How To Start An LLC In Montana In 2025
Everything you need to know about forming an LLC in Montana, plus our expert-tested recommendations for the best formation services in Big Sky Country.
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Montana offers exceptional advantages for LLC formation with the lowest filing fees in the nation. With just a $35 state filing fee, no statewide sales tax, and business-friendly policies that rank Montana 4th in the nation for business climate, Big Sky Country is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs. Whether you're in Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, or anywhere across Montana's vast landscape, you can establish your Montana LLC quickly and affordably.
Our top pick for Montana LLC formation is ZenBusiness. They offer fast processing for Montana LLCs, include a year of free Worry-Free Compliance, and their $0 formation package means you only pay Montana's incredibly low $35 state fee. With their expertise in Montana business law and excellent customer support, they make the entire process simple and cost-effective.
Featured Partners
- Best filing & protections
- Fastest processing
- Free compliance for 1 yr
- Award-winning support
On ZenBusiness's Website
- Best for standard filing
- Fast processing options
- Free yr registered agent
- Lifetime company alerts
On Bizee's Website
- Best legal services
- Fast processing options
- AI legal forms
- Trusted since 1999
On LegalZoom's Website
- Best branding services
- Fast processing options
- Logo & website builder
- Establish your brand
On Tailor Brands's Website
Compare the Best Montana LLC Services of 2025
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and capabilities
| Feature | ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | Bizee Fastest Formation |  Inc Authority Free Formation | Tailor Brands Best for Branding | LegalZoom Best for Legal Support |  Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents |  BetterLegal Speed & Simplicity |  Active Filings Traditional Service |  Filenow Budget Option |  Northwest Basic Formation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $99.99 + state fees | $299 all-inclusive | $199 + state fees | $99 + state fees | $39 + state fees |
| Our Rating | 4.9 /5 | 4.6 /5 | 4.4 /5 | 4.3 /5 | 4.2 /5 | 4.0 /5 | 3.9 /5 | 3.8 /5 | 3.6 /5 | 3.4 /5 |
| Standard Processing | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 5-14 days | 5-7 days | 2 days | 5-10 days | 7-10 days | 7-10 days |
| Rush Processing | 1 day +$79 | 1 day +$49 | 2 days +$99 | 1 day +$99 | Standard speed | 2 days +$100 | 3 days +$50 | |||
| Compliance Tools | Worry-Free Compliance Free 1st year | Alerts only Basic monitoring | Basic tools Included | Basic alerts Included | Premium only Extra cost | Document library With membership | Limited Basic support | Basic tools Limited | None Not available | None Not included |
| Registered Agent | $199/yr Not included | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | Free Year 1 Then $199/yr | $119/yr Not included | $249/yr Not included | $149/yr Not included | Included In base price | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | +$125/yr Not included | $125/yr Available |
| Operating Agreement | +$99 | +$99 | +$50 | Included | +$99 | Included | Included | +$99 | +$40 | +$39 |
| EIN Service | +$99 | +$70 | +$70 | Included | +$159 | +$99 | Included | +$70 | +$50 | +$70 |
| Customer Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Limited | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Chat | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Email | Email only | Email only |
| Mobile App | ||||||||||
| Attorney Access | ||||||||||
| Get Started | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → |
Note: State filing fees are additional for all services except where noted. Features and pricing may vary by state.
Our Top Picks for Montana LLC Services
Best Overall for Montana ZenBusiness excels at Montana LLC formation with their expertise in Montana's specific requirements and incredibly low $35 state fee. They include their Worry-Free Compliance for the first year (saving you $199+), handle your Montana Secretary of State registration, and provide ongoing compliance support. Their team understands Montana's annual report requirements and helps ensure you stay compliant with all state regulations.
Best For:
Montana entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and reliable, accurate filing
Pros
- Fast Montana LLC filing with expert support
- Free Worry-Free Compliance for 1 year
- Montana annual report reminder service included
- Expert support familiar with Montana requirements
- 100% accuracy guarantee on Montana filings
- Free EIN and operating agreement with Pro plan
Cons
- Premium features require upgraded plans
- Registered agent is $199/year
Great Value for Montana Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers excellent value for Montana LLC formation with reliable processing and Montana's ultra-low $35 filing fee. They provide a free Montana registered agent for the first year and their dashboard specifically tracks Montana's April 15th annual report deadline. Perfect for entrepreneurs who want quality service without breaking the budget.
Best For:
Montana businesses seeking reliable formation at the lowest total cost
Pros
- Fast Montana processing (5-7 business days)
- Free Montana registered agent for first year
- Lifetime company alerts for Montana compliance
- Dashboard tracks Montana annual reports
- Free business tools and templates
- No hidden fees on basic package
Cons
- Operating agreement costs extra
- Limited phone support hours
Best Legal Support in MT LegalZoom brings decades of experience with Montana business formation. Their attorney network includes Montana-licensed lawyers who can provide state-specific legal advice. While their add-ons are pricier, they're ideal for Montana businesses with complex legal needs or those who want the security of professional legal backing.
