Last updated on July 26, 2019

How to Form an LLC in Montana

A Montana Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a legal structure used to protect your personal assets (home, car, bank account) in the event your business is sued.

An LLC can be used to operate a business. An LLC can also be used to hold assets (such as real estate, vehicles, boats, or aircraft).

Forming an LLC in Montana is simple. Search your Montana LLC name in the state database and select your Registered Agent.

File your Articles of Organization with the Montana Secretary of State and wait for your LLC to be approved.

The state of Montana no longer has a “file by mail” option (as of 2017). All LLCs in Montana must be filed online.

The Montana LLC filing fee is $70 (one-time payment).

The Montana LLC approval time is 1 hour or less. It’s pretty much “instant”. After you submit your LLC filing online and make payment, you’ll receive an email with your LLC approval documents (on average it takes about 5 minutes or less).

After your Montana LLC is approved, complete your LLC Operating Agreement and get your Federal Tax ID Number (EIN Number) from the IRS.

In order to keep your Montana LLC in compliance with the state, you need to file an LLC Annual Report each year. The fee is $20 and it’s due by April 15th (the first Annual Report is due the year after your LLC is approved). And like the LLC formation step, the Annual Report can only be filed online (you can’t file by mail).

We’ve created a free course that will walk you through forming your Montana LLC, step-by-step.

You can find the detailed lessons linked at the top of this page.

Matt Horwitz

Founder & Educator, LLC University®

Forming an LLC shouldn't be so complicated. Our step-by-step guide will make the process a breeze – and no complex legal jargon! LLC University® teaches people how to form an LLC for free in all 50 states. We hope you find our free guides and resources helpful in your business journey.