The state filing fee to form an LLC in Montana is $35. That's one of the lowest LLC filing fees in the country. On top of that, plan for $20 each year in annual report fees. You'll pay $199 to us for the filing itself. The state charges $35 directly. Registered agent service is $99 per year as a separate annual product. EIN and operating agreement are not bundled.
Standard processing runs 3-5 business days. If you pay $20 for expedited service, you can usually get to 1-2 business days. We file on your behalf and notify you as soon as the Montana Secretary of State processes the formation.
Yes, every year. The fee is $20. Missing the filing deadline can lead to late fees and eventually administrative dissolution by the Montana Secretary of State.
Yes. Every LLC registered with the Montana Secretary of State is required to maintain a registered agent with a physical Montana address. This is true from the moment you file your formation documents and remains true for as long as the LLC exists. We offer this service at $99 for the first year as a standalone product, separate from formation; the renewal rate is $119/year.
Yes. You don't have to be a Montana resident to form a Montana LLC. You do, however, need a registered agent with a physical Montana address — which you can get from us for $99 a year (separate from formation).
Montana doesn't require you to file an operating agreement with the state, but you absolutely should have one. Banks require it to open a business account. Courts rely on it in disputes. Without one, Montana's default LLC rules apply — which may not match your intentions. An Montana-specific operating agreement template is available from us as a standalone add-on.
Apply directly on IRS.gov — it's free and takes about 10 minutes. You'll receive your EIN immediately after completing the online application. Never pay a third party for an EIN. We provide EIN application assistance as an optional, separately-priced service. The IRS doesn't charge for an EIN — apply at IRS.gov yourself if you prefer.
What $199 gets you: Articles of Organization drafted, reviewed, and submitted to the Montana Secretary of State. The $35 state filing fee is separate. Registered agent service, an operating agreement, and EIN application assistance are each their own service.
We're here to help. Reach out Monday through Friday and we'll answer any questions about forming an LLC in Montana or how our services work.