Best For:
Montana businesses needing ongoing legal support and guidance
Pros
- Attorney consultations for Montana law
- Expedited filing available for Montana
- Comprehensive Montana legal forms library
- Phone support with Montana expertise
- 30+ years serving Montana businesses
- Peace of mind guarantee
Cons
- Montana registered agent costs $249/year
- Operating agreement extra (+$99)
Best Montana Branding Package Tailor Brands combines Montana LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Perfect for Montana's growing creative and outdoor recreation industries, they help establish your brand identity while handling the legal formation. Their packages include everything needed to launch a professional Montana business presence online and offline.
Best For:
Montana creative businesses and startups needing branding
Pros
- Logo design and branding included
- Website builder with Montana business info
- Business cards with Montana address
- 5-7 day Montana processing
- EIN and operating agreement included
- Social media kit for Montana business
Cons
- Monthly subscription required
- No expedited processing for Montana
Free Montana Formation Inc Authority offers genuinely free Montana LLC formation where you only pay Montana's incredibly low $35 state fee. They include a free Montana registered agent for the first year and handle all Montana Secretary of State filings. While processing is slower than competitors, they're perfect for Montana entrepreneurs prioritizing maximum cost savings.
Best For:
Budget-conscious Montana entrepreneurs
Pros
- Truly free Montana LLC formation
- Free Montana registered agent for first year
- Free tax consultation for Montana businesses
- Handles Montana Secretary of State filing
- No hidden fees on basic package
- Montana business forms included
Cons
- Processing takes 7-10 business days
- Montana registered agent renews at $119/year
- Aggressive upselling reported
Privacy Focused Northwest Registered Agent takes a minimalist approach to Montana LLC formation, focusing on privacy and straightforward service without the bells and whistles. They handle your Montana Secretary of State registration efficiently and provide registered agent services at competitive rates, making them ideal for business owners who prefer a simple, direct approach to LLC formation.
Best For:
Montana entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and simple, no-frills service
Pros
- Strong privacy protection for Montana businesses
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Handles Montana Secretary of State filing
- No aggressive marketing or upselling
- Straightforward Montana LLC process
- Low-cost registered agent service
Cons
- Email-only customer support
- No expedited processing for Montana filings
- Limited business tools and resources
- Basic operating agreement template
All-Inclusive & Fast BetterLegal offers a streamlined approach to Montana LLC formation with their comprehensive $299 service package plus Montana's low $35 state filing fee. With guaranteed fast turnaround and transparent pricing, they're perfect for entrepreneurs who want speed and simplicity without hidden costs in their Montana LLC formation process.
Best For:
Montana businesses needing everything done quickly with transparent pricing
Pros
- Guaranteed fast Montana formation
- Everything included: formation, EIN, operating agreement, registered agent
- Transparent flat-rate pricing structure
- Montana-specific compliance guidance
- No hidden fees or surprise costs
- Streamlined single-package approach
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than budget options
- State filing fees are additional cost
- Limited ongoing support after formation
- Fewer customization options
Legal Platform Rocket Lawyer goes beyond simple Montana LLC formation to provide a comprehensive legal platform. With access to Montana-licensed attorneys and an extensive library of legal documents, they're ideal for businesses that need ongoing legal support. While formation takes longer than specialized services, the added legal resources make it worthwhile for complex Montana business needs.
Best For:
Montana businesses anticipating ongoing legal needs and document creation
Pros
- Access to Montana-licensed attorneys
- Comprehensive legal document library
- Ongoing legal support beyond formation
- Expedited Montana processing available (additional fee)
- Montana business law resources
- Attorney consultations included with membership
Cons
- Monthly membership required for best value
- Montana formation takes 5-7 business days
- Higher costs compared to formation-only services
- Complex pricing structure
Traditional Service Active Filings provides reliable Montana LLC formation with a focus on personal service and phone support. While their pricing is higher than newer competitors, they offer a traditional approach that many Montana business owners appreciate, with knowledgeable representatives who understand Montana's specific LLC requirements and annual reporting deadlines.
Best For:
Montana entrepreneurs who prefer phone support and traditional business services
Pros
- Phone support with Montana expertise
- First year registered agent included
- Expedited processing available for Montana
- Traditional, reliable service approach
- Montana annual report reminders
- Basic compliance tools included
Cons
- Higher starting price than competitors
- Limited online tools and resources
- Standard processing takes 5-7 days
- Fewer modern business features
Compliance Specialists Harbor Compliance specializes in the ongoing administrative and compliance aspects of Montana business ownership. While their basic LLC formation is straightforward, their real strength lies in helping established Montana businesses navigate complex regulatory requirements, making them ideal for companies planning significant growth or those with specialized compliance needs.
