How much does it cost to start an LLC in Montana in 2026?

Forming an LLC in Montana requires a one-time initial filing fee of $35 paid to the Montana Secretary of State. When accounting for standard registered agent compliance ($39-$125/yr), expect initial Year 1 costs to be approximately $74.

What are the annual recurring fees for a Montana LLC?

Montana charges an annual report fee of $20 filed on a annual basis (due April 15 annually). There is no state franchise tax on standard LLCs in Montana.

What is the true 5-year cost of maintaining a Montana LLC?

Over 5 years, the true cost of a Montana LLC is approximately $310. This includes initial formation ($35), recurring annual reports ($20), statutory franchise taxes, and compliance support.

Can I form an out-of-state LLC (e.g. Wyoming or Delaware) if I live in Montana?

While you can legally form an entity in Delaware or Wyoming, if your principal place of business, employees, or operations are located in Montana, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Montana. In Montana, the foreign qualification filing fee is $70 plus ongoing maintenance of $20/year, often resulting in double fees.

Verified 2026 Statutory Guide

Montana LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes

Initial state filing fee: $35. Ongoing annual report fee: $20 (annual). No state franchise tax.

Compare Montana vs Others

Direct Answer • 2026 Official Fee Schedule

Starting an LLC in Montana costs $35 for the one-time Articles of Organization filing fee, plus $20/yr in recurring annual report fees. Over 5 years, maintaining a Montana LLC costs an estimated $310.

Initial State Filing$35One-time payment

Annual Report$20Due April 15 annually

Franchise Tax$0none

Registered Agent$39–$125Annual service

Statutory Department: Montana Secretary of State

Verify on State Website (.gov)

Montana LLC 5-Year Cost Model

Adjust parameters below to model state filing fees, recurring franchise taxes, and compliance overhead.

Popular:

1. State of LLC FormationInitial: $35

Approval speed: Instant to 2 business days•Public Privacy: Moderate

2. Where do you conduct business?

If you reside or hire employees in a different state from your LLC, that state requires Foreign Qualification registration.

3. Estimated Annual Gross Revenue$150,000

Montana Tax Rule: No state franchise tax on LLCs.

4. Registered Agent ServiceMandatory by law

5. Expedited State Processing

Expedited State Processing (+$20)

Accelerates state filing from Instant to 2 business days to 24-48 hours.

Deciding where to incorporate?

Compare Montana vs Wyoming & Delaware →

Year 1 Setup Cost

$74

Initial formation fee ($35) + registered agent

Annual Maintenance

$59 /yr avg

Annual report ($20/yr)

5-Year True CostAll Hidden Fees Included

$310(~$5/mo)

Total 5-year statutory commitment to maintain legal compliance in Montana.

5-Year Cost Trajectory & Fee Composition(Click any year to inspect)

Notice how initial filing fees are often dwarfed by recurring franchise taxes and maintenance.

Inspecting: Year 1 ($74)

$74

Year 1Formation

$59

Year 2Renewal

$59

Year 3Renewal

$59

Year 4Renewal

$59

Year 5Renewal

State Formation & Expedited

Franchise & Entity Taxes

Annual / Biennial Reports

Special Mandates (Publication, etc.)

Registered Agent Compliance

Home State Foreign Qualification

Year 1 Itemized Line Items

Total: $74

State Filing$35

Franchise Tax$0

Annual Report$0

Special / Pub$0

Registered Agent$39

Foreign Qual.$0

5-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category

Total State Filings

$35

11% of 5-yr budget

Total Franchise Taxes

0% of 5-yr budget

Annual / Biennial Reports

$80

26% of 5-yr budget

Registered Agent Service

$195

63% of 5-yr budget

Publication / Mandates

0% of 5-yr budget

Recommended Business BankingFDIC Insured up to $5M

Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Montana LLC

Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.

Explore Mercury ($0 Monthly Fees)

Montana LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)

Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Montana Secretary of State.

Official State Portal (.gov)

Annual Report Due DateApril 15 annuallyFrequency: ANNUAL

Normal TurnaroundInstant to 2 business daysExpedited: +$20

Public Record PrivacyModerateRegistered agent protects personal address

State Personal Income Tax4.7% to 5.9%LLC pass-through profits flow to owners

Montana Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules

No state franchise tax on LLCs.

Advantages of a Montana LLC

$35 initial filing fee (one of the lowest in US)
No state general sales tax
Low $20/yr annual report

Drawbacks & Hidden Costs

Late annual report fee jumps to $35 after April 15

Founder Pro-Tip for Montana

Filing between Jan 1 and April 15 keeps the fee at just $20.

Step-by-Step Montana LLC Formation Checklist (2026)

Choose an Available Entity Name

Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the Montana Secretary of State registry.

Appoint a Montana Registered Agent

Must have a physical street address in Montana (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.

File Articles of Organization ($35 State Fee)

Submit electronically to the Montana Secretary of State. Approval is typically granted within Instant to 2 business days.

Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN

Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.

Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (April 15 annually)

Submit the annual report with the $20 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.

Compare Montana with Rival & Neighboring States

Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions:

Filing: $100

Filing: $110

Filing: $300

Filing: $70