How Much Does an LLC Cost in Montana?

Forming an LLC in Montana costs $35 for the filing fee : one of the lowest in the nation. Here’s exactly what you’ll pay to start your Montana LLC, plus ongoing costs you need to budget for.

Montana made LLC formation more affordable in 2022 by cutting the filing fee in half from $70 to $35. This puts Montana among the cheapest states for LLC formation, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Montana LLC Cost Breakdown

Here are all the costs associated with forming and maintaining an LLC in Montana:

Source: Montana Secretary of State, verified March 2026

Formation Filing Fee: $35

Montana charges $35 to file your Articles of Organization, whether you file online or by mail. This fee was reduced from $70 in 2022, making Montana one of the most affordable states for LLC formation.

The $35 fee covers standard processing, which typically takes about 2 weeks. If you need your LLC formed faster, Montana offers expedited processing options.

Expedited Processing Options

Montana offers two expedited processing tiers if you need your LLC approved quickly:

• 24-Hour Processing: Add $20 to your filing fee for next-day approval
• 1-Hour Processing: Add $100 for same-day approval within one hour

These expedited fees are in addition to the $35 base filing fee. Most businesses don’t need expedited processing unless you have a time-sensitive business opportunity or deadline.

Name Reservation: $10 (Optional)

If you want to reserve your LLC name before filing your Articles of Organization, Montana charges $10 for a 120-day name reservation. This is optional : you can check name availability for free using the Montana LLC name search tool and file immediately if your name is available.

Name reservation makes sense if you need time to prepare your documents or aren’t ready to file immediately after checking availability.

Annual Report and Ongoing Costs

Annual Report Fee

Montana requires LLCs to file an annual report by April 15th each year. The fee structure rewards early filing:

• $20 if filed before April 15th deadline
• $35 if filed after April 15th

This is one of the lowest annual report fees in the country. Filing early saves you $15 and ensures you stay compliant with state requirements.

Registered Agent Requirement

Every Montana LLC must have a registered agent : a person or company designated to receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC. You have two options:

• Serve as your own registered agent: Free, but you must have a Montana address and be available during business hours
• Hire a professional registered agent service: Typically costs around $125 per year

Most business owners choose a professional service for privacy and reliability. When you use a formation service, registered agent service is often included for the first year.

Montana LLC First-Year Cost Comparison

Here’s what you’ll pay in your first year, comparing DIY formation versus using a professional service:

While DIY formation seems cheaper upfront, professional services often provide better value when you factor in included services like registered agent, operating agreement templates, and EIN filing assistance.

Why Formation Services Make Sense

Professional formation services offer several advantages over DIY filing:

• Accuracy guarantee: Experts handle your paperwork to avoid rejections and delays
• Included registered agent: Often provided free for the first year (a $125 value)
• Operating agreement templates: Legal documents that would cost hundreds from an attorney
• EIN filing assistance: Help navigating the federal tax ID application process
• Ongoing support: Guidance on compliance and business requirements

Additional Montana LLC Fees

Foreign LLC Registration

If your LLC is formed in another state but wants to do business in Montana, you’ll need to register as a foreign LLC. Montana charges $70 for foreign LLC registration : double the domestic filing fee.

Series LLC Special Fees

Montana allows Series LLCs, which can have multiple “series” or divisions under one umbrella LLC. There’s an additional $50 fee for each series member, applying to both domestic and foreign Series LLCs.

Amendment and Administrative Fees

Other fees you might encounter during your LLC’s lifetime:

• Articles of Organization Amendment: $15
• Certificate of Existence: $5 (Montana’s version of a Certificate of Good Standing)
• DBA (Doing Business As) Filing: $20
• Dissolution: $0 (free to dissolve your LLC)

Avoiding Unnecessary Costs

EIN Application Scams

Your LLC will likely need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes and opening bank accounts. The IRS provides EINs completely free through their website.

Operating Agreement Templates

While Montana doesn’t require an operating agreement, having one protects your LLC status and clarifies member responsibilities. Many formation services include basic templates, or you can find free templates online. Only pay for custom legal work if your business has complex ownership or operational needs.

Montana Tax Considerations

Beyond formation costs, consider Montana’s tax environment for your LLC:

• No state sales tax
• Corporate income tax: 6.75% (if LLC elects corporate taxation)
• Individual income tax: 1% to 6.75% (for pass-through taxation)
• No personal property tax on business equipment

Learn more about how Montana taxes affect your LLC in our Montana LLC taxes guide.

Professional Services for Your Montana LLC

Once your LLC is formed, you’ll need additional services to operate effectively:

Business Banking

Your LLC needs a separate business bank account to maintain the legal separation between personal and business finances. Look for accounts with no monthly fees and good online banking features.

Business Insurance

Even though your LLC provides liability protection, you still need business insurance to protect against property damage, professional errors, and other risks specific to your industry.

Recommended Formation Services

Here are the top-rated services for forming your Montana LLC:

Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest offers premium service with same-day filing and includes registered agent service. Their $39 fee plus the $35 state fee gives you professional formation with ongoing compliance support.

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness provides free formation (you pay only the $35 state fee) with their Starter plan. Processing takes 2-3 weeks for standard service, with rush options available.

LegalZoom

LegalZoom offers their Basic plan at no service charge, covering just the $35 state filing fee. Processing typically takes 7-10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I form a Montana LLC if I don’t live in Montana?

Yes, you can form a Montana LLC regardless of where you live. However, you’ll need a Montana registered agent if you don’t have a Montana address.

How long does it take to form a Montana LLC?

Standard processing takes about 2 weeks. You can pay extra for 24-hour processing ($20) or 1-hour processing ($100) if needed.

Can I change my LLC name after formation?

Yes, you can amend your Articles of Organization to change your LLC name for a $15 fee. You’ll need to file an Amendment with the Montana Secretary of State.

Do I need to publish my LLC formation in a newspaper?

No, Montana doesn’t require publication of your LLC formation in newspapers, unlike some states such as New York.

What happens if I don’t file my annual report?

Montana will eventually dissolve your LLC for non-compliance. The annual report is simple to file and costs only $20 if filed on time, so there’s no reason to skip it.

Ready to start your business? Check out our complete guide to forming an LLC in Montana for step-by-step instructions.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Filing fees and requirements change : always confirm current fees with your state’s Secretary of State office.