To compare Montana with other states, see LLC filing fees by state.
Montana LLC FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Montana?
The state filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $35, according to the Montana Secretary of State, Business Services. The EIN is free from the IRS. If you hire a formation service, you add its fee on top.
Do I need a formation service to start an LLC in Montana?
No. You can file the Articles of Organization yourself with the Montana Secretary of State. A service is an optional convenience.
What is the Montana LLC annual report fee?
It’s $20 if filed by April 15 and $35 if filed after April 15, according to the Montana Secretary of State’s fee schedule. The report is required for all Montana LLCs.
When is the Montana LLC annual report due?
April 15 each year, per the Montana Secretary of State.
How do I get an EIN for my Montana LLC?
Apply on IRS.gov. The IRS says you can get an EIN directly from them in minutes, for free. Only use the official IRS site.
Your Next Step
Ready to file? Walk through our 7-step incorporation overview, then compare Montana’s $35 fee with other states on our LLC filing fees by state page.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Business formation rules, fees, and deadlines vary by state and change often. Always consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or tax professional before making decisions about your business.
