LLC Cost in Montana – How Much to Pay for an LLC


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Perhaps you are hoping to form a Montana LLC. People assume that starting an LLC is difficult and costly. However, it’s generally not difficult, and the cost would vary across states. We have all the info you need to know about the cost of forming an LLC, particularly the LLC cost in Montana.

Montana LLC Cost of Filing

Here are the costs involved in forming an LLC in Montana.

Cost of Filing Formation Certificates

The Montana Certificate of Formation is responsible for the majority of the cost, which could also vary depending on whether you’re forming a domestic LLC or a foreign LLC. Still, you can file both at the Montana Secretary of State.

Montana Domestic LLC

  • Online Filing costs $70.
  • Annual Report filing costs $20
  • Name Reservation fee costs $10
  • By Mail: Fill out the application form, and send it to LINDA McCULLOCH, Secretary of State, P.O. Box 202801, Helena, MT 59620-2801. Costs $70.

Montana Foreign LLC

  • Online Filing costs $70.
  • Annual Report filing costs $20
  • Name Reservation fee costs $10
  • By Mail: Fill out the application form, and send it to LINDA McCULLOCH, Secretary of State, P.O. Box 202801, Helena, MT 59620-2801. Costs $70.

Note that filing online is ideal, not only because you need to go to the Secretary of State office, but also it would be faster. You won’t have to wait in a queue in doing so.

Montana LLC Formation Service or Registered Agent Fee

You need a registered agent to form an LLC in Montana, hence, added costs for service fees. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.

LLC Service

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#1 TOP PICK

$0 + State Fees

  • 100% accuracy guarantee

  • Worry-free service

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  • Established reputation

  • Extras are bit more expensive

  • Good customer support

Business Permits and Licenses

The business licenses depend on your business’s activity and location and are renewed yearly. As such, the cost will vary. Check the Montana Department of Revenue for regulatory boards or agencies requiring licensing.

Montana Business Taxes To Be Paid by LLCs

Forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) is definitely a better option for reducing the costs spent via taxes. However, there will be certain taxes and other costs to be paid by the LLCs in Montana. You will be paying taxes to the federal government as well as Montana Government for your LLC.

State Taxes

While representing your LLC in Montana, pay yourself. These earnings are reflected in your personal Tax return & can be calculated at the time of paying the Income Tax.

The Standard Montana State Tax rate ranging from 1% to 6.9 % applies to your earnings. You can claim all the standard allowances & deductions upon filing the tax return.

The state of Montana is among those five states, which do not charge Sales & Use Tax on Goods & Services. This means lesser costs on your goods & services sold in the State of Montana.

Federal Taxes

In addition to the State taxes paid by your LLC, you also have to pay two kinds of Federal Taxes. Those taxes are :

Federal Self-Employment Tax

Every member of the LLC, such as a member or manager of the Montana LLC, who earns profit out of the LLC is liable to pay the Federal Self-Employment Tax. This Tax is also called the Social Security or Medicare Tax.

The Federal Self- Employment Tax is applicable to all the earnings of an LLC member or manager. The Federal Self-Employment Tax rate in Montana is 15.3%

In order to deduct your LLC’s business expenses from the income earned, you have to calculate how much Self-Employment Tax you owe.

Federal Income Tax

One more type of Federal Tax that needs to be paid by an LLC in Montana is the federal Income tax. This tax is also applicable to all the earnings you make out of your LLC.

The Federal Income Tax Rate depends upon your earnings, the Industry you are dealing with, your LLC tax bracket, deductions, etc.

Employee & Employer Taxes

If you have employees on the payroll, then there are different kinds of taxes applicable for each employee. These tax implications are different than all the other types mentioned above. For Example, All employees of an LLC have to collect and withhold the Payroll tax at the time of receiving the salary.

Irrespective of whether you withhold the Federal Tax or not, each employee has you file an individual Tax return.

Cost Comparison Between States

Montana is surrounded by many states, namely Canada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, etc. Each of these states has a different rate of taxes levied on LLCs. Let us take a look at this comparative chart.

StatesFiling FeeAnnual/Biennial FeeSales Tax
Montana$70$10None
North Dakota$155$505.0%
South Dakota$155$504.5%
WyomingSeek Regional Assistance Seek Regional Assistance None
Idaho$100None6%

You should consult with an accounting professional to know more about all the other taxes or duties levied on the LLCs in The State of Montana.

Other Costs

F.A.Qs

Can I start an LLC for free?

It is possible to form an LLC without professional help, but forms still have associated costs, regardless of where your LLC is formed.

Is an LLC expensive?

It is difficult to say whether forming an LLC is expensive. Nevertheless, the cost could be anywhere from $40 to $500. If you refuse to hire professionals, you’ll still have expenses like form fees to cover.

Does an LLC need a bank account?

The need to separate personal money from business funds, thus necessitating the creation of a business bank account for your LLC.

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an LLC in Montana

To maintain an LLC in Montana you will need to pay an annual fee of $20 along with Montana State tax at 1% to 6.9% and federal taxes.

One of the key costs associated with maintaining an LLC in Montana is the annual report fee. Each year, LLCs in the state are required to file an annual report with the Montana Secretary of State’s office. This annual report helps ensure that the state has up-to-date information about the LLC, such as its members and registered agent. Failing to file the annual report on time can result in late fees and possible penalties.

Another cost to consider when maintaining an LLC in Montana is the registered agent fee. A registered agent is a person or entity designated to receive legal documents and government notices on behalf of the LLC. In Montana, all LLCs are required to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state. Some LLC owners choose to serve as their own registered agent, while others opt to hire a professional registered agent service.

In addition to these recurring fees, LLCs in Montana may also incur additional costs for business licenses and permits. Depending on the nature of the LLC’s business activities, it may need to obtain specific licenses or permits at the state or local level. These requirements can vary depending on the industry and location of the LLC.

Maintaining an LLC in Montana also requires ongoing record-keeping and compliance with state regulations. LLC owners should keep accurate and up-to-date records of business transactions, financial statements, meeting minutes, and other important documents. In addition, LLCs are required to maintain a physical presence in the state and have a business address where important documents can be delivered.

It’s important for LLC owners in Montana to budget for these ongoing expenses and responsibilities in order to ensure the continued success and compliance of their business. By staying organized and proactive in meeting these requirements, LLCs can operate smoothly and avoid unnecessary penalties or legal issues.

In conclusion, while there are costs associated with maintaining an LLC in Montana, the benefits of forming an LLC often outweigh the expenses. LLCs provide valuable liability protection and tax advantages for business owners, making them a popular choice for small businesses and entrepreneurs. By understanding and planning for the costs of maintaining an LLC in Montana, business owners can focus on growing their business and achieving their goals.

In Conclusion

The cost of Montana is much lower compared to other forms of business. Apart from the state filing fees and annual taxes, you might bear the cost of the registered agent. Compare the price of professional LLC services and choose the most affordable one.

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