How to Form an LLC in Montana

Standard Montana LLC processing takes 10 to 12 business days. Here is what it costs, how long it takes, and what you get.

What it costs

Forming an LLC in Montana costs $149 in total. That is one price covering both the Montana Secretary of State's filing fee, which we pay on your behalf, and our service for preparing and filing the paperwork. There is nothing else to pay to get your LLC formed.

Montana reviews every filing by hand, and its standard queue can run from a few days to more than two weeks. Our expedited option buys the state's own 24-hour review tier.

How long it takes

Standard Montana LLC processing takes 10 to 12 business days. We track each filing and deliver your documents as soon as the state issues them. Expedited Montana LLC processing takes 1 business day.

Where Montana filings get tripped up

These are the things we have actually run into filing in Montana, in plain English.

The state may ask for proof you can use the business address

Montana has sent filings back for correction when the applicant did not own the property listed as the business address, asking for a lease or the owner's written permission. If you rent or work from someone else's property, use an address you can document.

A clear public name search does not guarantee the name

Pending filings and reserved names count against you, so a name that looks free on the public search can still be refused at filing. We check again at the point of filing.

Your address may be reworded

Montana checks addresses against USPS records, so the address on your Articles may read slightly differently from how you wrote it, for example “RD” for “Road”.

An annual report is due every April 15

Montana LLCs file an annual report by April 15 each year, starting the year after formation, and a late report carries a penalty.

What we need from you

Your business name, the address for the company, and the names of the members. That is the whole application, and it takes a few minutes. We prepare and file the Articles of Organization for Domestic Limited Liability Company for you, and handle the state's payment.

What you get

Your stamped Articles of Organization from the state, delivered straight to your account as soon as Montana issues it. From there you can add an EIN, an operating agreement, membership certificates, or registered agent service.

One price. The Montana state filing fee is included.

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Common questions

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

$149 total for standard filing, with the Montana state filing fee included in that price. Expedited filing is $219. There are no other fees to get your LLC formed.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Montana?

Standard Montana LLC processing takes 10 to 12 business days. We track each filing and deliver your documents as soon as the state issues them.

What do I receive?

Your stamped Articles of Organization from the Montana Secretary of State, delivered to your account. You can add an EIN, an operating agreement, and registered agent service at checkout or afterwards.

Do I need a registered agent in Montana?

Yes. Every Montana LLC must keep a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive legal mail. You can serve as your own, or use our service to keep your home address off the public record.