How to Form an LLC in Montana

State fee: $35Processing: Same dayTrueFormed bundle: $89 + state fee
Full disclosure: You can form an LLC in Montana yourself for just the $35 state fee. The Secretary of Statedoesn't care who submits the form. Our $89 bundle is for people who'd rather not spend the hour — and it adds EIN, Operating Agreement, and the first year of Registered Agent service.

Montana LLC Cost Summary

Articles of Organization (state fee)$35
Annual Report$20
Registered Agent (1st year, included in bundle)Included
EIN (IRS — included in bundle)Included
TrueFormed formation service fee$89
Total Year 1 with TrueFormed$144

Year 2+: Registered Agent renewal is $99/yr. Compare: ZenBusiness Year 1 runs about $433 (Pro formation $199 + RA $199 + state fee) for the same services. We publish our full cost breakdown.

Step 1: Choose a name for your Montana LLC

Your LLC name must be unique in Montanaand include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company." Search the Secretary of State database at Secretary of State website to check availability.

Step 2: Choose a registered agent

Montana requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state. A registered agent receives legal and tax documents on behalf of your business. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Montana address, or use a service like TrueFormed. Our $89 formation bundle includes the first year; renewal is $99/year.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

File your Articles of Organization with the Montana Secretary of State. You can file online at biz.sosmt.gov. The filing fee is $35 and processing typically takes Same day.

Or let TrueFormed handle it — our $89 bundle includes this filing plus EIN, Operating Agreement, and your first year of Registered Agent service. You pay the $35 state fee on top.

Step 4: Get an EIN from the IRS

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your business's tax ID. It's free from the IRS and takes about 5 minutes online. You'll need it to open a business bank account, file taxes, and hire employees.

See our complete EIN guide →

Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement

Montana doesn't legally require an operating agreement, but every LLC should have one. It defines ownership percentages, management structure, and what happens if a member leaves. Banks often require it to open a business account.

Step 6: Stay compliant — Montana annual requirements

Montana requires a n annual report filed with the Secretary of State. Deadline: By April 15 each year. The fee is $20.

Miss the deadline and your LLC can be administratively dissolved. If you keep our $99/yr Registered Agent service active we track this deadline automatically; filing the report is a $99 + state-fee add-on when it comes due.

See our annual reports guide →

Montana tax notes

Lowest LLC filing fee in the US ($35). Graduated income tax (1-6.75%). No sales tax.

Ready to form your Montana LLC?

Our $89 bundle covers formation, EIN, Operating Agreement, and your first year of Registered Agent service. State fee ($35) is paid to Montana at cost.