Best For:
Montana businesses with complex compliance needs or planning to expand
Pros
- Specialized in ongoing Montana compliance
- Corporate services and advanced structures
- Montana annual report filing services
- Business licensing assistance
- Registered agent services statewide
- Focus on regulatory requirements
Cons
- Higher fees for premium services
- Complex pricing for basic formation
- Longer processing times (7-10 days)
- Limited customer support hours
Montana LLC Requirements & Steps
What You Need to Form a Montana LLC
- ✓ Unique LLC Name: Must include "Limited Liability Company" or "LLC" and be distinguishable from other Montana businesses
- ✓ Montana Registered Agent: Required by law - must have a Montana physical address (no P.O. boxes)
- ✓ Articles of Organization: Filed with Montana Secretary of State
- ✓ EIN (Federal Tax ID): Required to open a business bank account and hire employees
- ✓ Operating Agreement: Not required by Montana but highly recommended
- ✓ Annual Report: Due by April 15th each year ($20 fee)
Montana LLC Costs
- • State Filing Fee: $35
- • Registered Agent: $100-$300/year (or free first year with most services)
- • EIN: Free from IRS, $50-$150 through formation services
- • Annual Report: $20 per year (due by April 15th)
- • Name Reservation: $10 (optional, reserves name for 120 days)
Montana LLC Timeline
- • Name Availability Check: Instant online check available
- • Processing Time: Standard processing through Montana Secretary of State
- • EIN Application: Instant online or 4 weeks by mail
- • Total Time to Launch: Several business days to weeks depending on service
Why Form Your LLC in Montana?
Tax Advantages
- • No statewide sales tax
- • Low annual report fee ($20)
- • Low state filing fee ($35)
- • Business-friendly tax structure
Business Environment
- • Ranked 4th nationally for business climate
- • Growing entrepreneurial ecosystem
- • Strong outdoor recreation industry
- • Thriving agricultural and tech sectors
Privacy Protections
- • Strong privacy laws for LLC members
- • Ownership information kept confidential
- • Charging order protection
- • Flexible management structure
Easy Administration
- • Lowest filing fee in the nation
- • Straightforward filing process
- • Minimal ongoing requirements
- • Non-resident friendly
Montana LLC Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Montana?
Montana has one of the lowest LLC filing fee in the United States at just $35 when filing online. Additional costs include a registered agent ($100-$300/year, though many services offer the first year free), EIN application (free from IRS or $50-$150 through a service), and the annual report fee of $20. Most Montana entrepreneurs spend between $35-$400 total to form their LLC, making Montana one of the most affordable states for LLC formation.
Do I need a registered agent for my Montana LLC?
Yes, Montana law requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a Montana physical address (P.O. boxes are not acceptable). The registered agent receives legal documents and official state correspondence on behalf of your LLC. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Montana address, but most business owners use a professional service for privacy and reliability. Many formation services include the first year free.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Montana?
Montana LLC formation processing time varies when filing online with the Montana Secretary of State. Some formation services may offer expedited processing, but standard processing is generally reliable.
What is Montana's annual report requirement?
Montana LLCs must file an annual report by April 15th each year, starting the year after formation. The report costs just $20 and can be filed online with the Montana Secretary of State. It updates your business information including address, registered agent, and member/manager details. Failure to file can result in administrative dissolution. Most formation services provide reminders and some will file it for you.
Can I form a Montana LLC if I don't live in Montana?
Yes, you don't need to be a Montana resident to form a Montana LLC. Montana is very non-resident friendly and doesn't require you to have a physical office in the state. However, you must have a registered agent with a Montana physical address. This is where professional registered agent services become essential for out-of-state business owners. Keep in mind you may also need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state if you're conducting business there.
What name requirements exist for Montana LLCs?
Your Montana LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in the state. It must include "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC" at the end. You can check name availability online with the Montana Secretary of State. Certain words may require additional approval. You can also reserve a name for 120 days for a $10 fee if you're not ready to form your LLC yet.
Popular Montana Cities for LLCs
- • Billings
- • Missoula
- • Great Falls
- • Bozeman
- • Helena
- • Kalispell
- • Butte
- • Havre
- • Whitefish
- • Big Sky
- • West Yellowstone
- • Red Lodge
- • Miles City
- • Glendive
- • Sidney
- • Lewistown
Ready to Start Your Montana LLC?
Join thousands of entrepreneurs who've successfully formed their Montana LLCs. Get started today with our top-rated formation services.