How long does it take to register a business in Montana?

Processing times vary: 3-5 business days. Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in Montana?

Montana does not require a state-level business license, but individual cities and counties may have their own requirements. Check with your local government for specific licensing needs.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in Montana?

The LLC filing fee is $70. Annual fees are $20. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $150.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within Montana. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the Montana Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

Montana Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your Montana LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to Montana businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for Montana

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in Montana?

$70

Filing Fee

3-5

Processing (days)

130K

Total Businesses

12K/yr

New Businesses

No state sales tax

Low filing fees

Growing tech scene in Bozeman

High quality of life

Starting a Business in Montana

Top Cities for Business

Billings117,116
Missoula74,428
Great Falls60,506
Bozeman53,293
Butte34,895

Popular Industries

Agriculture
Tourism
Mining
Healthcare
Technology

Cost to Start a Business in Montana

LLC Filing Fee$70

Annual Report Fee$20/year

Name Reservation (optional)$10 for 120 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$150

Processing time: 3-5 business days

Montana Tax Overview

Montana has income tax rates from 1-6.75%. Corporate tax is 6.75%. No state sales tax.

Montana Business Name Requirements

Must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
Must be distinguishable

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Trust, Insurance

Business Name Ideas for Montana

Explore 30 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

Big Sky Table
Montana Cuisine
Billings Kitchen
Mountain Dining
Treasure State Eats
Local Flavors

barbershop

Billings Cuts
Premium Grooming
Big Sky Barbers
Classic Style
Montana Shave
Expert Service

construction

Montana Builders
Quality Construction
Big Sky Build
Building MT
Billings Construction
Trusted Partners

consulting

Billings Strategy
Business Growth
Big Sky Advisors
Strategic Solutions
Montana Consulting
Expert Guidance

retail

Montana Mercantile
Local Goods
Big Sky Market
Quality Products
Billings Supply
Premium Retail

Home Services

Montana Home Care
Complete Solutions
Big Sky Services
Professional Care
Billings Home Pros
Expert Maintenance

technology

Bozeman Tech
Innovation
Big Sky Digital
Tech Solutions
Montana Software
Custom Development

healthcare

Montana Wellness
Quality Healthcare
Big Sky Medical
Patient Care
Billings Health
Trusted Providers

Real Estate

Montana Properties
Dream Homes
Big Sky Realty
Expert Service
Billings Living
Premium Properties

fitness

Billings Fitness
Peak Performance
Big Sky Strong
Mountain Fitness
Montana Athletics
Elite Training

Official Montana Business Resources

Montana Secretary of State

Business registration

Montana Department of Revenue

Tax information

Montana SBDC

Business counseling

How to Register a Business in Montana

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your Montana LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

File Annual Report ($20)
Maintain registered agent
Pay state income taxes
No state business license required

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for Montana Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your Montana Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the Montana Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.