How to Form an LLC in Montana Yourself (2026 Costs and Steps)

Last verified against official Montana sources on 2026-09-15.

State filing fee: $35 online
Form: Articles of Organization
Filed with: Montana Secretary of State, Business Services Division
Processing time: Not published by the state
Annual report: Required (annual), fee varies: see the guide below
Be your own registered agent: Yes, if you meet the rules below

Quick answer

The total state cost to file online is $35. File your Articles of Organization with the Montana Secretary of State, Business Services Division at file online with the Montana Secretary of State.

Step 1: Check that your LLC name is available

Search the Montana Secretary of State's business name records before filing to ensure your desired name is available.

Step 2: Choose a registered agent

You can be your own registered agent, which is called a non-commercial registered agent in Montana, or you can appoint a Montana resident or a commercial service. The agent must have a physical address in Montana (not a P.O. Box) and be available during business hours to accept documents.

Step 3: File your Articles of Organization

File your Articles of Organization online with the Montana Secretary of State. The filing fee is $35. This state accepts filings online only; mail filing is not available. You may choose expedited processing if needed. A 24-hour processing option costs $20 and is listed under Miscellaneous Business Charges on the SOS fee sheet. A 1-hour processing option costs $100 and is also listed under Miscellaneous Business Charges on the SOS fee sheet.

Step 4: Create an operating agreement

Create an operating agreement to outline how your LLC will operate. This document typically covers ownership percentages, member roles and responsibilities, voting procedures, and what happens if a member leaves the company.

Step 5: Get your EIN from the IRS

Get your Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. The EIN is free from the IRS. You can apply at https://www.irs.gov/ein.

Step 6: Keep your LLC in good standing

File an Annual Report every year. The report is due by April 15 each year. The SOS waives the fee for annual reports filed between January 1 and April 15. An annual report filed after April 15 costs $35.00. There is no Montana franchise or minimum tax on LLCs; the SOS help article notes the annual report is not a tax or earnings report.

Three ways to get it done

State fees are always extra and go straight to the state.

Free

Do it yourself

Follow this guide in Montana. Every fee and form comes from the state’s own pages.

Download the PDF guide

$249 + state fees

We file it for you

We prepare and file your LLC paperwork in Montana so you don’t have to learn the portal.

Have us file it

$1,497 + state fees

Done for you

Business in a box: the LLC plus the setup to run it, built so it doesn’t depend on you.

Book a call

This is general information, not legal or tax advice. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney or CPA.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to file an LLC in Montana?

The filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $35 when filed online.

Can I file my Montana LLC by mail?

No, this state accepts filings online only.

When is the Montana annual report due?

The Annual Report is due by April 15 each year.

Is there a franchise tax for Montana LLCs?

No, there is no Montana franchise or minimum tax on LLCs as such. The annual report is not a tax or earnings report.

What are the expedited processing options in Montana?

Montana offers 24-hour processing for $20 and 1-hour processing for $100. These fees are listed under Miscellaneous Business Charges on the SOS fee sheet.

Sources

Official sources, last verified 2026-09-15: