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Calculate your total costs for forming and maintaining an LLC in Montana. No sales tax.
Need Registered Agent Service?
Required if no MT address
First Year Total
$90
Montana has some of the lowest LLC maintenance costs. Great choice for budget-conscious business owners.
Important information for Montana LLC owners
No sales tax
Low annual fee ($20)
Popular for vehicle LLCs
Privacy-friendly
Important dates for Montana LLC compliance
Annual Tax Due
April 15 (if applicable)
Annual Report
April 15 each year
Processing Time
5-7 business days
Required forms for Montana LLC compliance
Common questions about Montana LLC taxes and fees
Forming an LLC in Montana requires a $70 filing fee paid to the Montana Secretary of State. After formation, Montana LLCs must pay a $20 annual fee for the annual report.
| Fee Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (filing fee) | $70 | One-time |
| Annual Report / Annual Fee | $20 | Yearly |
| Registered Agent (optional, if using service) | $125/year | Yearly |
Your total first-year cost (filing fee + annual fee) is approximately $90. Ongoing costs are $20 per year.
Maintaining your Montana LLC in good standing requires meeting several compliance obligations.
Annual Report: Montana LLCs must file an annual report by April 15 each year. The filing fee is $20.
Registered Agent: Every Montana LLC must maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state. The registered agent receives legal and tax documents on behalf of the LLC. You can serve as your own registered agent or hire a professional service (typically $125/year).
Operating Agreement: While Montana does not legally require an operating agreement, having one is strongly recommended. It defines ownership structure, member roles, profit-sharing, and management procedures for your LLC.
EIN (Employer Identification Number): All LLCs with more than one member, or that have employees, need an EIN from the IRS. Single-member LLCs without employees can use their Social Security number but obtaining an EIN is still recommended for banking and tax purposes. Applying is free through the IRS website.
Montana LLCs are classified as pass-through entities for federal tax purposes. A single-member LLC is treated as a disregarded entity (reported on Schedule C of the owner's personal return), while a multi-member LLC is taxed as a partnership (filing Form 1065 with K-1s issued to each member).
Montana taxes LLC income at personal income tax rates ranging from 1% to 6.75%. LLC profits pass through to members and are reported on their personal Montana tax returns. Montana has no sales tax, which can be beneficial for product-based businesses.
S-Corp Election: Montana LLCs can elect S-Corp tax status by filing IRS Form 2553. This can reduce self-employment taxes for profitable LLCs by splitting income between a reasonable salary (subject to payroll taxes) and distributions (not subject to SE tax). This election is typically beneficial when your LLC consistently earns over $40,000-$50,000 in annual profit.
Business filings
Tax information
Fees are subject to change. This calculator provides estimates based on current Montana law. Consult with a tax professional or attorney for advice specific to your situation. Fee information accurate as of January 12, 2026.