Montana LLC Cost (2026): $35 to Form, $20 by April 15
Montana has the lowest LLC formation fee in the country at $35, and a $20 annual report that the Secretary of State waives for on-time filers through 2027. The state’s fee schedule is built around one date: April 15. File the annual report by then and it costs nothing while the waiver lasts ($20 after); file after and it costs $35. That single rule is most of what you need to know about keeping a Montana LLC cheap.
The $35 Articles of Organization
A Montana LLC is formed by filing Articles of Organization with the Montana Secretary of State through its online business portal. The fee is $35, the lowest formation fee of any state.
The Articles name the LLC, its registered agent with a Montana street address, and its principal office. Montana does not require publication or an initial report.
Northwest Registered Agent
Montana’s public business search shows your registered agent address. $39 formation + $35 state fee, free registered agent for year one, then $125/yr.
$39 formation fee · Free registered agent for 12 months · Your address stays off public records · No data selling · No hidden fees
Form Your LLC with Northwest ($39) →Lowest 3-year cost we found: Northwest $289 vs Bizee $298 vs ZenBusiness $497 (service fees; state fees extra). Northwest also puts its address on your public filings instead of yours where the state allows.
The $20 Annual Report and the April 15 Line
Every Montana LLC files an annual report each year, starting the year after formation. The Secretary of State’s fee schedule lists it at $20 when filed by April 15 and $35 when filed after. The difference is small in dollars but it is effectively a 75 percent late charge.
The report is filed online and confirms the registered agent, principal office, and managers or members. Changing the registered agent itself has no fee, so there is no cost reason to leave outdated information on file.
Dissolution and the $35-per-Year Reinstatement
An LLC that keeps missing its annual report can be involuntarily dissolved. Reinstating it costs $35, plus $35 for every year of delinquent annual reports. An LLC that falls two years behind pays $105 to come back, more than five years of on-time $20 reports.
Expedite, Series LLCs, and Assumed Names
- Expedited handling: $20 for 24-hour priority or $100 for 1-hour expedite on any document.
- Series LLCs: Montana allows series LLCs; the fee schedule adds $50 for each series member named.
- Assumed business name: $20 to register a name other than the LLC’s legal name.
- Foreign LLCs: $70 for a certificate of authority to register an out-of-state LLC in Montana.
- No sales tax: Montana has no general sales tax, so there is no sales tax permit to budget for.
Montana 3-Year Cost
| Scenario | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | $74 ($35 + $39, RA free) | $125 ($0 annual report, waived + $125 RA) | $125 (same) | $324 |
| ZenBusiness (Starter) | $134 ($35 + $0 + $99 RA) | $199 ($0 + $199 RA) | $199 (same) | $532 |
| DIY, self as registered agent | $35 (Articles of Organization) | $0 (annual report by April 15, fee waived) | $0 (annual report by April 15, fee waived) | $35 |
A DIY Montana LLC costs $35 in state fees over three years while the on-time waiver lasts (through 2027) and every annual report is filed by April 15. The $289 extra with Northwest Registered Agent is registered agent service after year one, along with reminders ahead of the April deadline.
Form your Montana LLC for $39 + $35 state fee.
Northwest Registered Agent: $39 formation, free Year 1 registered agent, compliance reminders, and your home address kept off public records.
Form My Montana LLC for $39
Prefer a $0 upfront starter plan? Compare ZenBusiness (registered agent $199/yr).
When a Montana LLC may not be the right choice: Montana is popular for vehicle and RV registration LLCs owned by out-of-state residents. Your home state may treat that arrangement as tax avoidance and assess its own taxes and penalties, so check your home state’s rules before forming a Montana LLC you will not operate in Montana.
Why I Choose Northwest Registered Agent
After forming 3 LLCs myself and helping clients through the process, I keep coming back to Northwest Registered Agent. Here is why:
- Remarkable Customer Support: Quick, human responses every time.
- Caring & Privacy-Focused: Genuine service with full respect for your privacy.
- Lightning-Fast Formation: Often faster than promised.
- Incredible Value: $39 includes a free business address, mail scanning, and more.
- Clear & Transparent: No hidden fees or surprises.
Ready to form your business? Choose Northwest today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Montana?
$35 for the Articles of Organization, the lowest formation fee of any state. With Northwest Registered Agent the first-year total is $74, including a free first year of registered agent service.
How much is the Montana LLC annual report?
$20 if filed by April 15 (waived for on-time filers through 2027) and $35 if filed after, per the Secretary of State’s fee schedule.
How much does it cost to reinstate a Montana LLC?
$35 plus $35 for each year of delinquent annual reports.
Does Montana have sales tax?
No. Montana has no general sales tax.
