How to Form an LLC in Montana (2026 Guide)
Everything you need to form a Montana LLC: state filing fee ($35), processing time (7-10 business days), annual compliance, taxes, and the exact 7-step process. Reviewed by IRS Enrolled Agents.
To form an LLC in Montana, file the Articles of Organization with the Montana Secretary of State (fee: $35), appoint a registered agent with a Montana street address, obtain an EIN from the IRS, and adopt an operating agreement. Standard processing takes 7-10 business days. The annual annual report is $20, due April 15. With Gullia Filing, total first-year cost is $204 (all-inclusive: state fee, registered agent, EIN, operating agreement).
Montana LLC Cost Breakdown
Total transparent pricing for forming and maintaining a Montana LLC. No surprise upsells, no hidden fees.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Montana SoS filing fee | $35 | One-time, paid to the state |
| Expedited processing (optional) | +$20 | Reduces wait to 24 hours |
| Registered agent (year 1) | Included | Included free in every Gullia package |
| EIN (Federal Tax ID) | Included | Filed with the IRS, no extra charge |
| Operating agreement | Included | Attorney-reviewed, state-compliant |
| Gullia Filing Starter service fee | $149 | Flat fee, no upsells |
| Total first-year cost | $204 | All-inclusive, no surprises |
| Recurring: Annual Report | $20/yr | Due April 15 |
The 7-Step Montana LLC Formation Process
Every Montana LLC follows the same core process. Here is exactly what happens, in order, and what Gullia Filing handles on your behalf.
Choose a Montana LLC name
Pick a name that includes "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and is distinguishable from existing Montana entities. Our free name check tool verifies availability against the Montana Secretary of State database in seconds.
Appoint a Montana registered agent
Montana requires a registered agent with a physical street address in the state to receive legal and tax notices. Gullia Filing provides this service in every package, protecting your privacy and ensuring you never miss a critical filing.
File the Articles of Organization
Submit formation paperwork to the Montana Secretary of State with a $35 filing fee. Expedited processing is available for $20 additional. We handle the filing electronically and forward your certified copy within 7-10 business days.
Obtain your EIN (Federal Tax ID)
Apply to the IRS for an Employer Identification Number, required to open a US business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes. Included free in every Gullia Filing package.
Draft an operating agreement
An operating agreement establishes member rights, profit distributions, management structure, and dispute resolution. Even single-member LLCs benefit from having one on file for bank account opening and to reinforce the corporate veil. We provide a state-compliant, attorney-reviewed template in every package.
Register for Montana taxes and licenses
Register with the Montana Department of Revenue for state tax IDs, sales tax permits if applicable, and any industry-specific licenses. Our compliance calendar tracks every deadline automatically.
Open a US business bank account
With your EIN, Articles of Organization, and operating agreement, you can open a US business bank account. We provide bank-ready document packages and can introduce you to fintech partners that accept remote onboarding.
Montana LLC Tax Obligations
State tax summary
No state sales tax. Pass-through LLC members pay Montana income tax (up to 5.9%) if Montana residents. Popular for vehicle registration savings on RVs and high-value assets.
Franchise tax: No franchise tax. 6.75% state income tax if C-Corp elected.
Federal tax defaults
A single-member Montana LLC is treated as a disregarded entity federally (income flows to Schedule C or E of the owner's Form 1040). A multi-member LLC defaults to partnership taxation (Form 1065). You may elect S-Corp status (Form 2553) or C-Corp status (Form 8832) if it reduces overall tax.
See tax and accounting servicesWhy form your LLC in Montana
- No state sales tax — popular for buying and registering RVs, exotic cars, and high-value equipment through a Montana LLC.
- Lowest formation filing fee ($35) and lowest annual report fee ($20) in the US.
- Business-friendly regulatory climate with no franchise tax.
Things to watch for in Montana
- Registering an RV to a Montana LLC when you don't live in Montana can trigger tax evasion charges in your home state — several states are actively prosecuting.
- Montana requires the annual report by April 15 (tax day) — many owners forget because it's the same day as federal tax filing.
Top industries for Montana LLCs
Gullia Filing vs Alternatives (Montana)
The state filing fee is the same everywhere. What differs is the service fee, what is included, and how transparent the pricing is.
| Provider | Base service fee | Registered agent Y1 | EIN included | Operating agreement | Total first year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gullia Filing (Starter) | $149 | Included | Yes (free) | Yes (attorney-reviewed) | $184 |
| DIY (file yourself) | $0 | $50-150 or self | Self (free) | No (buy separately) | $35+ |
| Bizee (Silver) | $0 + upsells | Free Y1, $119/yr after | Upsell ($70) | Upsell ($99) | $204+ |
| LegalZoom (Basic) | $249 | Upsell ($299/yr) | Upsell ($79) | Upsell ($99) | $761+ |
| Northwest RA | $39 | $125/yr | Upsell ($200) | Yes (template) | $399+ |
| ZenBusiness (Starter) | $0 + $199/yr | Free Y1, $199/yr after | Upsell ($99) | Upsell ($99) | $234+ |
Comparison based on publicly available pricing as of 2026. State filing fee ($35) is paid to Montana and identical across providers. Verify current pricing directly with each provider before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions about forming an LLC in Montana, answered by our Enrolled Agents.
Compare Montana to nearby states
Ready to form your Montana LLC?
Flat $149 service fee. State fee $35 paid directly to Montana. EIN, registered agent, and operating agreement included. No upsells, no surprises.